Crock Pot Candy That’s So Easy!

Crock Pot Candy is incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker. These delicious chocolate peanut clusters are perfect for serving at Christmas gatherings or making homemade gifts. 

It’s time to get jolly! One of the best things about the holiday season and this time of year is homemade candy. This crockpot peanut candy is amazing and always a hit no matter when or where you serve it. 

Creamy chocolate and crunchy peanuts topped with festive sprinkles make a crave-worthy dessert or gift. They look wonderful on a holiday cookie platter, at a cookie exchange, or in a tin for family, neighbors, or co-workers. 

If you're a fan of chocolate and peanuts, try these irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Cookies!

Ingredients 

There are only 5 simple ingredients, plus a fun topping needed to make easy Crock Pot Candy. 

peanuts - jar of salty peanuts and a jar of unsalted peanuts. Or whatever combo you prepfer.
semi-sweet chocolate chips
German's^® chocolate baking bar
peanut butter chips - optional, but add a nice dimension to the candy. 
white almond bark - also known as vanilla-flavored candy coating. Don't use white chocolate chips, they won't set.
sprinkles - for a festive topping. We love Christmas sprinkles during the holidays and Orange for Halloween.

NOTE: Instead of peanuts, you can also use almonds, cashews, or pecans (or a combo) in this sweet treat. 

You'll also need lined baking sheets.

Find the full recipe and instructions in the recipe card below.

What is almond bark?

Almond bark (also known as vanilla-flavored candy coating) is a chocolate-like confection made with vegetable fats (which helps your candy have a shiny, non-cloudy exterior) instead of cocoa butter and with coloring and flavors added. 

You can buy it in packages, blocks, or round discs. You can usually find them in the baking aisle of supermarkets or at Walmart.

Almond bark not only adds great flavor, but it plays a big part in helping the candies set up and harden.

Funny how that ‘almond bark’ doesn’t actually have any almonds in it! 

What is a German’s Chocolate Bar?

According to JoyofBaking.com, German's^® Sweet Chocolate is dark baking chocolate created by the Walter Baker & Company employee, Samuel German (hence the name), who developed the chocolate in 1852.

German thought this type of chocolate would be convenient for bakers as the sugar is already added to it. It is sweeter than semi-sweet chocolate and contains a blend of chocolate liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, flavorings, and lecithin.

It can be found in the baking aisle in most grocery stores.

How to make crock pot candy

1. ADD INGREDIENTS TO CROCK POT - Add peanuts and then chocolate chips, German chocolate, peanut butter chips, and almond bark to the crock pot. 
2. COOK - Place the lid on the crock pot and cook for 2 hours on low. 
3. STIR - Remove the lid and give it a good stir. 
4. MAKE CLUSTERS - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, use a cookie scoop to place spoonfuls of mixture on the baking sheet. 
5. TOP WITH SPRINKLES - While still warm, top your crockpot candy with festive sprinkles. 
6. LET HARDEN - Refrigerate the chocolate clusters for 20 minutes or until fully set. 

Add-in ideas

We love this slow cooker candy as is, but if you’d like to add in other ingredients for a flavor profile or texture, try one, or a combination, of the following:

• pretzel pieces
• crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
• pistachio nuts
• coconut flakes 
• mini marshmallows
• cashews
• toffie bits - mix them in at the very end

What if you’re allergic to nuts?

Readers shared these suggestions if you need to make your Crockpot Candy Recipe without nuts. 

• Raisins
• Rice Krispies
• Coconut Flakes
• Pumpkin Seeds

Crock Pot candy tips & tricks 

• We love the flavor the peanut butter chips add to the chocolate, but you can omit them if needed. You can also use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
• You can use white/vanilla candy melts in place of the white almond bark (vanilla-flavored candy coating). 
• A cookie scoop works well to make evenly proportioned clusters, but you can also use a large spoon. 
• Depending on how big your candy clusters are, you'll get 70-90 pieces. That's a huge batch!
• You can place the melted candy in cupcake liners to make a festive presentation.
• If you’re topping your clusters with holiday sprinkles, don’t scoop more than 8 - 10 pieces before going back and adding the sprinkles. Adding them while the clusters are still soft is important, or the sprinkles won’t stick. You can also leave them off if you want plain candy.
• If you want to gift your crockpot Christmas candy, simply put some clusters in cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon.

PRO TIP: If you’re short on time and have space, pop the peanut clusters in the refrigerator to cool them quickly.

Erin

How to store

To Store - if your house doesn’t get too hot, store your Christmas Crock Pot Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 weeks. Keeping them in the refrigerator will help them last longer (about 3 weeks).

PRO TIP: Use parchment or wax paper between the layers of crock pot candy so they don't stick together.

Erin

To Freeze - make sure your candy is fully set, and then flash freeze on the baking tray (freeze individually). Don't forget to label and date! Once frozen, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze them for 3 - 6 months. 

Supplies needed

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• 6-quart Crock Pot - a kitchen workhouse you'll have for years.
• Parchment Paper
• Baking Sheet
• Cookie Scoop - great for making evenly proportioned cookies or muffins.
• Holiday Gift Boxes

More Christmas Candy Recipes

Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Christmas Crack
Homemade Almond Roca Candy
Reindeer Chow
Peanut Butter Christmas Crack
Cranberry Bliss Saltine Toffee

Seasonal crock pot candy ideas

It's such an easy recipe, make your crock pot candy for all your favorite holidays. Just swap out the color of sprinkles, and you're good to go!

Valentine's Day Crock Pot Candy is a favorite because, you know, chocolate!

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Don't worry, you don't have to print the images on the recipe card.