If you have a sweet tooth and love easy-to-make treats that pack a punch of flavor and texture, this Crockpot Candy Recipe is absolutely for you. Imagine rich layers of chocolate melting together with crunchy peanuts, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. This simple yet delightful recipe creates bite-sized candies that are perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring during cozy moments. The mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, combined with creamy almond bark and the warmth of vanilla, makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or just diving into homemade sweets, this Crockpot Candy Recipe is a go-to that’s both fun and foolproof.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Crockpot Candy Recipe is straightforward and essential for achieving the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and sweetness. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the layers of flavor and texture that make this candy so addictive and satisfying.
- 16 oz dry roasted peanuts: Adds a toasty crunch and deep nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
- 16 oz unsalted peanuts: Provides a milder nut base and balances out the salty-sweet profile.
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips: Offers a rich chocolate depth without overwhelming sweetness, perfect for classic chocolate lovers.
- 12 oz milk chocolate chips: Brings smooth creaminess and a sweeter chocolate layer for complexity.
- 1 lb white almond bark, broken into chunks: Provides a silky texture that melts into the mix, binding everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with a warm, aromatic note, making the candy taste luxuriously rich.
- Sprinkles or sea salt (optional): For a fun decorative touch or a hint of salty contrast to amplify the sweetness.
How to Make Crockpot Candy Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Start by placing both types of peanuts—dry roasted and unsalted—at the bottom of your crockpot. This layering creates a sturdy base and evenly distributes the nutty flavors. Next, generously layer the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and chunks of white almond bark on top without stirring. The separation allows for a gradual melting and blending during cooking.
Step 2: Cook Slowly
Cover your crockpot and set it to LOW. Let the ingredients cook undisturbed for 2 hours. This slow heat melts the chocolate and almond bark gently, preventing scorching and ensuring a creamy, smooth consistency. It’s the secret to the magic – patience really pays off!
Step 3: Combine and Flavor
Once the two hours pass, remove the lid and stir the mixture thoroughly. You’ll see that the chocolate chips and almond bark have melted into a glossy, luscious blend surrounding the peanuts. Stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract, which elevates the flavor and adds that warm, inviting aroma everyone will love.
Step 4: Spoon Onto Wax Paper
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the sticky candy mixture onto sheets of wax or parchment paper. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle a few colorful sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt on top of each spoonful. This finishing touch adds both beauty and bursts of flavor with every bite.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Allow the candies to cool and harden. Leaving them at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours is ideal, but if you’re eager, pop them in the refrigerator to speed things up. Once set, the candy will have a satisfying snap combined with creamy chocolate and crunchy nuts in every mouthful.
How to Serve Crockpot Candy Recipe
Garnishes
While the sprinkles or sea salt added before setting make the candies look festive and taste balanced, you can also dust them lightly with cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts for extra texture and visual flair. For holiday occasions, edible glitter or crushed peppermint pieces can turn your candy into eye-catching treats that guests will rave about.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Candy Recipe shines on its own as a sweet snack, but it also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk. These beverages complement the richness and offer a refreshing contrast to the indulgence. Try serving it alongside a holiday movie night spread or a casual afternoon tea for a comforting twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, arrange the candy on decorative platters or package spoonfuls in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons. You can freeze individual bites for later enjoyment or carefully layer them in a gift box between parchment paper sheets to keep each piece pristine. Presentation can transform this humble homemade treat into a special, memorable gift that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Crockpot Candy Recipe is set, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. The candies remain fresh and chewy for up to two weeks, making them perfect for ongoing snacking or sharing over time without losing their delightful texture or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep the candy for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Place pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a sealed freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen candy can last for several months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat.
Reheating
The great thing about this Crockpot Candy Recipe is that reheating isn’t usually necessary since it’s designed to be enjoyed as set candy bites. However, if you prefer it softer, gently warm the candy in short intervals in the microwave or place it in a warm spot to soften slightly before serving. Just be careful not to overheat and melt the candy completely.
FAQs
Can I use different types of nuts instead of peanuts?
Absolutely! While peanuts provide a classic crunch and flavor, you can experiment with almonds, cashews, or pecans to customize the texture and taste. Just keep the total nut quantity the same to maintain the candy’s structure.
What if I don’t have almond bark? Can I substitute it?
If you don’t have almond bark, white chocolate chips can be used instead. They melt well and contribute a creamy sweetness, but almond bark tends to be more stable at room temperature, so the texture might be slightly different.
Can I make this Crockpot Candy Recipe without a crockpot?
Yes, you can melt the ingredients in a double boiler on the stove or a microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. However, the slow cooker method allows for even melting and less risk of burning, making it the most foolproof way to get that perfect candy consistency.
How long does it take for the candy to set properly?
Typically, letting the candy sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours is enough for it to harden. If you’re in a hurry, chilling it in the refrigerator can speed up the process to about 30 to 45 minutes.
Is this candy recipe suitable for gifting during holidays?
Definitely! The festive look you can create with optional sprinkles or sea salt makes this Crockpot Candy Recipe an ideal homemade gift. It’s easy to make in large batches, stores well, and always gets rave reviews.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Candy Recipe is one of those delightful treats that brings together simple ingredients and transforms them into a deliciously addictive snack. Whether you’re looking for a sweet homemade gift, a fun project to enjoy with family, or just a new favorite candy to keep on hand, this recipe makes it easy and enjoyable. Give it a try and watch how quickly these little bites disappear — trust me, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Crockpot Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 40 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Candy recipe is a simple, no-fuss way to create delicious, melt-in-your-mouth candy using a slow cooker. Combining dry roasted peanuts, unsalted peanuts, three types of chocolate, and vanilla extract, this sweet treat is perfect for parties, gifting, or snacking. The candy sets into bite-sized spoonfuls that you can customize with sprinkles or sea salt for a delightful finishing touch.
Ingredients
Peanuts
- 16 oz dry roasted peanuts
- 16 oz unsalted peanuts
Chocolate
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 oz milk chocolate chips
- 1 lb white almond bark, broken into chunks
Flavoring and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles or sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the dry roasted peanuts and unsalted peanuts evenly at the bottom of the crockpot to create a solid base layer for the candy mixture.
- Add Chocolate and Almond Bark: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and broken white almond bark chunks over the peanuts to cover them completely.
- Cook the Mixture: Cover the crockpot and cook on the LOW setting for 2 hours, allowing the chocolate and almond bark to melt slowly. Do not stir during this time to ensure even melting.
- Stir Until Smooth: After cooking, remove the lid and stir the mixture thoroughly until the chocolate is completely smooth and fully combined with the peanuts. Then mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Drop Spoonfuls: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the candy mixture onto wax or parchment paper, creating individual candy pieces. If desired, decorate the tops with sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt.
- Cool and Set: Allow the candies to set at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours until firm. To speed up the process, refrigerate the candies until fully set.
- Serve or Store: Once set, serve the candy immediately or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Do not stir the mixture while cooking to ensure even melting of the chocolate and almond bark layers.
- You can customize toppings with different types of sprinkles or a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Store candy in an airtight container to keep it fresh and avoid humidity.
- If almond bark is unavailable, white chocolate chips can be substituted.
- Refrigerate the candy for quicker setting if you’re short on time.
