Christmas Crock Pot Candy
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If you are in desperate need of an easy and delicious Christmas dessert to make this holiday season AMAZING, this crock pot candy recipe is a surefire hit with family and friends. It only requires 4 simple ingredients – plus one hour of cooking time in the crock pot. After that’s done, you’ll have a HUGE batch of candy ready to enjoy. So get your ingredients together because it’s time to make some crock pot peanut clusters!
Christmas is the best time to make delicious desserts and treats, and this crock pot candy is no exception!
Today’s recipe is a fun, quick, and delicious treat you can make for the holidays. And while this technically isn’t a cookie, I think it looks beautiful on a Christmas cookie platter. So, if you’re looking for more delicious cookie recipes, check out all of my favorite Christmas Cookie recipese!
Now, I’m sure many of you have heard of this since it’s become so popular this year. It’s so yummy, however, that I had to give it some love on IBC. I’m not sure where this recipe originated, but I heard about it from my mom who got it from one of her good friends.
This year, my mom and I share Christmas cookie-making responsibility for the holidays. She makes half of the recipes and I make half. Then we split our baking bounty! Last year, she made crock pot candy. When she gave it to me, I sort of turned my nose up at it. The joke was on me though because, after one bite, I was hooked!
This recipe for crock pot peanut clusters just might be the ultimate holiday treat. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also really delicious and a great treat to share for Christmas. You’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You only need four ingredients! Yep, you read that right. Just four! We’re all about simplicity here. No need for a shopping list as long as Santa’s naughty and nice list.
- The beauty of this candy is how effortless it is. Seriously, your crock pot does nearly all the work. No need to hover over a stovetop or keep a hawk’s eye on an oven. Just let it do its thing and before you know it, you’ll have a delectable treat that looks like you slaved over it for hours.
- Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a sweet treat that’s got a delightful crunch, and is drenched in silky chocolate? This candy hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of dessert where you think you’ll just have one piece and then… well, you know the rest.
- Wrapped up in some festive cellophane or tucked into a cute tin, these peanut clusters make the perfect gift. Everyone appreciates a homemade treat, and this one screams, “I made this with love, but also didn’t stress myself out.”
Looking for more EASY Christmas treats? You’ve got it! Try this White Chocolate Puff Corn, Peanut Butter Truffles, and these No-Bake Bourbon Balls.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this crock pot candy is simple. Here are all of the things you will need:
- Dry Roasted Peanuts: These are best for this recipe, but if you can’t find them salted will work too. I don’t recommend buying the honey roasted as it might be too sweet with the chocolate and almond bark.
- Almond Bark: If you’ve never used almond bark before, it’s a white chocolate-like coating commonly used for making candy. It melts nicely and has a great flavor when combined with the other ingredients. I used chocolate, but vanilla will also work.
- German Chocolate Bar: I recommend using a German chocolate bar to make this crock pot candy so that you get a good amount of flavor from the chocolate without too much sweetness. This is available at most grocery stores in the baking aisle.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are the finishing touches to the crock pot peanut clusters, providing a nice balance of sweetness and richness.
- Mini Baking Cups: I like to use these to make a big batch of individual peanut clusters. To make it even more festive, choose mini baking cups that are Christmas-themed!
- Sprinkles: This is totally optional, but sprinkles make the candy look even more festive and delicious.
How to Make
I’ll walk you through the steps for making this crock pot candy below. (Don’t worry it’s really easy!) I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Put all of the ingredients in a crock pot. (Except for the sprinkles.)
- Cover and set the temperature to warm. Let sit for 1 hour; then stir the mixture. Continue to heat for another hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes for an additional hour or until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Once everything is melted, portion out the candy into mini paper baking cups. (I found it helpful to place the cups in a mini muffin pan before filling them with the candy to help them keep their shape. This isn’t required, just helpful.)
- Top with sprinkles and allow to cool until set.
- Pack and store in an airtight container.
And that’s it! I told you this was an easy recipe!
Recipe Variations
Now, while the classic version of this Crock Pot Candy is nothing short of fantastic, I totally understand the need to shake things up a bit. Here are some delightful twists you can give to this recipe:
- Different Nuts: Not a fan of peanuts or just want to mix it up? Try using almonds, cashews, or even walnuts. The world is your nutty oyster here!
- Choco-Variety: While the original calls for milk chocolate, feel free to explore with white chocolate or dark chocolate for a unique twist. Or hey, why not a combination of all three for a tri-chocolate cluster?
- Add in Some Fruit: Dried fruits can be a game-changer. Consider tossing in some dried cranberries or raisins. They add a sweet-tart kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy chocolate.
- A Hint of Flavor: Infuse your candy with a few drops of peppermint or vanilla extract for a touch of added flavor. Just a hint can elevate the entire experience.
- Sea Salt Sprinkle: After dropping your clusters onto the tray, sprinkle a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt on top. This sweet-salty combination is so tantalizing, it might just become your new favorite version.
Remember, these are just jumping-off points! Feel free to get inventive and combine some of these variations, or come up with your own unique take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions I’ve been asked when I have shared this recipe for crock pot candy.
Is crock pot candy gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure that the ingredients you use are gluten-free.
What other types of nuts can I use in this recipe?
You can use any type of nut that you like. Try using almonds, cashews, pecans, or walnuts for a different flavor profile!
How do I serve these peanut clusters?
This candy is fun to add to a cookie tray or package up as a small gift for friends, family members, or coworkers. You can also add it to a dessert charcuterie board and serve it alongside other holiday treats like these white chocolate cherry shortbread cookies and gingerbread biscotti.
Does this need to be refrigerated?
No, the peanut clusters don’t need to be stored in the refrigerator. However, if you live in a warm climate and find that the candy softens quickly, you could store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I make this candy ahead of time?
Yes, you can. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. It should keep well if stored correctly.
More Homemade Candy You’ll Love
- Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy
- Salted Caramel Turtles
- No Bake Bourbon Balls
- Meringue Mushrooms
- Easy Christmas Fudge
There you have it! With just four simple ingredients and one hour in the crock pot, you can whip up a huge batch of delicious crock pot peanut clusters for your holiday gathering.
Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also a crowd pleaser. So don’t be afraid to give this recipe a try. I’m sure your family and friends will love it as much as mine did! If they do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
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Crock Pot Candy
Ingredients
- 2 pounds dry-roasted peanuts
- 2 pounds almond bark* I used chocolate; however vanilla will also work.
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4- ounce German chocolate bar*
- Mini paper baking cups
- Sprinkles optional garnish
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients in a crock pot. (Except for the sprinkles.) Cover and set the temperature to warm. Let sit for 1 hour; then stir the mixture. Continue to heat for another hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes for an additional hour or until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Once everything is melted, portion out the candy into mini paper baking cups. (I found it helpful to place the cups in a mini muffin pan before filling them with the candy to help them keep their shape. This isn’t required, just helpful.) Top with sprinkles and allow to cool until set.
- Pack and store in an airtight container.
Love your blog Michael ! Can I freeze it?
I’m not sure. I haven’t frozen it myself. However, I assume yes as you can freeze chocolate. However, it may get a white bloom on it.
However, since it is chocolate and the peanuts are covered it does stay fresh for a long time.
xo Michael
Should the dry roasted peanuts be unsalted or it doesn’t matter?
Hi what size crock pot did you use? Thank You! Looks delicious
I have a questiom: to make these white chocolate do you recommend just changing the rest of the ingredients to white chocolate or are there some changes that need to be made?
I’m not sure that this recipe would work with a white chocolate variation. I can only recommend making them with the ingredients listed.
xo Michael
How many ounces is 2lbs of peanuts or how many jars did you use?
Looking forward to trying this recipe for the Holidays!
You’ll love this! I’m sure. 🙂 There are 16 ounces per pound.
xo Michael
I’m thinking of adding raisins or dried cranberries & I like the idea of the mini marshmallows. Adding any of these things would really stretch the recipe too!
The German Chocolate is similar to semi-sweet chocolate but has more sugar. It’s 48% cacao vs 56% in the semi-sweet chocolate. So, it can be substituted, but the result will be a bit less sweet.
Hi Michael!! Your blog is fabulous!! Do you ever tire of hearing that? I think I’ve told you at least three times already 😉
ANYWAY- can you use dark chocolate instead of the almond bark? And do you think I could sub chopped almonds for the peanuts?
Catherine – The texture / consistency / flavor of the finished candy is PERFECT. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. The honey roasted peanuts are perfect too. HOWEVER, you can certainly make this anyway you’d like, I just can’t promise it will be AS delicious.
xo Michael
Hi Michael! Just found your blog and it’s great! It looks like you have so much fun plus you’re very creative! May I ask you a couple questions about this recipe? Did you spray the crockpot prior to adding the ingredients? And, what tool did you use to ladle out the candy? I was thinking I’d use my small cookie scooper which would fit the mini baking cups. I want to make something fun and different for a huge group of volunteers for Valentine’s Day and this looks ideal! Any reason I couldn’t use standard size cupcake baking cups so I don’t make 175 pieces?
Karen, Hey there! No, you don’t need to spray the crock pot with anything. I think that would make he candy greasy. Yes, I used a small cookie / ice cream scooper. And yes, you could make them any size you wanted. I really like this size because it’s just enough for two bites. However, go crazy and make them any size you wish. 🙂
Enjoy!
xo Michael
Is that German Chocolate bar the Baking German Choc Bar? I’m assuming it is… but….
What is the brand / make of the Crock pot given away? Looks nice and would like to find one.
Charlie R
Hey Charlie!
Here’s a link to the Crock Pot: http://amzn.to/1OyjcuX
Hope that helps!
Michael
I made this recipe of crockpot candy when I could not find mine. I used it for a social gathering that included cookie exchange. I took some to work. Now two of the men at work gave me the money for ingredients so I could make them some. It turns out great. I think for MY next batch , I will stir in toffee bits just before placing into the cups. thanks for sharing.
I have never been a fan of bark chocolate. Just seems fake. I have found that I can do a two to one mix of choc chips n butterscotch and has a good flavor n not waxy. May try this if anyone else isn’t a fan of the bark.
Tracey, I hear you! That was part of my reservation in this candy. However, you can’t even tell a bark was used when eating the final product.
xo Michael
I will try this recipe, sounds good.
only form I c for the crockpot giveaway. thanks
Are the dry roasted peanuts to be salted or unsalted for this recipe? Thanks.
Debbie, My store didn’t have an option for salted or unsalted. I used Planter’s Dry Roasted Peanuts. That’s all it says on the package.
xo Michael
Can I use just salted peanuts or do you have to use dry roasted
I recommend dry roasted for this recipe.
xo Michael
I love my very old and well used Crockpot! I have all the ingredients for the candy EXCEPT the Almond Bark. I even asked 3 different clerks at my local store but none of us could find it on the shelves. I’m hoping to make this recipe for my Christmas Neighborhood Open House this Sunday afternoon. I hope you can respond with a substitute or how to find it.
I LOVE YOUR BLOG! Thank you so much for sharing your creative and festive ideas!
Jean,
This is almond bark: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Plymouth-Pantry-Almond-Bark-Chocolate-Baking-Bar-24-oz/10313776
It’s available at Walmart (with the grocery section) so you SHOULD be able to find it. Check near the baking chocolate / chocolate chips. Hope that helps.
xo Michael
Almond Bark is just a candy coating, so if you have something on hand like Wilton’s melting candy, which can easily be substituted for almond bark in a local store, then I suggest going with an equal amount of that.
Aldi has almond bark also.
I have recently become acquainted with your wonderful blog, Michael…it is now on my sidebar so I can read any new posts.
I try to make a few different candies for the holiday…this is one I will definitely be making. Thanks for sharing.
Have a great week.
This is really good to make with kids, no real cooking and lots of stirring and tasting, which is what they really like. After portioning out half of the candy I let my kids add mini marshmallows to the rest, they really liked it!
Can always count on your Michael for the freshest & festive ideas for the season! Thanks a bunch…
Loving that your giveaways are coming with useful and beautiful diy’s! It’s like winning twice 🙂