If you have a sweet tooth and love easy, melt-in-your-mouth treats, this Crockpot Candy Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a luscious blend of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, creamy white almond bark, and crunchy peanuts all mingling together in the slow cooker to create the perfect candy that’s both rich and satisfyingly nutty. It’s seriously one of the simplest, most crowd-pleasing dessert recipes you can make, especially when you want a hands-off treat that still feels homemade and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet play such a vital role in the final flavor and texture of your candy. Each component adds its own magic, from the crunch of peanuts to the creamy melt of different chocolates and the subtle sweetness and smooth finish that the vanilla extract offers.
- 16 oz dry roasted peanuts: Adds a toasty crunch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 16 oz unsalted peanuts: For a milder peanut flavor that lets the chocolate shine.
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides a rich, classic chocolate taste.
- 12 oz milk chocolate chips: Adds creamy sweetness for smooth, luscious bites.
- 1 lb white almond bark, broken into chunks: Creates a silky texture and beautiful contrast with the chocolate.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- Sprinkles or sea salt (optional, for topping): Adds a fun pop of color or a touch of savory to elevate the candy’s flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Candy Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Start by placing the dry roasted and unsalted peanuts in the bottom of your crockpot. This layering helps everything melt and combine evenly while giving you that wonderful peanut crunch throughout.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate Chips and Almond Bark
Sprinkle your semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips on top of the peanuts, then scatter the chunks of white almond bark evenly over everything. This layering technique prevents the candy from sticking and promotes even melting.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 2 hours. Don’t stir during this time! This slow melting allows the chocolates and almond bark to gently blend with the peanuts without burning or becoming grainy. Patience here really pays off.
Step 4: Stir Until Smooth and Add Vanilla
Once the 2 hours are up, remove the lid and stir the mixture thoroughly until the chocolate is silky and completely incorporated. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract to bring all those flavors together in a warm, fragrant hug.
Step 5: Spoon Onto Wax or Parchment Paper
Drop spoonfuls of your luscious candy mixture onto wax or parchment paper. This is your perfect chance to get creative—sprinkle with colorful sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt to add a little extra flair or flavor contrast.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Allow your candy to set at room temperature for 1-2 hours. If you’re eager to enjoy them sooner, pop the tray in the fridge to speed up the setting process without compromising the texture.
How to Serve Crockpot Candy Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles add a festive touch, perfect for parties or holidays, while a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates the chocolate’s richness and balances the sweetness beautifully. Crushed nuts or even a drizzle of caramel can also enhance the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Candy pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal treat for afternoon gatherings or cozy evenings. Consider serving it alongside simple vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert pairing that will wow your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming gift or party favor, wrap individual candies in decorative parchment or cellophane tied with a ribbon. You can also arrange the candies in festive tins or glass jars to create a beautiful display that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Crockpot Candy (not that it will last long), store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Kept away from heat and humidity, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, ready whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing
This candy freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect make-ahead treat. Wrap the pieces individually in wax paper, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
If you want that just-melted softness again, gently warm the candy in a microwave in short bursts or overnight in a warm spot. Avoid overheating to prevent the chocolate from seizing or becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I substitute peanuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, or pecans can be used instead, but keep in mind they will change the flavor and texture slightly. Roasting them beforehand enhances their crunch and flavor.
Do I have to use both types of chocolate chips?
Using both semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips creates a nice balance of bitterness and sweetness that makes this Crockpot Candy Recipe truly special, but you can customize it to your taste with all milk or all semi-sweet if preferred.
Is white almond bark necessary?
The white almond bark adds creaminess and helps bind everything together with a smooth texture. If you can’t find it, white chocolate chips can be a substitute, but the consistency might vary.
Can I add other mix-ins like dried fruit or candy pieces?
Of course! Adding dried cranberries, raisins, or crushed candy canes can give your candy an extra burst of flavor and color. Just fold them in after the chocolate mixture is smooth.
What is the best type of crockpot to use?
Any standard slow cooker will work for this recipe. The key is cooking on LOW and not stirring for the full 2 hours to achieve that perfect melt.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying and heartwarming about making candy from scratch, and this Crockpot Candy Recipe makes it so easy and fun. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, these delightful chocolate and peanut bites will brighten your day and fill your kitchen with the most wonderful smells. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so extraordinary!
Print
Crockpot Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 40 candy pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Crockpot Candy is an easy, no-fuss treat combining peanuts and a trio of chocolates melted together slowly in a crockpot. Perfect for holiday gifting or simple snacking, this recipe yields rich, sweet candy bites with optional decorative toppings.
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
Additional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles or sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the dry roasted peanuts and unsalted peanuts at the bottom of your crockpot to form the base layer.
- Add Chocolate: Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and white almond bark chunks evenly over the peanuts to create the top layer.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW heat for 2 hours without stirring, allowing the chocolate and almond bark to slowly melt.
- Combine: After cooking, stir the mixture thoroughly until the chocolate forms a smooth, fully combined candy mixture. Blend in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Form Candy: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the candy mixture onto wax or parchment paper to create individual candy pieces. Optionally, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt for a decorative and flavorful finish.
- Cool and Set: Allow the candy to set at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, or refrigerate to hasten the hardening process.
- Serve or Store: Once set, serve immediately or store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Do not stir during the 2-hour cooking process to ensure even melting.
- The recipe yields roughly 40 small candy pieces, perfect for sharing or gifting.
- You can customize toppings with nuts, crushed candy canes, or your favorite sprinkles.
- Use parchment paper if wax paper is unavailable to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerating candy will shorten setting time and help firm up the texture quickly.
