If you’ve got a sweet tooth that craves something both crunchy and chocolaty, you are going to fall head over heels for this Crockpot Candy Recipe. It’s a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing treat that combines the nutty crunch of peanuts with layers of creamy milk, semi-sweet chocolate, and luscious white almond bark, all coming together in one irresistible bite. The magic happens right inside your crockpot, making it effortless to whip up a batch that will impress everyone from neighbors to holiday guests. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Candy Recipe, it will become your go-to for gifting, parties, or simple indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples that each bring an essential role to the flavor and texture of your Crockpot Candy Recipe. From the mix of peanuts to the trio of chocolates, every element adds layers of taste, crunch, and visual appeal.
- 16 oz dry roasted peanuts: Adds classic crunch and that irresistible roasted flavor.
- 16 oz unsalted peanuts: Balances saltiness so you control the seasoning perfectly.
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips: Brings a rich, slightly bitter chocolate depth.
- 12 oz milk chocolate chips: Offers creamy sweetness for smooth chocolate goodness.
- 1 lb white almond bark, broken into chunks: Gives a silky, sweet contrast and a glossy finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all chocolate notes with warm vanilla undertones.
- Sprinkles or sea salt (optional): For a fun or savory decorative topping that adds extra flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Candy Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Start by placing the dry roasted and unsalted peanuts into the bottom of your crockpot. This layer of nuts is the crunchy foundation of your candy. Next, evenly add the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips on top, followed by the white almond bark chunks. Layering is key because it allows the chocolates to melt evenly as they slowly heat.
Step 2: Cook Slowly on Low
Cover your crockpot and set it to LOW for about 2 hours. This gentle, low heat gives the chocolates time to melt perfectly without burning or seizing. Do not stir during this time; patience here means silky smooth chocolate when you finally blend everything together.
Step 3: Stir and Add Vanilla
Once the cooking time is up, it’s stirring time! Mix everything in the crockpot carefully until the chocolate and almond bark have melted into a unified, glossy mixture. Then, add the teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir again to spread that warm, aromatic flavor throughout your candy base.
Step 4: Spoon Onto Wax Paper
Drop spoonfuls of your delicious candy mixture onto wax or parchment paper laid out on a baking sheet. This step helps the candy cool and harden into individual pieces. If you want to get playful, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or a dash of flaky sea salt on top for that stunning, tasty finishing touch.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Let your candies sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours to set properly. If you’re in a hurry, pop the tray into the refrigerator to speed things along. Once fully set, these candies will have a perfect balance of creamy chocolate and crunchy peanuts in every bite.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Enjoy your Crockpot Candy Recipe right away for the freshest taste, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This means you can make them well ahead of time for holidays, gifts, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat.
How to Serve Crockpot Candy Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra touch goes a long way. For serving, consider adding sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a light sprinkle of sea salt to bring out the best flavors and textures. These garnishes make the candy even more visually appealing and add a pop of flavor or crunch.
Side Dishes
This candy shines on its own as a snack or dessert, but it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For parties, you can serve the candy alongside other finger foods like cookies, brownies, or fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your Crockpot Candy Recipe in festive bowls, on decorative trays, or packaged in cute cellophane bags tied with ribbon makes for friendly and fun presentation ideas. This is an especially great way to share homemade treats with loved ones or at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply place the Crockpot Candy in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature. This preserves the candy’s texture and taste for up to two weeks — perfect for nibbling on later without any loss of freshness.
Freezing
Want to keep your candy even longer? You can freeze the pieces by layering them between sheets of wax paper inside an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheating
Reheating this candy isn’t usually necessary, but if you prefer it slightly softer, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it gently on the stove in a double boiler. Just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t melt completely.
FAQs
Can I use salted peanuts instead of unsalted?
You can, but keep in mind salted peanuts will add more saltiness to the overall flavor. If you prefer a salty-sweet contrast, that’s great! Otherwise, unsalted peanuts give you more control over salt levels.
Is it possible to substitute the almond bark?
Almond bark is a type of confectionery coating that melts smoothly and sets well, so it’s ideal here. You can try using more white chocolate instead, but it might not set as firmly or have the same texture.
Can I make this candy without a crockpot?
While a crockpot is perfect for melting the ingredients slowly and evenly without stirring, you could melt everything carefully in a double boiler on the stove. Just be patient and keep the heat low.
How long does the candy last once made?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, this candy stays fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. Just keep it away from heat and humidity to maintain texture and flavor.
Can I add other nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding almonds, cashews, or your favorite dried fruits for personalized twists. Just keep the total volume similar to avoid changing the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Making this Crockpot Candy Recipe is like creating a little batch of happiness you can eat. It’s simple enough to do anytime yet delicious and impressive enough for special occasions. The blend of nuts and chocolates melts together into a perfect treat that’s crunchy, creamy, and downright addictive. Go ahead and give this recipe a whirl — I promise it will bring a smile every time!
Print
Crockpot Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 40 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and delicious Crockpot Candy recipe perfect for making large batches of sweet and nutty treats with minimal effort. Featuring dry roasted and unsalted peanuts combined with layers of semi-sweet, milk chocolate chips, and white almond bark, this no-stir crockpot candy is finished with a touch of vanilla and optional sprinkles or sea salt for extra flair.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 16 oz dry roasted peanuts
- 16 oz unsalted peanuts
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 oz milk chocolate chips
- 1 lb white almond bark, broken into chunks
- 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 your crockpot as the base layer.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Almond Bark: Sprinkle the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips evenly over the peanuts, followed by the chunks of white almond bark on top, layering the ingredients without mixing.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to LOW. Allow the candy to cook undisturbed for 2 hours to enable the chocolate and almond bark to melt and blend smoothly with the nuts.
- Stir to Combine: After 2 hours, remove the lid and thoroughly stir the mixture until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Then mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Form Candies: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the candy mixture onto sheets of wax or parchment paper in small piles.
- Decorate (Optional): Sprinkle with optional sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt to add texture and visual appeal.
- Cool and Set: Allow the candy pieces to set at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours until firm. Alternatively, refrigerate the candies to speed up the setting process.
- Serve or Store: Once set, enjoy your crockpot candy immediately or store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute the peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews for variety.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure sprinkles are gluten-free or omit.
- If you prefer a smoother candy, gently melt the almond bark separately before combining.
- Refrigerating the candy helps speed up the setting but may make it firmer.
- Use parchment paper instead of wax paper if preferred to prevent sticking.
- Ensure the crockpot is clean and dry before layering ingredients for best results.
