ByDonna Elick
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Crockpot Candyis a staple of the holiday season in my house. Ooey gooey chocolate cascading over roasted nuts for a remarkably simple yet devastatingly delicious homemade Christmas candy! Even better, you can makethesecrockpot peanut clusters right in your slow cooker with simple ingredients!
I’m not exaggerating here —watch the videoin this post to see just how mouthwatering this easy recipe is!!
Crockpot Candy
Sometimes the best sweets are the simplest, and does it get more classic than chocolate and peanuts? My crockpot candy recipe is no fuss with no funny business.
This sweet treat is full of just wholesome, delicious flavors that you can share with your loved ones during the most wonderful time of the year!
The secret to homemade Christmas candy? Make a whole lot of it!!Saltine cracker candyandfudgeare super shareable and could put a smile on even the Grinch’s face!
This easy crockpot candy is a must have on your holiday cookie trays. It is such an easy candy to make this time of year with all the gifting and holiday parties. We enjoy taking time together to bake treats and these take so much less time that most other holiday baking.
Ingredient Notes & Swaps for Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Peanuts– Honey roasted are my preference, but you’re not limited to just those!
You can certainly use unsalted peanuts, I feel like the honey roasted really make this homemade candy special!
Other nuts are great, too – almonds, walnuts, cashews, and macadamia nuts are some sweet subs your family will love. Or try stirring in some pretzels or rice krispies.
- White Almond Bark– I recommend using vanilla for its sweet, subtle flavor. But you could certainly use white chocolate chips. You could even use candy melts.
But, as I always say, the more chocolate the better! So use chocolate almond bark if you’d like.
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips– Using milk chocolate chips would be atadtoo sweet, in my opinion, but you’re welcome to! You can use half semi-sweet and half peanut butter chips.
Dark chocolate chips could also add a nice bitterness. Feel free to also mix and match to get a good balance!
- German Chocolate Bar– Baker’s is my go-to! This is also a rather sweet chocolate, so you may want to substitute with a richer option if that’s your preference.
- (Optional) Garnishes– Crushed candy cane, mini marshmallows, holiday sprinkles, toffee bits – there’s almost no end to the holiday toppers you could use!
You could even use a sea salt garnish.If you’re nuts for nuts, you could even addmorecrushed peanuts on top to finish!
Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions
- Allergy Friendly Fixes– You don’t need nuts for texture!
There are plenty of pairs for chocolate: pretzel pieces, pumpkin seeds, candy cane chunks, or graham crackers. Just choose your favorite!
- Cool Them Quick– Once you’ve laid the crockpot peanut clusters onto the baking sheets lined with parchment or wax paper, pop them in the fridge to help them chill faster.
If you’re planning on using this tip, you may want to use a tiered container or perhaps several smaller bakingdishesto fit easily in your fridge.
- Tips for Less Mess– Rather than using parchment paper, consider placing the candies in individual muffin liners.
Not only can you easily move them from one place to another, but you can serve them right in the liners!
- Great For Gifts!A handful of crockpot Christmas candy bites in cellophane bags are a great party favor or gift for friends during the holiday season.
I highly recommend it!
- Making in Bulk?Layer a baking sheet with multiple pieces of parchment paper. Once one sheet is full, move it to another area of your countertop and proceed placing the crockpot candy on the sheet below it.
You can work quickly and efficiently this way! You can also layer hardened candies like this in a single container, helping you store more in one container.
Storing Your Homemade Christmas Candy
Crockpot peanut clusters don’t necessarily need to be refrigerated – they’re a certified countertop candy – but they’ll last longer when chilled!
And if your kitchen is on the warm side, they might get melty and messy if not kept in the refrigerator.
Let slow cooker candy cool to room temperature first if you’re going to store in layers or in the refrigerator.
They’ll last at room temp for a couple weeks, a month in the fridge in an airtight container, and even longer in the freezer!
I toss them in a gallon freezer bag and pull them out as we want them. Thaw for 30 minutes and enjoy.
Crockpot Candy FAQ
How many crockpot peanut clusters does this recipe make?
Using asmall cookie scoop, you can make 12 dozen slow cooker peanut clusters!
Can I make crockpot candy on the stovetop?
While I recommend using a slow cooker for ease, you can easily make this recipe on your stovetop if you’d like to.
Using your stove does, however, require maintenance. Heat the chocolate on a low, low heat while stirring constantly. Once melted, add the peanuts. Stir and transfer with a scooper the same as the original recipe.
You could also go with the double boiler method, helping to quickly melt the chocolate and lowering the risk of burning.
Why isn’t my crockpot candy setting?
It’s possible that the chocolate you chose doesn’t harden adequately. This often happens if you don’t use enough almond bark, which sets the hardest.
If you don’t wish to use almond bark, then use candy coating discs instead – easily found in the baking or decorating aisle! It can’t be all chocolate chips as they just won’t harden right.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Crockpot Candy Recipes
Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe (Peanut Clusters) + Video
Donna Elick
Crockpot Candy is a sweet, nutty, festive holiday treat on a time crunch! This homemade Christmas candy recipe basically makes itself!
4.50 stars from 4 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Method Slow Cooker
Servings 144 peanut clusters
Equipment
Ingredients
- 34.5 ounces honey roasted peanuts, I use Planters
- 32 ounces almond bark, vanilla flavored
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 ounces German chocolate bar, I use Baker's
- optional garnish: sprinkles or crushed candy canes
Instructions
Layer ingredients into a 5-quart slow cooker; cover with lid.
Cook on Low for 1 hour. Do not stir!
After 1 hour, stir mixture and continue to cook, stirring every 15-20 minutes for another hour (a total of 2 hours).
Meanwhile, line countertop or table with a long piece of parchment paper.
Turn off crockpot. Use a 1 tablespoon scooper to portion out candy from crockpot and onto parchment paper.
Be sure to leave space between each peanut cluster. While the candy is still warm, garnish with sprinkles or other desired toppings.
Allow to cool completely.
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 94cal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 30mg | Sugar: 6g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Originally published December 2014, updated and republished November 2023
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