If you’re looking to dazzle friends and family with a simple yet incredibly tasty treat this holiday season, the Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe is absolutely your go-to. This festive candy blends creamy white almond bark, rich semisweet chocolate, and smooth peanut butter chips with crunchy salted and unsalted peanuts—a winning combination of sweet and salty in every bite. Plus, making it in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your holiday hustle for more fun. Trust me, once you try this delightful candy, it’ll become a beloved staple every Christmas!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe plays a crucial role—whether it’s creating creamy textures, adding bursts of flavor, or sprinkling in a festive touch. You’ll be amazed how such straightforward ingredients come together to create candy magic.
- White almond bark (2 pounds): Provides a smooth, creamy base that melts perfectly in the crockpot.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (12 oz): Adds a rich, deep chocolate flavor balancing the sweetness.
- Peanut butter chips (10 oz): Brings a luscious peanut butter taste that pairs beautifully with the nuts.
- Salted dry roasted peanuts (2 cups): Offers a satisfying crunch and a touch of saltiness to contrast the sweet elements.
- Unsalted dry roasted peanuts (2 cups): Adds extra crunch without overpowering the other flavors.
- Holiday sprinkles (1 cup): Gives a festive, colorful finish to make each bite merry and bright.
- Mini cupcake liners (optional): Perfect for easy portioning and an adorable presentation.
How to Make Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start by layering your ingredients in a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the white almond bark first, followed by semisweet chocolate chips, then peanut butter chips, salted peanuts, and finally the unsalted peanuts. The order is important—don’t stir yet! This layering helps the melting process go smoothly as the heat gradually softens each component.
Step 2: Slow Cook on Low
Cover your crockpot and cook everything on LOW for 2 hours. This gentle, hands-off melting time allows the different chocolates and nuts to blend into a perfectly luscious, creamy mixture without any burning or separation, giving you a harmonious flavor and texture.
Step 3: Stir to Combine
After the slow cooker time is up, remove the lid and give the mixture a thorough stir. The heat from the pot will have transformed those solid chips and nuts into a velvety, slightly chunky blend that’s ready to be scooped and shaped. Don’t worry if some nuts stick together—that’s part of the charm!
Step 4: Portion and Decorate
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop portions of the mixture onto parchment paper or into mini cupcake liners if you want an extra polished look. While the candy is still soft, sprinkle your chosen holiday sprinkles on top for that festive sparkle. These colorful touches truly bring the candy to life.
Step 5: Set the Candy
Let your candies sit undisturbed at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours until they harden completely. In a hurry? Pop them in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process. Just be sure not to disturb them until they’re firm; patience here ensures perfect texture and easy handling.
How to Serve Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the holiday sprinkles, you can amp up presentation by topping your candies with crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant look. A sprinkle of finely chopped toffee or sea salt flakes can add a sophisticated touch that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Serve your Crockpot Christmas Candy as a delightful sweet nibble alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced cider for a cozy holiday afternoon. It also pairs wonderfully with savory cheese boards—think sharp cheddar or creamy brie—to offer a festive sweet and salty palate play.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your candy in festive jars or on tiered platters at holiday gatherings to make it the centerpiece of your dessert table. Wrapping individual candies in cellophane with colorful ribbons makes for perfect stocking stuffers or charming homemade gifts that everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Crockpot Christmas Candy has set, keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making this recipe perfect for making ahead of holiday parties or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to save your candies for even longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature—easy and convenient!
Reheating
Reheating isn’t usually necessary with this candy since it’s meant to be enjoyed as is. However, if you prefer softer bites, you can briefly microwave small portions in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to overheat and lose that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the peanuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios can be used to personalize the texture and flavor. Just be sure to toast them lightly for the best crunch and aroma.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. Just double-check your sprinkles and any added mix-ins to be safe.
Can I add other mix-ins like marshmallows or pretzels?
Definitely! This candy is super versatile—mini marshmallows, pretzel pieces, or crushed candy canes all make great additions and enhance both flavor and texture.
How long does the candy take to set?
Typically, it takes 1 to 2 hours at room temperature for the candy to fully set. Refrigerating can reduce that time significantly if you need to speed things up.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
While the slow cooker makes melting easier and hands-off, you can melt the ingredients in a double boiler or microwave carefully, stirring frequently. Just be cautious to avoid burning the chocolate and nuts.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe is one of those magical desserts that combines simplicity with show-stopping flavor. It’s perfect for holiday gifting, festive parties, or cozy nights by the fire. Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite Christmas tradition!
Print
Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes plus cooling
- Yield: 60–70 pieces
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Christmas Candy is an easy, festive treat that combines rich chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter chips, crunchy peanuts, and white almond bark cooked slowly to create delicious holiday peanut clusters. This make-ahead dessert is perfect for parties or gifting and can be customized with sprinkles and mix-ins.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pounds white almond bark (chopped or broken into chunks)
- 1 (12 oz) bag semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 (10 oz) bag peanut butter chips
- 2 cups salted dry roasted peanuts
- 2 cups unsalted dry roasted peanuts
- 1 cup holiday sprinkles
- Mini cupcake liners (optional)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the white almond bark, semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, salted peanuts, and unsalted peanuts into a 5–6 quart slow cooker in the order listed without stirring. Cover with the lid.
- Cook on Low for 2 Hours: Set the slow cooker to LOW heat and allow the mixture to cook for 2 hours undisturbed, ensuring the ingredients melt slowly and evenly.
- Stir Until Smooth: After 2 hours, remove the lid and stir the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and fully combined, creating a uniform peanut cluster candy mixture.
- Portion the Candy: Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop portions of the candy mixture onto parchment paper or into mini cupcake liners, shaping the candies as you go.
- Add Sprinkles: Immediately top each candy piece with holiday sprinkles to add festive color and texture before the candy sets.
- Set the Candy: Allow the candies to sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours until fully set. Alternatively, refrigerate to speed up the setting process.
- Store Properly: Once set, store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, keeping them fresh and ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Customize your candies by adding mix-ins like pretzel pieces, mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or chopped toffee.
- Make the candy extra festive by using red and green sprinkles or holiday-themed cupcake liners.
- If you want quicker setting, refrigerate the candies after portioning.
- Be sure to use a 5–6 quart slow cooker to ensure even cooking without overflow.
