Crock Pot Candy is the ultimate holiday treat that combines ease, flavor, and festivity in every bite. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, making gifts for friends, or simply want a sweet treat for your family, this simple recipe will not disappoint. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll create irresistible clusters of nutty, chocolatey goodness that everyone will love. Crock Pot Candy is a beloved favorite because it requires almost no cooking skills and turns out perfect every time. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Candy
Crock Pot Candy is the kind of recipe that brings everyone together with its nostalgic, homemade feel. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for beginners or anyone short on time during the busy holiday season. The combination of peanut butter, salty nuts, and rich chocolate creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, it’s a no-fuss dessert that’s ideal for gifting, parties, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. The use of a crock pot means no need for constant supervision, and the candy sets beautifully in cupcake liners for a professional touch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth recommended)
- 2 cups salted peanuts
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 ounces white chocolate (chips or block, chopped)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crock Pot Candy
- Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Begin by placing the peanut butter, salted peanuts, chopped pecans, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate into your crock pot.
- Heat the Mixture: Set your crock pot to high and allow the mixture to heat for 30 minutes. This will begin to melt the chocolate and soften the peanut butter.
- Stir Thoroughly: After 30 minutes, give everything a good stir to ensure the ingredients are evenly combined. Continue heating on high for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Portion the Candy: Line a baking sheet with cupcake liners. Once the mixture is fully melted and smooth, use a spoon to drop portions into each liner. Optionally, top each with festive sprinkles.
- Chill and Set: Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the candy to firm up completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, your Crock Pot Candy is ready to enjoy or package for gifts!
Helpful Tips
- Use a slow cooker liner or spray the crock pot with nonstick spray for easier cleanup.
- Stir gently to avoid breaking the nuts into too-small pieces.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform candy sizes.
- Add festive sprinkles or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for visual appeal.
- Make a double batch for parties or holiday gifts—it disappears quickly!
Substitutions And Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute sunflower seeds and nut-free butters like sunflower seed butter for a school-safe treat.
- Different Nuts: Try almonds, walnuts, or cashews instead of or in addition to the peanuts and pecans.
- Chocolate Variations: Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel chips for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Add-Ins: Mix in mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store Crock Pot Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To serve, let the candy come to room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly for the best texture.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 piece, approximate based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a festive tray with other holiday treats like cookies and fudge.
- Wrap individually in cellophane or treat bags for homemade holiday gifts.
- Pair with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for a cozy dessert.
- Add to a dessert charcuterie board for a unique holiday party centerpiece.
- Great as a lunchbox surprise or after-dinner sweet treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Candy
Can I make Crock Pot Candy without a crock pot? Yes! You can melt the ingredients in a large bowl in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler on the stovetop.
Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely. Crock Pot Candy keeps well in the fridge or freezer, so you can make it days or even weeks in advance of your event.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels for cross-contamination if you have a gluten sensitivity.
What if my candy doesn’t harden? Make sure it’s been refrigerated for at least an hour. If it’s still soft, chill it longer or place it in the freezer briefly.
Can I use unsalted nuts? You can, but salted nuts provide a better balance to the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for stopping by to try this Crock Pot Candy recipe. It’s one of my personal holiday favorites because it’s so simple, yet incredibly satisfying. The creamy peanut butter, crunchy nuts, and rich chocolate make every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re making it for your family, gifting it to friends, or treating yourself, I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Have fun making it, and enjoy every sweet, nutty bite. Happy cooking and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
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Crock Pot Candy
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crock Pot Candy is a quick and festive holiday treat made with just a few simple ingredients. Packed with peanuts, pecans, peanut butter, and rich chocolate, it’s perfect for parties, gifts, or an easy dessert. Save this recipe and make a batch today!
Ingredients
1 cup smooth peanut butter
2 cups salted peanuts
2 cups chopped pecans
1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 ounces white chocolate (chips or chopped block)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Begin by placing the peanut butter, salted peanuts, chopped pecans, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate into your crock pot.
- Heat the Mixture: Set your crock pot to high and allow the mixture to heat for 30 minutes. This will begin to melt the chocolate and soften the peanut butter.
- Stir Thoroughly: After 30 minutes, give everything a good stir to ensure the ingredients are evenly combined. Continue heating on high for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Portion the Candy: Line a baking sheet with cupcake liners. Once the mixture is fully melted and smooth, use a spoon to drop portions into each liner. Optionally, top each with festive sprinkles.
- Chill and Set: Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the candy to firm up completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, your Crock Pot Candy is ready to enjoy or package for gifts!
Notes
Use a slow cooker liner or nonstick spray for easy cleanup.
A cookie scoop helps keep portions even.
Feel free to mix in other nuts, marshmallows, or holiday sprinkles.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour Additional Time: 1 hour
- Category: Candy, Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 6g