Let’s talk about Christmas magic, shall we? I’m not just talking about the glittering lights or holiday carols; I’m talking about the sweet magic that happens in the kitchen. This year, if you’re looking to add an extra dose of holiday spirit to your table with minimal effort, let me introduce you to Crockpot Christmas Candy! This delightful treat blends almond bark, chocolate, peanuts, and pecans into little clusters of holiday joy, all made in the slow cooker. No complicated techniques, no oven required—just sweet, creamy, nutty goodness. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry roasted or salted peanuts
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 lb. vanilla almond bark
- 1 lb. chocolate almond bark
- 12 oz. dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
How to Make Crockpot Christmas Candy
- Combine the Ingredients: Place all ingredients, except the Christmas sprinkles, into your slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker on low for 2 hours or high for 1 hour. Stir every 20 minutes to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and nothing sticks.
- Fill the Liners: Once the mixture is completely melted and well-combined, use your cookie scoop to add about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each cupcake liner, placed in a muffin tin for stability.
- Decorate and Chill: Top each candy with sprinkles, if desired, for that festive holiday look! Pop the trays into the fridge for 1-2 hours or until fully set.
- Enjoy: Once hardened, take out the candies, peel off the liners, and enjoy! These are perfect for serving at holiday parties, gifting, or enjoying by the tree with a cup of hot cocoa.
Helpful Tips for the Best Crockpot Candy
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality almond bark and chocolate make all the difference. The better the chocolate, the better the candy!
- Stir Often: Every 20 minutes might seem like a lot, but it ensures a perfectly smooth and even consistency.
- Double the Recipe for Gifting: This candy is excellent for gifting, so if you have a big batch to make, simply double the ingredients and extend the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is endlessly versatile, so feel free to get creative with the mix-ins! Here are a few fun swaps:
- Rice Krispies: Swap out the peanuts for Rice Krispies to add a light, crispy texture. Stir them in after the chocolate is fully melted to keep them crunchy.
- Pretzels: Replace the peanuts with 2 cups of crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty combination that’s hard to resist.
- Chow Mein Noodles: For a unique twist, use crunchy chow mein noodles instead of peanuts. Add these after the chocolate melts to keep them crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this on the stove?
Yes! If you’re short on time or don’t have a slow cooker, melt the chocolate and almond bark in a large pot on low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once smooth, add the peanut butter, peanuts, and pecans, then continue with the steps as usual.
Do I need to refrigerate these candies?
Nope! They will set at room temperature in about 3 hours. If you’re in a rush, the fridge speeds things up and gives a firmer texture in just 1-2 hours.
Can I use mini muffin liners?
Absolutely! Mini liners are a great option if you want smaller, bite-sized candies. Just reduce the filling to about 1 tablespoon per liner.
Storage Instructions
Store your Crockpot Christmas Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you prefer a firmer texture or want them to last longer, you can store them in the fridge for the same duration. They’re also freezer-friendly, though keep in mind that freezing may cause them to look slightly less smooth when thawed.
With its irresistible combination of creamy chocolate, crunchy nuts, and a festive sprinkle of Christmas cheer, this Crockpot Christmas Candy is sure to become a holiday staple! So dust off that slow cooker and get ready to spread some sweet holiday magic—one candy at a time. Happy Holidays and happy cooking!
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Crockpot Christmas Candy: The Easiest Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 36 candies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crockpot Christmas Candy is the ultimate holiday treat! Made in the slow cooker with almond bark, chocolate, peanuts, and pecans, it’s easy, delicious, and perfect for gifting or festive gatherings. Just melt, mix, and chill—holiday candy doesn’t get simpler than this!
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry roasted or salted peanuts
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 lb. vanilla almond bark
- 1 lb. chocolate almond bark
- 12 oz. dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients, except for the Christmas sprinkles, into your slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low for 2 hours or high for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes.
- Once everything is melted and mixed well, scoop 2 tablespoons into each cupcake liner set in a muffin tin.
- Top with Christmas sprinkles, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours until set.
- Remove from liners and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
- Variations: Substitute peanuts with Rice Krispies or pretzels, or add in crunchy chow mein noodles for extra texture.
- No slow cooker? Melt chocolate on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg