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Home / Dessert

Easy Christmas Crockpot Candy

4.97
/5
2 hours 10 minutes
134 Comments
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By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 12/06/2017

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.


Give your oven a break during the holiday and make this easy Christmas crockpot candy! It only takes 4 simple ingredients and a slow cooker!


At a time of year when holiday baking is in full swing, take things easy on yourself and make this incredibly easy Christmas crockpot candy!  Nothing fancy, just 4 ingredients (plus sprinkles) and a slow cooker.  They’re great for the holidays or to give away as a gift!

Easy Christmas Crockpot Candy | The easiest homemade candy ever!  Just 4 simple ingredients, a slow cooker, and some holiday sprinkles... and you'll love the chocolate peanut clusters! | The Chunky Chef | #homemadecandy #crockpotcandy #peanutclusters #chocolatecandy #holidaybaking #candyrecipesI would be willing to bet that you’ve heard of these candies before.  Maybe your Mom made them, you saw them at a holiday party, or someone gave them as a gift.

They’ve been around FOREVER, and not only are they pretty popular, they’re also incredible simple!

Homemade candy has never been easier!  Just 4 ingredients and a few holiday sprinkles… that’s all you need.

Easy Christmas Crockpot Candy | The easiest homemade candy ever!  Just 4 simple ingredients, a slow cooker, and some holiday sprinkles... and you'll love the chocolate peanut clusters! | The Chunky Chef | #homemadecandy #crockpotcandy #peanutclusters #chocolatecandy #holidaybaking #candyrecipes

There are a bunch of variations of these, but I’ve got a few tips and tricks to share with you that make these even easier!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THIS CROCKPOT CANDY RECIPE:

  • Use great quality chocolate.  Since you’re only using 4 ingredients, you want them to really be good quality.
  • Even though these look like milk chocolate, you need to use plenty of white almond bark.  It seems counter-intuitive… to use the entire 2 lbs of almond bark, when you want a rich, chocolate treat, but trust me, you need it.  The almond bark not only adds great flavor, but it plays a big part in helping the candies set up and harden.
  • Place a clean, dry kitchen towel over the top of the slow cooker and place the lid on top of that.  When you cook anything in the slow cooker, water condensation develops on the inside of the lid, and when you take it off, it drips down into the slow cooker right?  Well water and melted chocolate DON’T mix well.  It can potentially seize the chocolate!  The towel catches that condensation, leaving your smooth melted chocolate in perfect condition.
  • Add your peanuts in at the end.  Some recipes call for everything to be added all at once, but the peanuts don’t need that time in the slow cooker… they’re already roasted.
  • Line a few baking sheets with wax paper (parchment paper works too), and use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop the candy into clusters.
  • If you’re sprinkling the clusters with holiday sprinkles, don’t scoop more than 8 or so before going back and adding the sprinkles.  You want to add them when the clusters are still melted, and they’ll harden after a little while (which means the sprinkles won’t stick).
  • If possible, refrigerate the candies (on the baking sheets) for an hour or so, until hard.  If my refrigerator is low on space, sometimes I put the baking sheets out in my garage on shelves (when the weather is cold of course).  Technically, the candies will set up even at room temperature, but I like to help that process along by refrigerating them.

Easy Christmas Crockpot Candy | The easiest homemade candy ever!  Just 4 simple ingredients, a slow cooker, and some holiday sprinkles... and you'll love the chocolate peanut clusters! | The Chunky Chef | #homemadecandy #crockpotcandy #peanutclusters #chocolatecandy #holidaybaking #candyrecipes

I know that seemed like a lot of tips and tricks for a recipe I keep saying is easy… but I swear, it really is!  These are absolutely a staple in our household around the holidays… because they’re so simple to make, a child can do it!

Easy Christmas Crockpot Candy | The easiest homemade candy ever!  Just 4 simple ingredients, a slow cooker, and some holiday sprinkles... and you'll love the chocolate peanut clusters! | The Chunky Chef | #homemadecandy #crockpotcandy #peanutclusters #chocolatecandy #holidaybaking #candyrecipes

The traditional nut to use here is peanuts… specifically dry roasted or cocktail peanuts.  I like to use a mix of both types.

But if you’re an almond fan… try using those.  Cashews?  Go for it!  Maybe even go for a mixed nut combination!

Whichever nut you’re using, make sure they’re pre-roasted.  This isn’t the time to use raw.

Just like you can switch up the nuts, you can switch up the decorations too.  Use red, pink and white sprinkles for Valentine’s Day, or little shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day.  The sky is the limit!

WHY DO I NEED TO USE A SLOW COOKER?

Well you don’t HAVE to… but I think it’s easier in this case.  A slow cooker allows you to make a big batch, and melt it evenly… plus you’re able to keep it warm while you scoop out all the clusters.

Alternatively, you could melt everything in batches in the microwave, or in a big double boiler, but I really feel the slow cooker is the best option.

Easy Christmas Crockpot Candy | The easiest homemade candy ever!  Just 4 simple ingredients, a slow cooker, and some holiday sprinkles... and you'll love the chocolate peanut clusters! | The Chunky Chef | #homemadecandy #crockpotcandy #peanutclusters #chocolatecandy #holidaybaking #candyrecipes

This holiday season, give your oven a break and try this Easy Christmas Crockpot Candy!  It’s perfect to make for your family, for a party, or to give away as gifts!

HELPFUL TOOLS:

  • 4 quart slow cooker – The actual model I have is no longer readily available, but this is an excellent alternative!
  • Small cookie scoop – I use this for meatballs all the time, but it’s also great to use for this candy!
  • Holiday gift tins – This is the first year I’ve used these, but I’m in love!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

Easy Christmas Crockpot Candy | The easiest homemade candy ever!  Just 4 simple ingredients, a slow cooker, and some holiday sprinkles... and you'll love the chocolate peanut clusters! | The Chunky Chef | #homemadecandy #crockpotcandy #peanutclusters #chocolatecandy #holidaybaking #candyrecipes

Easy Christmas Crockpot Candy

4.97 from 32 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Calories: 146
Servings: 80 - 90 candy clusters
(hover over # to adjust)
Print Rate Pin
Give your oven a break during the holiday and make this easy Christmas crockpot candy! It only takes 4 simple ingredients and a slow cooker!

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs white almond bark (might be labeled as white candy coating) , broken or chopped into smaller squares
  • 12 oz bag semisweet chocolate chips
  • 4 oz bar German sweet chocolate, broken or chopped into smaller squares
  • 32 oz dry roasted or cocktail peanuts
  • holiday sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  • If desired, spray slow cooker insert lightly with non-stick cooking spray.  Add chopped almond bark, chocolate chips and German chocolate.
  • Place a clean, dry kitchen towel over the top of the slow cooker, then place lid on top of that.  Cook on HIGH for 1 hour.  Reduce heat to LOW, and cook 1 more hour (or until fully melted), stirring every 15-20 minutes.
  • Remove lid and towel (be careful not to let any condensation drip into melted chocolate), and add peanuts, stirring well to combine.
  • Line several baking sheets with wax paper.  Drop candy mixture by spoonfuls onto wax paper (or use small cookie scoop).  If using sprinkles, sprinkle onto clusters before they harden.  
  • Refrigerate (if possible) 30 minutes to 1 hour, until set.  If unable to refrigerate, let stand on counter at room temperature until set.  Store in a cool place in an airtight container.

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Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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Easy Christmas Crockpot Candy | The easiest homemade candy ever!  Just 4 simple ingredients, a slow cooker, and some holiday sprinkles... and you'll love the chocolate peanut clusters! | The Chunky Chef | #homemadecandy #crockpotcandy #peanutclusters #chocolatecandy #holidaybaking #candyrecipes

Easy Christmas Crockpot Candy | The easiest homemade candy ever!  Just 4 simple ingredients, a slow cooker, and some holiday sprinkles... and you'll love the chocolate peanut clusters! | The Chunky Chef | #homemadecandy #crockpotcandy #peanutclusters #chocolatecandy #holidaybaking #candyrecipes

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Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

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Recipe Rating




  1. Lisa says

    Posted on 12/21 at 8:16 pm

    I love how easy these were to make. They are delicious also! One thing I would say is it only took the 1 hour on high for my chocolate to melt in my crockpot. So advice to others just check on yours as cooking.

    Reply
  2. Monica says

    Posted on 12/18 at 8:14 pm

    Tried this recipe today. Loved using the different melting chocolates and almond bark; gave the clusters great flavor. My only advice and wasn’t mentioned is that all slowcookers are not universal with their heat settings. My slowcooker on high for 1 hour was way too hot. Chocolate mixture started burning and seizing. Luckily, I caught it in time. I added shortening to thin it out. Thankfully, it didn’t have the scorch flavor, otherwise a lot of $$ lost. I would suggest readers check it every 15 min. in that first hour because your slowcooker might be running more hot quicker like mine was. Will make again though. Very tasty!

    Reply
  3. Beth robinson says

    Posted on 12/17 at 8:38 pm

    I’m going to make these tmro! A couple things… A) I love all the little tips… that’s exactly how I need to follow a new recipe, so thank you! And what do you consider to be a good chocolate? Brands plz… talk to me like I’m 5!! 😂😂 thank you!!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/17 at 9:13 pm

      We really love Ghirardelli and Guittard chocolate 🙂 I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply
  4. Nicole says

    Posted on 12/16 at 4:13 pm

    How long do these usually last for? I am making them to gift for Christmas and trying to decide how far in advance I can make them.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/17 at 9:29 pm

      These will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight container 🙂

      Reply
  5. Helaine says

    Posted on 12/16 at 2:05 pm

    What is German chocolate and is it necessary for this recipe?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/17 at 9:31 pm

      Feel free to Google the ingredient if you want more info, but it’s a dark baking chocolate. However I’ve only tested this recipe as written. But if you do some experimenting with other chocolate types, I’d love to know how it turns out!

      Reply
  6. Kathy Newcomb says

    Posted on 12/15 at 3:08 pm

    How long will these keep?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/17 at 9:38 pm

      Several weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

      Reply
  7. Rachel says

    Posted on 12/15 at 12:08 pm

    Will these stay fresh in the refrigerator for a month? Or should they be frozen? So excited to make this!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/17 at 9:40 pm

      They should last that long, as long as they’re in an airtight container 🙂

      Reply
  8. Sheri Jahn says

    Posted on 12/14 at 9:06 pm

    Has anyone ever made this pecans?

    Reply
  9. Kelly Shelton says

    Posted on 12/14 at 7:55 pm

    Hello-made the peanut clusters and everyone loved them. Do you refrigerate them or just store at room temp in an airtight container? Thanks!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/14 at 8:21 pm

      So glad everyone enjoyed them! I prefer to refrigerate mine, but if your house is on the cooler side, room temp could work as well 🙂

      Reply
  10. Lenore says

    Posted on 12/12 at 3:44 pm

    Husband allergic to almonds…any substitute for the bark

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/12 at 3:49 pm

      To my knowledge, almond bark doesn’t contain any almonds. It’s just called that because it was originally used for coating almonds.

      Reply
  11. Sheri Boren says

    Posted on 12/11 at 5:31 pm

    They are absolutely gorgeous! Love this recipe. Wish I could post my beautiful pictures! Thank you. And they taste delish, even my neighbors say so, 😁 .

    Reply
  12. J says

    Posted on 12/11 at 3:00 pm

    I used a Rockcrok by Pampered Chef to make these and it took a lot less time. I figured that out by seizing the chocolate on the first go round. It took about 40 minutes with three stirs, but I didn’t have the full amount of bark. I just used the 20 oz package. I monitored it the whole time because I forgot the towel the first time around. I’m waiting for them to cool and they are a childhood favorite, so thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  13. Glenda says

    Posted on 12/5 at 4:00 pm

    Easy to make and delicious

    Reply
  14. gwen says

    Posted on 12/5 at 10:05 am

    I dip out half the candies, then add fruit, raisens, dates etc… then dip out half of those and add coconut to the rest.. this way I get numerous candies from one batch 🙂 and it is ALL delicious !!

    Reply
    • Valerie says

      Posted on 12/17 at 7:33 pm

      I bought chocolate almond bark by mistake. Could I use that instead?

      Reply
      • The Chunky Chef says

        Posted on 12/17 at 9:14 pm

        I haven’t tested it, but it should work okay 🙂

        Reply
  15. Sharon says

    Posted on 12/4 at 12:51 pm

    These are awesome. Everyone loved them
    The chocolate turned out so creamy smooth and yummy

    Reply
  16. Arlette Byrne says

    Posted on 12/3 at 2:48 pm

    I They are easy and delicious. Next time I will use 2 German Chocolate bars since I like dark chocolate. Also, I only used 24ounces of almond bark. Thank you!

    Reply
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