If there’s one treat that brings everyone to the kitchen, it’s Crock Pot Candy. This delightfully simple candy is the kind of recipe you want in your back pocket for holidays, parties, or just whenever you’re craving something irresistibly chocolatey and nutty. Packed with creamy peanut butter, heaps of crunchy peanuts, and a trio of melty chocolates, these delightful peanut clusters are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best thing about making Crock Pot Candy is that a handful of unfussy pantry staples come together to create magic. Each ingredient is chosen for a reason—richness, texture, or sweet balance—so grab your favorites and let’s get stirring!
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate melting wafers (10 ounces): These wafers melt smoothly and give your candy a deep, rich chocolate base.
- White chocolate chips (12 ounces): Adds sweetness and a creamy finish that contrasts the darker chocolate perfectly.
- Milk chocolate chips (12 ounces): This milky addition makes the overall flavor cozy and familiar, bringing a hint of nostalgia.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The secret to smooth, perfectly bonded clusters—don’t skip it!
- Dry roasted peanuts (16 ounces): Their salty crunch is an essential part of every delightful bite.
How to Make Crock Pot Candy
Step 1: Prep Your Crock Pot
Line your crock pot with a liner if you’d like to save yourself some scrubbing later. Add all the ingredients—chocolates, peanut butter, and peanuts—right into the pot. Pile them high; it’s going to look decadent right from the start!
Step 2: Slow Melting Magic
Set your crock pot to low and let everything gently melt together for one hour. You can set your timer and let the kitchen fill with the most mouthwatering aroma. The low temp prevents the chocolate from scorching, so don’t be tempted to turn it up.
Step 3: Stir & Smooth
After about 30 minutes, peek inside. If things are glossy and starting to puddle, scoop up your trusty spatula and give it all a hearty stir. This ensures the chocolates and peanut butter meld luxuriously while the peanuts get coated in all that sweetness.
Step 4: Scoop Your Clusters
Once everything is silky smooth (except for the glorious peanut chunks), line two baking sheets with parchment. Use a cookie scoop to portion out neat, even mounds of the candy mixture, spacing them so they don’t merge together.
Step 5: Quick Chill
Slide those trays into the freezer for just five minutes. This quick chill sets the clusters beautifully, so they’ll pop right off the parchment with minimal fuss.
Step 6: Serve & Share
Once set, gently lift the Crock Pot Candy clusters onto a serving tray. Try to resist eating them all before sharing—though I won’t judge if a few disappear in the transfer!
How to Serve Crock Pot Candy
Garnishes
If you want to add a little flourish, sprinkle the tops with sea salt, festive sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate before they set. It’s a super simple way to make them look as special as they taste!
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet, salty wonders with a plate of fresh strawberries, a bowl of popcorn, or even some salty pretzels for the ultimate snack spread. Crock Pot Candy is rich, so a glass of cold milk or hot coffee makes the perfect partner.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift giving, nestle each cluster in a mini cupcake liner and arrange in a pretty gift box or tin. At parties, stack them on a tiered dessert stand or tuck a cluster into a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon for a takeaway treat your guests will absolutely love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Crock Pot Candy has cooled and set, transfer any extras to an airtight container. They’ll hold up at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, and their flavor actually deepens after a day or so—which just means there’s no rush to finish them all (unless you want to)!
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, these clusters freeze like a dream. Arrange them in layers separated by parchment in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep their texture and taste for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the perfect bite.
Reheating
No need to reheat, but if you love the gooey, just-melted chocolate feel, you can gently warm a cluster in the microwave for about 5 seconds. Just be careful: a little heat goes a long way!
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
You can absolutely swap in chunky peanut butter if you want even more texture in your Crock Pot Candy. Just remember the clusters will be extra nutty and a little less smooth.
What can I use instead of dry roasted peanuts?
Try using cashews, almonds, or even pecans for a different twist! Mix and match your favorite nuts for your own signature version.
Can I make Crock Pot Candy without a crock pot?
While the classic slow cooker method is the easiest, you can melt everything gently in a double boiler or a heavy saucepan on low heat. Just watch carefully and stir often to prevent scorching.
How do I keep the chocolate from seizing or burning?
Always keep the crock pot on the low setting, and avoid getting water in the chocolate. Stir occasionally and resist turning up the heat—slow and steady wins the race!
Is Crock Pot Candy gluten-free?
As written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, though you’ll want to confirm your chocolate chips and melting wafers are certified gluten-free just to be sure.
Final Thoughts
Homemade treats don’t get easier or more satisfying than Crock Pot Candy. Share them with friends, package them up for gifts, or just tuck a few away for those moments when you need a sweet, crunchy pick-me-up. Give this recipe a try and prepare for rave reviews!
Print
Crock Pot Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 40 clusters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of rich chocolate and crunchy peanuts with these delectable chocolate peanut clusters made effortlessly in a crockpot. Ideal for gifting or serving at parties.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Peanut Clusters:
- 10 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate melting wafers
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 16 ounces dry roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Place all ingredients into a crockpot, using a liner for easy cleanup.
- Heat the Mixture: Set the crockpot to low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally until smooth.
- Form the Clusters: Scoop the mixture onto parchment-lined trays and freeze for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the chilled clusters to a serving tray.
Notes
- The oil in the peanut butter is crucial for a smooth texture.
- Monitor the crockpot to prevent scorching of the chocolate.
- For gifting, consider placing clusters in cupcake papers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 208 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 123mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
