Create amazing holiday treats effortlessly with this Christmas Crock Pot Candy. This simple recipe uses minimal ingredients and a hands-off method, making it perfect for busy holiday seasons.
You’ll make classic chocolate peanut clusters that are ideal for gifting, sharing at parties, or enjoying with family. Get ready to impress everyone with these delightful slow cooker chocolate treats!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crock Pot Candy
This recipe for holiday slow cooker candy will quickly become a favorite because it simplifies festive baking. You can achieve delicious results with minimal effort, freeing up your time for other holiday preparations.
- Effortless Preparation: Your slow cooker does most of the work for you.
- Mostly Hands-Off: Stir occasionally, but otherwise, relax!
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients for any holiday or theme.
- Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanuts.
- Perfect for Gifting: These make fantastic homemade presents for friends and family.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your festive batch of Christmas Crock Pot Candy:
- 2 lbs white almond bark (or 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)
Notes & Substitutions
- Always choose good quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture in your slow cooker peanut clusters. The almond bark is crucial because it helps the candy set properly and achieve that classic snap.
- Feel free to substitute the peanuts with other nuts like roasted almonds, cashews, or a mixed nut blend. Vary the sprinkles to match any holiday theme or celebration.
- If you prefer, substitute the German sweet chocolate bar with an equal amount of milk chocolate chips for a milder sweetness.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this easy holiday treat:
- 4-6 quart slow cooker
- Wax paper or parchment paper
- Several baking sheets
- Large spoon or small cookie scoop
- Clean, dry kitchen towel
Instructions For Christmas Crock Pot Candy
Making Christmas Crock Pot Candy is wonderfully simple, even for beginners. Follow these easy steps to create perfect chocolate peanut clusters every time.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray your slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray if desired. This helps with cleanup.
- Add Chocolates: Place the chopped almond bark, semisweet chocolate chips, and broken German sweet chocolate into the slow cooker.
- Cover and Cook (High): Lay a clean, dry kitchen towel over the top of the slow cooker insert. Then, place the lid firmly on top of the towel. Cook on HIGH for 1 hour. The towel absorbs condensation, preventing water from dripping into the chocolate and causing it to seize.
- Reduce Heat and Continue Cooking: After 1 hour on high, reduce the heat setting to LOW. Continue cooking for 1 more hour, or until all the chocolates are fully melted and smooth.
- Stir Frequently: During the second hour of cooking, stir the chocolate mixture every 15-20 minutes. This ensures even melting and prevents scorching.
- Add Peanuts: Carefully remove the lid and towel. Be very careful to prevent any condensation from dripping into the melted chocolate. Add the dry roasted peanuts to the slow cooker and stir them well until they are completely coated in the chocolate.
- Form Clusters: Line several baking sheets with wax paper. Drop spoonfuls of the candy mixture onto the prepared wax paper. You can also use a small cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
- Add Sprinkles: If you’re using holiday sprinkles, apply them to the top of each chocolate peanut cluster immediately after dropping them onto the wax paper. Do this while the candy is still warm and soft so the sprinkles adhere.
- Set the Candy: Refrigerate the baking sheets for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the candy clusters are completely firm. If refrigeration isn’t possible, let them stand on the counter at room temperature until fully set.
- Store Properly: Once the festive slow cooker candy has hardened, gently peel the clusters from the wax paper. Store them in an airtight container.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect slow cooker chocolate treats every time with these helpful tips.
- Quality Matters: Always use good quality chocolate for the best taste and texture in your candy.
- Towel Trick: Do not skip placing a clean towel under the lid. This prevents condensation from ruining your chocolate.
- Roasted Peanuts: Ensure your peanuts are dry roasted. Raw peanuts won’t offer the same great flavor or crunch.
- Timely Sprinkles: Add any sprinkles right after scooping. They won’t stick once the chocolate starts to cool and harden.
- Chill for Speed: Refrigerating the clusters significantly speeds up the setting process.
- Prevent Seizing: Keep all water away from the chocolate mixture. Even a tiny drop can make the chocolate seize and become grainy.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These homemade chocolate peanut clusters are perfect for any occasion and store wonderfully.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange your Christmas Crock Pot Candy on a beautiful festive platter.
- Package them in decorative holiday tins or bags for thoughtful gifts.
- Serve alongside hot coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of cold milk.
Storage Instructions
- Store your set candy in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.
- For extended storage, freeze the clusters in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Flavor Variations
- Try different nut varieties like almonds, pecans, or even cashews.
- Experiment with entirely white chocolate for a different look and flavor.
- Add pretzels for a salty crunch, dried cranberries for tartness, or toffee bits for extra sweetness.
- Change the sprinkles or toppings to match any holiday or celebration theme.
Nutrition
Enjoy these delightful slow cooker peanut clusters in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 164 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 14 g |
| Protein Content | 3 g |
| Fat Content | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 5 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0.003 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0.3 mg |
| Sodium Content | 50 mg |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 11 g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 4 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does crock pot candy last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your candy will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Freezing extends its shelf life to about three months.
Can I use only one type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use just one type of chocolate, but the combination of almond bark and different chocolates creates the best flavor and setting consistency. Almond bark is essential for proper hardening.
Are raw peanuts acceptable?
No, use dry roasted or cocktail peanuts. Raw peanuts will not have the same crunchy texture or robust flavor in the finished candy.
Conclusion
This Christmas Crock Pot Candy recipe offers a delicious and incredibly easy way to create festive treats. Its minimal preparation and hands-off cooking make it perfect for anyone, especially busy parents and beginners.
Whip up a batch of these amazing chocolate peanut clusters for holiday gatherings, thoughtful gifts, or simply a sweet moment to enjoy yourself. They are guaranteed to bring smiles and holiday cheer!
Christmas Crock Pot Candy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick spray if desired.
- Place almond bark, semisweet chocolate chips, and German chocolate in the slow cooker.
- Lay a clean kitchen towel over the slow cooker insert and cover with lid. Cook on HIGH for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, reduce heat to LOW and cook for another hour, stirring every 15–20 minutes until smooth.
- Remove lid and towel carefully. Stir in peanuts until evenly coated.
- Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper-lined baking sheets using a spoon or small scoop.
- Immediately top with holiday sprinkles if using, while candy is still soft.
- Chill in refrigerator for 30–60 minutes until firm or let set at room temperature.
- Peel from wax paper and store in airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use dry roasted peanuts for best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute German chocolate with milk chocolate chips.
- Almond bark is key for proper setting.
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