If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that’s simple to make yet utterly delicious, you’re in for a real treat! Today, I’m sharing my Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Candy Recipe — a hands-off, slow-cooked delight that’s perfect for every occasion. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in my kitchen for gifting, parties, or just an everyday indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: Just layer ingredients and let the crockpot do the magic – no constant stirring or babysitting required.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combo of salty peanuts and rich chocolate will have your taste buds dancing.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a gift, party favor, or a cozy night treat, this candy hits the spot.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to store and still tastes fresh weeks later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the reasons I adore this Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Candy Recipe is how simple the ingredient list is — just a handful of things that work beautifully together, creating that perfect salty-meets-sweet candy sensation. Here’s what you’ll want to pick up before you get started.
- Dry roasted salted peanuts: Adds that perfect salty crunch which pairs amazingly with chocolate.
- Dry roasted unsalted peanuts: Balances saltiness and enhances nuttiness, so your candy avoids being too salty.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: A smooth, melt-friendly chocolate base that gives sweetness without overwhelming.
- German sweet baking chocolate: Adds depth and richness with a creamier chocolate texture.
- Almond bark: Melts easily in the crockpot and helps bind everything together with a glossy finish.
Variations
One thing I love about this Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Candy Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your personal taste. Over time, I’ve tried mixing things up and it’s always fun to customize depending on your cravings or dietary needs.
- Swap nuts: I sometimes use cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for a different crunchy experience.
- Add flavors: A pinch of sea salt on top or a sprinkle of cinnamon adds an unexpected twist I adore during holidays.
- Dairy-free variation: Look for dairy-free chocolate chips and almond bark to keep this candy vegan-friendly without losing flavor.
- Extra crunch: Toss in some crushed pretzels or toffee bits for added texture – my family goes crazy for this.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Candy Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients Carefully
Start by spreading the dry roasted salted and unsalted peanuts evenly across the bottom of your crockpot. I like to mix them slightly for an even distribution. Then, layer on the semisweet chocolate chips, followed by the chopped German sweet baking chocolate, and finally top it off with the almond bark pieces. Don’t stir just yet! It’s important to keep these layers so the slow cooker melts everything gradually and evenly.
Step 2: Slow Cook and Melt
Pop the lid on and cook everything on low heat for about 2 hours. This low-and-slow approach lets the chocolate and almond bark melt gently without burning. Resist the urge to open the lid too often – peek once if you must, but each peek lets heat escape and can slow down the melting process.
Step 3: Stir and Form Your Candy
Once the 2 hours are up and the chocolate has melted into a smooth, shiny mixture, give everything a good stir until well combined. I usually turn off the crockpot right here and use a spoon to drop mounded spoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. If you like, you can add sprinkles, flaky sea salt, or chopped nuts on top to finish them off.
Step 4: Cool and Set
Let the candy cool and set at room temperature for about 4 hours, or speed things up by popping the trays into the fridge for 1 hour. This step is key to getting those perfectly firm yet chewy candies that hold their shape.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Candy Recipe
- Layering Matters: Resist mixing ingredients before cooking to avoid uneven melting or burning in spots.
- Choose Quality Nuts: Using fresh dry roasted peanuts really makes a difference in crunch and flavor.
- Don’t Rush Cooling: Setting time gives the candy its signature firm texture – patience here pays off!
- Avoid High Heat: Cooking on high can cause the chocolate to seize – low and slow is the key.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Candy Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these candies with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt or colorful holiday sprinkles for a festive touch. If I’m feeling fancy, a few toasted coconut flakes on top add a lovely texture contrast and a hint of tropical flavor that’s just fantastic.
Side Dishes
While this candy stands alone beautifully, I often serve it alongside a simple cup of black coffee or a creamy hot chocolate. It’s also great on dessert platters with fresh berries and whipped cream—super easy to pair and always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gifting, I like placing these chocolate peanut candies in festive tins layered with parchment paper. They also make great party favors when wrapped individually in cute cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. One year, I even arranged them in a jar topped with a personalized label — everyone loved the thoughtful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover candy in an airtight container at room temperature, and trust me, they stay fresh and chewy for up to a month. Just make sure the container is sealed well to prevent them from drying out or picking up any odors from nearby foods.
Freezing
Freezing is a lifesaver if you want to prep ahead. I wrap small batches tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in freezer bags. When thawed in the fridge overnight, the candy keeps its texture and flavor beautifully—perfect for last-minute gifts or unexpected guests!
Reheating
If you want to soften up the candy a bit before serving, I usually let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or so. Avoid microwaving directly as it can cause the chocolate to become grainy. The key is gentle warming to keep that luscious texture intact.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of nut in this Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Candy Recipe?
Absolutely! While peanuts are classic here, you can swap in almonds, cashews, or even pecans depending on your preference. Just be sure your nuts are dry roasted to maintain the perfect texture and flavor in the candy.
-
What kind of slow cooker works best for this recipe?
Any standard slow cooker with a low heat setting will work great. A 4-6 quart size is ideal — big enough to spread the ingredients in layers without crowding. Avoid mini or very small slow cookers as the candy might melt unevenly.
-
Can I make this candy without almond bark?
Almond bark helps bind the candy and gives it that smooth, glossy finish, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute with white chocolate or candy melts. Just keep an eye on the melting process as different types of coating will melt differently.
-
Is this candy gluten-free?
Yes! All the main ingredients (peanuts, chocolate chips, and almond bark) are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your almond bark brand for any cross-contamination warnings if you’re concerned.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Candy Recipe feels like a little kitchen secret I’m excited to share with you. It’s one of those recipes that’s carefree to make yet delivers big on taste and smiles. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a special event, it’s sure to become a crowd favorite. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy every gooey, nutty bite as much as I do!
Print
Easy Crockpot Chocolate Peanut Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 80 candies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crockpot Candy is a simple and delicious treat made by slowly melting together peanuts, chocolate chips, German baking chocolate, and almond bark in a slow cooker. This easy no-stir recipe results in rich, melt-in-your-mouth candy clusters perfect for gifting or snacking.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) jar dry roasted salted peanuts
- 1 (16-ounce) jar dry roasted unsalted peanuts
- 1 (12-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 (4-ounce) bar German sweet baking chocolate, chopped
- 2 pounds almond bark, cut into pieces (950g)
Instructions
- Layer the ingredients: Spread the salted and unsalted peanuts evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. On top, layer the semisweet chocolate chips, followed by the chopped German sweet baking chocolate, and finally the pieces of almond bark. Do not stir the layers.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 2 hours, allowing the chocolates and almond bark to melt and the flavors to meld together.
- Mix the candy: After the cooking time, remove the lid and stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Form candy clusters: Turn off the slow cooker. Spoon the warm mixture into small mounds onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. If desired, decorate the tops with sprinkles or a pinch of flaked salt to add extra flavor and texture.
- Set the candy: Let the candy stand at room temperature until cooled and set, about 4 hours. Alternatively, refrigerate for 1 hour to speed up the setting process.
- Store: Once firm, store the Crockpot Candy in an airtight container for up to 1 month, making it perfect for sharing or savoring over time.
Notes
- This recipe uses only five simple ingredients yet delivers a rich and satisfying chocolate-peanut treat.
- Using a slow cooker makes it easy to melt the chocolate slowly without any risk of burning.
- You can customize the toppings with sprinkles, sea salt flakes, or even chopped nuts for added texture.
- Ensure to layer ingredients in the order specified without stirring to prevent burning or uneven melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 131 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 28 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0.001 mg
