Looking for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing treat this holiday season? This Christmas Crock Pot Candy is your new go-to dessert! It’s a chocolatey, nutty, and sweet confection made effortlessly in a slow cooker with only a few ingredients. With just 5 minutes of prep time, this festive candy delivers all the holiday cheer without the kitchen chaos. Whether you’re prepping for a party, filling cookie tins, or making edible gifts, this recipe is guaranteed to wow your friends and family. Plus, it stores and freezes beautifully — ideal for planning ahead during the busy Christmas season.
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Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crock Pot Candy
This recipe isn’t just about convenience — it’s a holiday lifesaver. Made entirely in a crock pot, it eliminates stovetop mess and oven juggling. The combination of creamy chocolate, crunchy peanuts, and sweet sprinkles offers irresistible flavor and texture in every bite. It’s perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned bakers alike. Even better? It can yield up to 75 pieces, making it a great budget-friendly treat for holiday parties, potlucks, or cookie exchanges.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Christmas Crock Pot Candy
• White Chocolate Almond Bark: Adds creamy richness and helps the candy set properly.
• Chocolate Almond Bark: Deepens the chocolate flavor while stabilizing the texture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Contributes depth and a slightly bitter note to balance sweetness.
• Salted Peanuts: Offers a salty crunch and contrast to the sweet chocolate base.
• Peanut Butter: Enhances creaminess and adds a familiar, nutty flavor.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Optional, but they bring that festive, colorful touch.
Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions
• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without peanuts.
• Dairy-Free Option: Choose dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure your almond bark is non-dairy.
• No Peanut Butter?: Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different nutty twist.
• Chocolate Variations: Swap semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate or milk chocolate based on your sweetness preference.
How to Make Christmas Crock Pot Candy (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Break the almond bark (both white and chocolate) into chunks and place them in the crock pot.
- Add the Peanuts: Pour in the salted peanuts and stir to combine.
- Start Cooking: Cook on low for 15 minutes, then stir the mixture thoroughly.
- Add the Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter: Mix them in and continue cooking on low for another 15 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting.
- Get Ready for Dropping: Line baking sheets with parchment paper in advance so you’re ready when the mixture is done.
- Form the Candy: Spoon tablespoon-sized dollops of the melted candy mixture onto the prepared sheets.
- Decorate: Immediately top with holiday sprinkles, if desired, while the mixture is still soft.
- Set the Candy: Let it harden at room temperature or refrigerate for about one hour for faster setting.
- Store: Once firm, transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature or freeze.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Crock Pot Candy
• Use Quality Chocolate: The flavor difference is worth it! Inferior chocolate can make your candy greasy and bland.
• Don’t Skip Almond Bark: It’s essential for the candy to set up properly. Regular chocolate won’t hold its shape as well.
• Towel Trick: Place a clean kitchen towel under the slow cooker lid to absorb moisture and prevent condensation from dripping into your candy.
• Prep Ahead: Lay out your baking sheets before cooking finishes to streamline the process.
• Refrigerate to Set Faster: Chill the candies for an hour for quicker hardening and easy handling.
Delicious Ways to Serve, Pair, and Customize
Pair Christmas Crock Pot Candy with warm drinks like hot cocoa, peppermint mochas, or mulled cider for the ultimate winter treat. It’s also ideal on a holiday dessert platter with cookies and truffles.
Try these fun variations:
• Mint Chocolate: Add peppermint extract or crushed candy canes.
• Fruity Crunch: Add dried cranberries or chopped cherries for a tart contrast.
• Nutty Variety: Mix in almonds or cashews for extra crunch.
• Holiday Shapes: Drop into mini silicone molds for themed candy pieces.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a bold twist.
Storage Tips: Store candy in airtight containers at room temperature for 1–2 weeks. To freeze, place in single layers on parchment paper and flash freeze for 30 minutes before transferring to freezer bags. Keeps well for up to 2 months.
Make It a Memorable Homemade Gift
Homemade candy is one of the most thoughtful and appreciated gifts during the holidays. Package your Christmas Crock Pot Candy in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or use decorative tins lined with parchment for a classic presentation. It’s perfect for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, and friends.
Create lasting memories this holiday season by turning a simple slow cooker recipe into a festive family tradition. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, Christmas Crock Pot Candy is your ticket to easy holiday joy.
Wrapping Up: The Magic of Christmas Crock Pot Candy
This Christmas Crock Pot Candy recipe checks all the boxes: it’s incredibly easy, deliciously indulgent, budget-friendly, and festive enough to steal the show at any holiday table. With just a handful of pantry staples and your trusty slow cooker, you can whip up a sweet, crunchy, and chocolatey delight in no time. Whether you’re making it for gifts, parties, or your own cookie tray, this treat is sure to become a cherished tradition for years to come. Don’t wait—unwrap the magic of this irresistible holiday candy today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Crock Pot Candy
How long does Christmas Crock Pot Candy last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Christmas Crock Pot Candy stays fresh for up to 2 weeks. If you want to make it in advance or store leftovers longer, place the candy in freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to flash-freeze pieces individually first to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I make Christmas Crock Pot Candy without a slow cooker?
Yes! If you don’t have a crock pot, you can melt the ingredients in a double boiler or microwave using short 20-30 second bursts, stirring in between. Just be sure to melt slowly to avoid burning the chocolate or seizing the almond bark. The slow cooker is preferred for its even, gentle heat, but stovetop and microwave methods work in a pinch.
What can I use instead of almond bark?
While almond bark is recommended for the best results (firm texture and easy setup), you can substitute it with candy melts or a combination of white chocolate + coconut oil (1 teaspoon oil per 1 cup of chocolate) to help it firm up. Avoid using only regular chocolate as it may not harden properly at room temperature,
More Relevant Recipes
- Ghost Cookies (No-Bake Recipe): These no-bake ghost cookies are the perfect festive counterpart to Christmas Crock Pot Candy. Made with simple ingredients and decorated for the holidays, they’re quick, kid-friendly, and full of charm — just like your favorite crock pot candy.
- Halloween Oreo Brownies: Rich, chocolatey, and bursting with sweet Oreo goodness, these brownies are an indulgent treat that complements the flavor profile of crock pot candy. Great for any holiday dessert table with their chewy texture and festive appearance.
- Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting: Soft, spiced cookies topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting make these a warm and cozy dessert option. Their seasonal flair and sweetness align beautifully with the rich, festive notes of Christmas Crock Pot Candy.
Christmas Crock Pot Candy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 75 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Crock Pot Candy is a quick and festive no-fuss treat made in your slow cooker. Combining almond bark, semi-sweet chocolate, peanuts, and peanut butter, it’s the perfect make-ahead holiday dessert for parties, gifts, and cookie trays.
Ingredients
- 1 lb white chocolate almond bark: for creamy sweetness and texture
- 1 lb chocolate almond bark: adds depth of chocolate flavor
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: balances sweetness with a richer taste
- 3 cups salted peanuts: for crunchy texture and a salty-sweet contrast
- 1 cup peanut butter: enhances creaminess and nutty flavor
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (optional): for decorative festive flair
Instructions
- Break the white and chocolate almond bark into small pieces and place in the crock pot.
- Add the salted peanuts and stir to distribute evenly.
- Cover the crock pot with a clean kitchen towel, then place the lid over it to catch condensation.
- Set the crock pot to low and cook for 15 minutes, then stir well.
- Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter, stir to combine.
- Continue cooking on low for 15 to 30 more minutes, stirring occasionally until fully melted and smooth.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Drop spoonfuls of the melted mixture onto the parchment paper in tablespoon-sized portions.
- Immediately top with sprinkles if using.
- Let the candy set at room temperature or refrigerate for about 1 hour until firm.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for better taste and texture.
- Don’t substitute almond bark with regular chocolate, as it may not harden properly.
- Using a towel under the lid helps prevent condensation from ruining the texture.
- Chill candy to speed up setting if you’re short on time.
- Perfect for gifting during the holidays—store in decorative tins or bags.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg