Name: Crock Pot Candy Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 30
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb salted peanuts; 1 lb unsalted peanuts; 16 oz semisweet chocolate chips; 2 lbs white almond bark; ½ cup holiday sprinkles

Creating delicious treats doesn't get any easier than this crock pot candy recipe. Perfect for the holidays, this sweet and salty delight combines peanuts with rich chocolate and festive sprinkles. It's a simple yet impressive way to add some homemade charm to your dessert table.

Photos of Crock Pot Candy Recipe

While most of the ingredients are pantry staples, you might need to pick up some white almond bark and holiday sprinkles. White almond bark is a type of candy coating that melts smoothly and is ideal for making candy. Holiday sprinkles add a festive touch and can be found in the baking aisle, especially around festive seasons.

Ingredients For Crock Pot Candy Recipe

Salted peanuts: Adds a savory contrast to the sweet ingredients.

Unsalted peanuts: Balances the flavor and adds texture.

Semisweet chocolate chips: Provide a rich chocolatey base for the candy.

White almond bark: Gives a smooth and creamy texture, perfect for candy making.

Holiday sprinkles: Adds a festive and colorful touch to the candy.

One reader, Bette Gannon says:

This crock pot candy recipe is a game-changer! It's incredibly easy to make and the result is deliciously addictive. The combination of salted and unsalted peanuts with rich chocolate and festive sprinkles is perfect. A must-try for any holiday treat!

Bette Gannon

Techniques Required for Making Crock Pot Candy

How to use a crock pot: Ensure you know how to operate a crock pot, including setting it to the correct temperature and understanding the cooking times. How to stir properly: Stirring ensures that all ingredients are evenly mixed. Use a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to combine the melted chocolate and peanuts thoroughly. How to drop candy onto parchment paper: Use a tablespoon to scoop the mixture and drop it onto parchment paper, ensuring even-sized portions. How to cool candy: Allow the candy to cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator until it is firm and ready to serve.

How To Make Crock Pot Candy

This Crock Pot candy is made with chocolate, crispy peanuts, and almond bark. Topped with colorful sprinkles, these sweets are perfect for Christmas.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total: 1 hour 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbsalted peanuts,roasted
1lbunsalted peanuts,roasted
16ozsemisweet chocolate chips
2lbswhite almond bark,broken into pieces, or can use white candy melts
½cupholiday sprinkles

Instructions

Place the peanuts in a crock pot. Add the chocolate chips and almond bark on top.
Cook on Low for 1 hour. Remove lid and stir. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of the candy onto parchment paper, top with sprinkles. Cool until firm, then serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 435.04kcal
Fat: 34.59g
Saturated Fat: 5.95g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 18.70g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.70g
Carbohydrates: 25.16g
Fiber: 7.23g
Sugar: 14.34g
Protein: 14.61g
Sodium: 66.71mg
Calcium: 108.90mg
Potassium: 479.36mg
Iron: 2.53mg

Helpful Hint for Perfecting Your Crock Pot Candy

To ensure even melting and prevent scorching, chop the white almond bark into smaller pieces before adding it to the crock pot. This will help it melt more uniformly with the semisweet chocolate chips and create a smoother mixture.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Delicious Recipe

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the peanuts, chocolate chips, and almond bark in advance to streamline the process.

Use parchment paper: Line your workspace with parchment paper before starting to save time when dropping the candy.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and use a larger crock pot to make more candy in one go.

Quick cooling: Place the candy dollops in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.

Easy cleanup: Use a slow cooker liner to minimize cleanup time.

Substitute Ingredients For Crock Pot Candy Recipe

salted peanuts - Substitute with salted cashews: Cashews provide a similar crunch and salty flavor, making them a great alternative.
unsalted peanuts - Substitute with unsalted almonds: Almonds offer a comparable texture and mild flavor, suitable for balancing the sweetness of the candy.
semisweet chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips add a richer, slightly more bitter flavor that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.
white almond bark - Substitute with white chocolate chips: White chocolate chips can be used as they melt similarly and provide the same creamy sweetness.
holiday sprinkles - Substitute with crushed candy canes: Crushed candy canes add a festive touch and a hint of peppermint flavor, enhancing the holiday theme.

Creative Ways to Serve Up This Delightful Dessert

Use high-quality parchment paper: Ensure that the parchment paper is cut into uniform squares and placed neatly on a tray to give a clean and professional look.
Shape the candy precisely: Use a small ice cream scoop or a melon baller to create uniform, round dollops of candy. This ensures consistency in size and shape.
Garnish with precision: Carefully sprinkle the holiday sprinkles on top of each candy piece. Use tweezers if necessary to place the sprinkles exactly where you want them.
Cool on a wire rack: After placing the candy on the parchment paper, transfer the paper to a wire rack. This allows for even cooling and prevents any condensation from forming underneath.
Serve on a decorative platter: Arrange the cooled candies on an elegant, decorative platter. Consider using a tiered serving tray to add height and visual interest.
Add a touch of gold: For an extra touch of luxury, lightly dust the candies with edible gold powder. This adds a sophisticated and festive flair.
Pair with complementary flavors: Serve the crock pot candy alongside small bowls of complementary flavors, such as salted caramel sauce or dark chocolate ganache, for dipping.
Label with elegance: Create small, elegant labels for each type of candy, indicating the ingredients and any special notes. This adds a professional touch and informs your guests of what they are enjoying.

Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Crock Pot Candy

Allow the crock pot candy to cool completely before storing. This will ensure that the candy sets properly and maintains its shape.
Once cooled, store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Separate layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent the candy from sticking together.
For longer storage, you can freeze the crock pot candy for up to 2 months:
- Place the candy in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen candy to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
To thaw frozen crock pot candy, remove the desired amount from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Do not refrigerate, as this may cause condensation and affect the texture of the candy.
If the candy becomes too soft or loses its shape after thawing, you can place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up before serving.

Surprising Trivia About Crock Pot Candy

A fun fact about this crock pot candy recipe is that using both salted peanuts and unsalted peanuts creates a balanced flavor profile, combining the savory taste of the salted variety with the natural sweetness of the unsalted ones.

Is Making Crock Pot Candy Budget-Friendly?

The crock pot candy recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic ingredients like peanuts, semisweet chocolate chips, and white almond bark, the total cost is approximately $15-$20. This yields a large batch, perfect for a household of 4, making it an affordable treat. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Sweet Treat Healthy or Not So Much?

This crock pot candy recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - salted and unsalted peanuts, semisweet chocolate chips, and white almond bark - are all high in calories, fat, and sugar. Peanuts, although a good source of protein and healthy fats, are also calorie-dense. Chocolate chips and almond bark are both high in sugar and saturated fat, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess. The addition of holiday sprinkles only adds to the sugar content of the recipe.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Use a higher proportion of unsalted peanuts to reduce the overall sodium content
Opt for dark chocolate chips with a higher cocoa percentage, as they contain less sugar and more beneficial antioxidants
Replace some or all of the white almond bark with a healthier alternative, such as coconut oil or cocoa butter
Reduce the amount of chocolate chips and almond bark used overall to decrease the calorie, fat, and sugar content
Instead of holiday sprinkles, consider using dried fruit or finely chopped nuts as a topping for added nutrition and texture
Portion the candy into smaller serving sizes to encourage mindful consumption and prevent overindulgence

Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Crock Pot Treat

This crock pot candy recipe is a delightful and simple treat perfect for the holiday season. The combination of salted and unsalted peanuts provides a balanced flavor, while the semisweet chocolate chips and white almond bark create a rich, creamy texture. The use of a crock pot makes the process hassle-free, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully. Topping with holiday sprinkles adds a festive touch. Overall, it's an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that requires minimal effort for maximum reward.

Enhance Your Crock Pot Candy Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Elevate your dessert experience with a savory twist. These vegetables are roasted to perfection and drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze, creating a delightful contrast to the sweet and nutty flavors of the crock pot candy.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: Add a touch of elegance to your dessert spread with these meat and vegetable delights. The salty prosciutto complements the sweetness of the crock pot candy, while the asparagus adds a refreshing crunch.

Citrus Arugula Salad: Brighten up your dessert table with a zesty salad. The peppery arugula and juicy citrus segments provide a refreshing palate cleanser, balancing the richness of the crock pot candy.

Butternut Squash Soup: Warm up your dessert gathering with a comforting bowl of soup. The creamy butternut squash pairs beautifully with the sweet and salty notes of the crock pot candy, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Apple and Cheddar Cheese Platter: Create a sophisticated dessert pairing with a fruit and cheese platter. The crisp apples and sharp cheddar provide a delightful contrast to the rich, chocolatey crock pot candy, making for an unforgettable taste experience.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Crock Pot Candy

Peanut Butter Fudge: Indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness of peanut butter fudge. This delightful dessert combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate into a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of coffee.

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Crunchy, salty pretzels meet their match with a luscious coating of chocolate. These dessert bites are easy to make and even easier to devour. Add a sprinkle of sea salt or holiday sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Rocky Road Clusters: Dive into the decadent world of rocky road clusters. These dessert treats are packed with marshmallows, nuts, and chunks of chocolate. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

White Chocolate Peppermint Bark: Celebrate the season with white chocolate peppermint bark. This dessert combines creamy white chocolate with crunchy peppermint pieces for a refreshing and festive treat. Perfect for holiday parties or as a homemade gift.

Nutty Caramel Clusters: Experience the ultimate indulgence with nutty caramel clusters. These dessert bites feature a gooey caramel center surrounded by a mix of nuts and coated in rich chocolate. A perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite.

Appetizer and Entrée Pairings for Crock Pot Candy

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. Imagine cremini mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushroom caps are baked until tender, and the filling becomes a creamy, flavorful bite. Top them with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a touch of parsley for an elegant finish. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering, offering a burst of flavor in every mouthful.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian starter that never fails to impress. Start with slices of toasted baguette rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. Top each slice with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of balsamic vinegar. The combination of the crunchy bread and the fresh, tangy topping creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of black pepper to elevate this simple yet sophisticated appetizer.

Main Courses:

Chicken Parmesan: Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Serve it over a bed of spaghetti or alongside a fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal. The key to this dish is achieving the perfect balance of textures and flavors: the crunch of the breaded chicken, the tangy sweetness of the tomato sauce, and the gooey, melted cheese. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of elegance.

Beef Stroganoff: Beef Stroganoff is a hearty and comforting dish that features tender slices of beef cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home and pairs wonderfully with egg noodles or mashed potatoes. The richness of the sour cream and the earthiness of the mushrooms create a luxurious sauce that coats the beef beautifully. Add a touch of Dijon mustard and a splash of white wine to elevate the flavors even further. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Why trust this Crock Pot Candy Recipe:

This crock pot candy recipe is a foolproof treat that combines the perfect blend of salted peanuts and unsalted peanuts with rich semisweet chocolate chips and creamy white almond bark. The slow cooking process ensures a smooth, well-mixed candy that is easy to make and hard to resist. Topped with festive holiday sprinkles, this delightful confection is perfect for any occasion. Trust this recipe for its simplicity, deliciousness, and the joy it brings to every bite.

Share your thoughts and experiences with the Crock Pot Candy Recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum section. Join the discussion and let us know how your batch turned out!

FAQ:

Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can mix in other nuts like cashews, almonds, or pecans if you prefer. Just keep the total amount of nuts the same.

How do I store the crock pot candy?

Once the candy is firm, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks.

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste. It will still turn out delicious.

What if I don't have a crock pot?

No worries! You can melt the ingredients in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth, then proceed with the recipe as directed.

Can I skip the holiday sprinkles?

Sure thing! The sprinkles are just for decoration and a bit of festive flair. You can leave them out or use any other toppings you like.