Crock Pot Candy

Okay, friends, let’s talk about something truly magical.Crock Pot Candy: What are someI remember the first time my Aunt Carol brought this to our family Christmas party. What if it was gone in a few minutes? Imagine the fudgiest, richest chocolate candies, studded with salty peanuts and pretzels, all melty. Now imagine making it with almost zero effort. That, my friends, is Crock Pot Candy. Is it easier to make homemade fudge? What are some of my favorite things to make, especially around the holidays? The aroma that fills the house is pure heaven.

What is crock pot candy?

Think of Crock Pot Candy: How do you as the lazy person’s fudge. It’s essentially a collection of chocolate, Peanut Butter, nuts, and other goodies melted together in a slow cooker. The slow cooking process creates an incredibly smooth and decadent candy that’s surprisingly simple to make. There’s no candy thermometer involved, no constant stirring, no risk of burning. Just dump, melt, and spread. The name says it all – it’s candy, made in a crock pot! It’s a fantastic treat to share with friends and family, or to keep all to yourself… I won’t judge!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? First, the flavor! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a rich Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor that’s totally addictive. Then, there’s the simplicity. Honestly, it’s almost embarrassing how easy it is to make. Throw everything in the crock pot, let it melt, and spread it out. Done! What I love most about this is that it’s incredibly cost-effective. You can use store-brand chocolate and nuts and still end up with a gourmet-tasting treat.

But the versatility is the real winner here. You can customize it with different nuts, candies, or even dried fruit. I’ve tried it with almonds, pecans, M&Ms, and even a little bit of dried cranberries – all delicious. It’s also perfect for gifting. I always make a big batch around the holidays and package it up in cute little tins for my neighbors and friends. It’s always a hit! If you love easy candy recipes like Peanut Butter fudge or chocolate bark, you absolutely have to try this. It’s a game-changer, I promise!

How do you make crock pot candy?

Quick Overview

Making Crock Pot Candy: What are someIs it easy to cheat? What are some examples of layering chocolate, peanut butter, and add-ins in a recipe? Slow Cooker, letting it all melt together, and then spreading it out to cool. What is slow cooker? How do you stir a layer too early? This method is especially great because it prevents the chocolate from burning, which can happen. How do you melt a potato on the stovetop?

Ingredients

For the Base:
* 1 (16 ounce) jar salted peanuts
* 1 (16 ounce) jar cocktail peanuts
* 1 (20 ounce) package of almond bark, cut into squares. If you prefer a sweeter candy, you can also use white chocolate bark. Make sure the bark is fresh for the best melting.
* 1 (16 ounce) package milk chocolate bark, cut into squares. I like to use a good quality milk chocolate for the best flavor.
* 1 (16 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips. The semi-sweet adds a nice balance to the sweetness of the other ingredients.
* 1 (18 ounce) jar Creamy Peanut Butter. Make sure it’s not the natural kind, as it can separate and make the candy greasy.

Optional Add-in
* Pretzels (broken into pieces)
* M&Ms
* Pecans
* Dried cranberries
* Sprinkles (for decorating)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. How do I remove candy from my mouth? In a crock pot, layer the almond bark, milk chocolate bark and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Top with the remaining ingredients. What are peanuts, and Peanut Butter? In what order do you put the barks in? So it melts evenly.

Step 2: Slow Cook

Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the chocolate is completely melted. Is it safe to stir a layer too early? I usually check it after 2 hours and give it a gentle stir. If it’s not fully melted, I let it go for another 30 minutes or so.

Step 3: Stir and Add Add-ins

Once the chocolate is completely melted, remove the lid and stir everything together until it’s completely smooth. Is it smooth and creamy? Do not over-stir, as this can make the candy grainy. Now stir in any optional add-ins, like pretzels or M&Ms. Stir in dried cranberries.

Step 4: Spread and Cool

How do I spread the mixture on a baking sheet? I usually go for 14 inch thickness. You can make it as thick or thin as you like. If you want to add sprinkles, now is the time to do it!

Step 5: Chill and Break

Let the candy cool completely at room temperature, or chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. How do I speed up the process? Once it’s firm, break it into pieces with your hands. I like to make irregular shapes for a rustic look.

Step 6: Store

Store the Crock Pot Candy: What are someIn an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Can you keep it for up to 2 weeks?

What is the best way to serve it?

Crock Pot Candy: How do youIs a good treat on its own?For a Holiday Platter:Arrange the candy on a festive platter with other holiday treats like cookies, brownies, and fruit. I like chocolate. It adds a nice chocolatey element to the mix.Which is better: hot chocolate or coffee?What is the best way to enjoy a hot chocolate? What are some good ways to warm up on a cold day?As a Gift:Package the candy in a cute tin or cellophane bag and give it as gift to friends or family. Is it a thoughtful gesture?As a Dessert Topping:What is the best way to serve candy over ice cream, yogurt, or even waffles? What are the best pretzels with salty crunch?

How do you make a crock pot candy?

Don’t overcoWhat is the biggest mistake you can make when overcooking chocolate? What causes it to burn and become grainy? If it’s melted, keep a close eye on it and stir it as soon as possible.What is good quality chocolate?I highly recommend using a good quality chocolate for the taste. What makes a difference?Don’t Use Natural Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter can separate and make the candy greasy. Stick with creamy peanut butter for the best results.

Add a Pinch of Salt: If you want to enhance the salty-sweet flavor, add a pinch of salt to the mixture before spreading it out.

Experiment with Add-ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your add-ins! Try different nuts, candies, or even dried fruit. The possibilities are endless.

Use Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent the candy from sticking and make it easy to remove.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Crock Pot Candy can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent it from melting.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the candy in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This will help it stay firm and prevent it from melting.

Freezer Instructions: If you want to store the candy for even longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re adding a glaze or sprinkles, do so after the candy has cooled completely. This will prevent the glaze from melting or the sprinkles from sinking in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use any type of chocolate you like. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate would all work well. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness level accordingly.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can substitute the peanuts with any other type of nut you prefer. Almonds, pecans, walnuts, or cashews would all be delicious.

Can I make this without peanut butter?

You can definitely make this without peanut butter. Try substituting it with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.

How do I prevent the chocolate from burning?

The key to preventing the chocolate from burning is to cook it on low heat and stir it frequently. Also, make sure your slow cooker is not too hot. If you notice the chocolate starting to burn, reduce the heat or turn off the slow cooker completely.

How do I make this vegan?

To make this vegan, use vegan chocolate, vegan peanut butter, and vegan almond bark. You can also substitute the peanuts with other vegan-friendly nuts and add-ins.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Candy is one of those recipes that just makes life a little bit sweeter (pun intended!). It’s incredibly easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. What I love most is that it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious treats, be sure to check out my peanut butter blossoms recipe or my simple chocolate bark. These are also quick, easy, and always a hit! I really hope you give this a try and see for yourself how amazing it is. Happy candy making! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out, and if you have any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them!