Jump into the irresistible world of sweet treats with this easy crockpot candy. An effortless candy recipe made with a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps.
The combination of creamy almond bark, crunchy peanuts, and richness of chocolate and butterscotch create a delicious contrast that appeals to all ages.
Slow cooker candy is your ticket to sweet moments any time of year. Although this recipe truly shines during the holiday season, it’s the perfect dessert for potlucks, dinners, or parties any time of year.
Similar to our white chocolate christmas crack, divinity candy or gluten free peanut brittle, you can’t help but reach for seconds!
The combination of creamy almond bark, crunchy peanuts, and rich chocolate is something that appeals to all ages. Plus, it pairs well with hot cocoa, crockpot apple cider, or even a candy cane mocktail.
Not to mention, the ease of the crock pot makes this recipe a go-to for both novice cooks and experienced bakers. If you have a busy schedule or a just big sweet tooth, this recipe is for you!
Why you’ll love this crockpot chocolate candy
- This is a minimal effort, maximal flavor type of recipe.
- It’s a crowd pleaser recipe for holiday parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- You can make it your own with different types of nuts and chocolates.
- These candies make great homemade gifts during the holiday season.
- It’s the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and chocolaty flavors.
- They are naturally gluten free
The ingredients
- Vanilla almond bark – Almond bark’s neutral sweetness and smooth texture allows the distinct flavors of peanuts, chocolate, and butterscotch to shine.
- Peanuts – Spanish peanuts are known for their nutty flavor and satisfying crunchy texture. They’re also smaller than regular peanuts allowing them to spread out throughout the candy. Unsalted peanut work best.
- Peanut butter – Adding peanut butter creates a subtle nutty undertone and it also helps bind the other ingredients together. However, this can be left out without any consequence and you can swap for Biscoff butter.
- Chocolate chips – Any type of chocolate chip will work well in this recipe such as dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Butterscotch chips – Chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even white chocolate chips can be used instead for a less potent flavor.
How to make crock pot candy
Step 1: Combine
Place all of the ingredients into a crock pot on low heat and let cook for one hour untouched.
Step 2: Cook and Stir
Once the candy melts, use a wooden spoon, making sure to scrape the sides of the pot, to stir until everything is mixed. Continue cooking for another hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Let Set
Once everything is evenly mixed, place 2-3 tablespoon sized dollops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or waxed paper. Let the candy set until hard.
Pro tip: I recommend 2-3 tablespoon dollops but you can make the candy as large or small as you’d like. Depending on the size of your candy, the hardening time may vary.
Tips for making the best crock pot candy
- Spread evenly – Spread the ingredients out evenly on the bottom of the crock pot for uniform melting.
- Mixing – Be sure to stir the candy mixture every 15-20 minutes once everything starts melting. It will start burning on the sides of the pot if left too long.
- Burning – If the mixture does slightly burn on the sides of the pan, stir it in. It will not make a difference in the flavor. But, if the entire sides of the pot are scorched, you may have to start over depending on the flavor.
- Refrigerate – If you want the candies to harden faster, spoon them on a lined cookie sheet and place it in the fridge.
Variations
- Holiday sprinkles – Festive sprinkles are a great addition to his simple recipe especially if you plan to serve during Christmas time. Sprinkle some on after the candy is done but before it’s hardened all the way.
- Toffee bits – If you’re a toffee fan, feel free to add some toffee bits to the crock pot while the candy is cooking.
- Pretzel pieces – For an extra crunch, you can add some GF pretzel peices on top of the candy before it’s hardened all the way. Do not add to the crock pot or the pretzels will get soggy while cooking.
- Nut free – If you’re catering to any nut allergies or simply don’t like nuts, you can omit completely, swap them for GF rice krispies, or replace with coconut flakes. If have a peanut allergy, feel free to swap for almonds, macadamia nuts, or pecans.
- Extra chocolate – An easy way to take this candy to the next level is by drizzling melted chocolate on top after they’ve hardened.
Storage
Storing – Store homemade candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Make sure the candy has completely cooled before storing and use wax paper to layer candies in the container.
Freezing – Just like storing, make sure your candies are completely cooled before placing in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw on the counter when you’re ready to enjoy.
More recipes you’ll love
- These easy gluten free chocolate chip cookies are the perfect treat for any season.
- If you’re looking for something other than dessert, try our Christmas charcuterie board or Thanksgiving charcuterie board.
- These gluten free crescent rolls are the best side dish to nearly any main course.
- If you’re a peanut butter fan, then you’ll love these peanut butter reindeer cookies.
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Easy Crockpot Candy
Ingredients
- 1 pound white almond bark
- 1 pound Spanish peanuts
- 10 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a 3 or 6 quart slow cooker or crock pot. Turn to low heat and let the mixture melt together, untouched for 1 hour. Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture together, ensuring to go all the way to the bottom of the pan.
- Continue cooking and melting the mixture together for 1 more hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes so that the mixture does not burn.
- Once the mixture has cooked together, spoon the mixture into 2-3 tablespoon sized dollops onto a large piece of parchment paper. Let the candies set at room temperature for at least 1 hour or until hardened.
Notes
Storage
Storingย – Store homemade candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Make sure the candy has completely cooled before storing and use wax paper to layer candies in the container.ย Freezingย – Just like storing, make sure your candies are completely cooled before placing in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw on the counter when you’re ready to enjoy.ยVariations
- Holiday sprinklesย – Festive sprinkles are a great addition to his simple recipe especially if you plan to serve during Christmas time. Sprinkle some on after the candy is done but before it’s hardened all the way.ย
- Toffee bitsย – If you’re a toffee fan, feel free to add some toffee bits to the crock pot while the candy is cooking.ย
- Pretzel piecesย – For an extra crunch, you can add some pretzel peices on top of the candy before it’s hardened all the way. Do not add to the crock pot or the pretzels will get soggy while cooking.ย
- Nut freeย – If you’re catering to any nut allergies or simply don’t like nuts, you can omit completely, swap them for rice krispies, or replace with coconut flakes. If have a peanut allergy, feel free to swap for almonds, macadamia nuts, or pecans.ย
- Extra chocolateย – An easy way to take this candy to the next level is by drizzling melted chocolate on top after they’ve hardened.ย
Tipsย
- Spread evenlyย – Spread the ingredients out evenly on the bottom of the crock pot for uniform melting.
- Mixingย – Be sure to stir the candy mixture every 15-20 minutes once everything starts melting. It will start burning on the sides of the pot if left too long.ย
- Burningย – If the mixture doesย slightlyย burn on the sides of the pan, stir it in. It will not make a difference in the flavor. But, if the entire sides of the pot are scorched, you may have to start over depending on the flavor.ย
- Refrigerateย – If you want the candies to harden faster, spoon them on a lined cookie sheet and place it in the fridge.ย
Carol says
I have always been intimidated to make homemade candy. But this recipe was a breeze and made me feel like a pro! They didnโt last long at our house๐
We will be making them again to take to friends and neighbors!