If you’re looking for a festive, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or sweet gifting, this Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe is exactly what you need. With its luscious layers of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, this recipe brings all the joy of Christmas right into your kitchen. Best of all, it’s effortless to make using just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, allowing you to savor every delightful bite without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures for this Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe. From the salty crunch of the peanuts and pecans to the creamy melt of the almond bark and peanut butter, you’re in for a symphony of festive taste.
- 2 cups peanuts (dry roasted or salted): Adds a delightful crunch and a touch of saltiness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: These provide a buttery texture and enhance the nutty flavor profile.
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter: Brings a rich, creamy depth that binds everything together.
- 1 lb vanilla almond bark: Offers a smooth, sweet base with a lovely vanilla undertone.
- 1 lb chocolate almond bark: Adds decadence and a silky chocolate finish.
- 12 oz dark chocolate chips: Gives a slightly bitter contrast and extra chocolatey goodness.
- 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles (optional): Brings festive color and a fun crunch for presentation.
How to Make Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Start by spraying your slow cooker with nonstick spray. This simple step ensures that the candy won’t stick to the sides, making cleanup a breeze and helping you keep all that delicious goodness intact.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
Add the almond bark (both vanilla and chocolate), dark chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, peanuts, and chopped pecans directly into the slow cooker. Seeing all these goodies together is pure holiday happiness in one pot!
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low for 2 hours or, if you’re short on time, high for 1 hour. While it cooks, stir the mixture every 20 minutes. This helps melt everything evenly and keeps the texture smooth and luscious.
Step 4: Shape Your Candy
Once everything is beautifully melted and mixed, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into muffin liners placed in a muffin tin. This makes perfectly portioned bites that are easy to share and enjoy. If you want to get extra festive, sprinkle some Christmas sprinkles on top for a cheerful finish.
Step 5: Chill Until Firm
Pop the trays into the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours until the candy firms up. This chilling step is key to getting that satisfying snap when you bite into these decadent treats.
How to Serve Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe
Garnishes
Adding Christmas sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or a light dusting of powdered sugar elevates the festive feel and adds a pop of color and texture to your candies. These simple touches can brighten up your holiday dessert table and make each piece feel special.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe pairs beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa, marshmallow-topped coffee, or even a festive glass of eggnog. The richness of the candy provides the perfect contrast to these drinks, creating a cozy holiday indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your candy in decorative holiday tins or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gift-giving. You could also arrange them on a festive platter lined with holly leaves or festive napkins to make a charming centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay fresh and maintain their wonderful texture without getting sticky or crumbly.
Freezing
If you want to keep your holiday stash longer, these candies freeze beautifully. Place them in a sealed freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating
While this candy is best enjoyed chilled and firm, if you want to soften it slightly, simply leave it at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving or reheating directly as it can affect the texture and cause separation.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture, making the candy even crunchier and more interesting to bite into.
Is it necessary to use a slow cooker for this recipe?
The slow cooker is great for easy, low-effort melting and mixing, but you can carefully melt the ingredients on a double boiler if you prefer. Just be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
Can I substitute nuts for allergies or preferences?
Yes, you can swap out peanuts and pecans for other nuts like almonds or walnuts, or even seeds if you need a nut-free version. Just keep the total volume about the same to maintain the candy’s texture.
What kind of almond bark works best?
Look for good-quality vanilla and chocolate almond bark, which melts smoothly and has a great flavor. You can find these in the baking aisle or specialty stores during the holidays.
How long does the candy take to chill and set?
The candy typically needs 1 to 2 hours in the fridge to firm up properly. If it’s cooler in your fridge, check after 1 hour and adjust as needed – you want a firm but not rock-hard texture.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe is an absolute holiday winner that combines ease, flavor, and that warm festive feeling we all love. Whether you’re making it for yourself, family, or to gift friends, it’s sure to become a treasured part of your Christmas celebrations. Now grab your slow cooker, and let the joyful candy-making begin!
Print
Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Christmas Candy recipe is an easy, no-fuss holiday treat combining peanuts, pecans, peanut butter, and multiple types of chocolate melted together in a slow cooker. Perfect for festive occasions, the candy is scooped into muffin liners, topped with colorful sprinkles, and chilled until firm. With minimal hands-on time, this sweet, nutty confection is ideal for gifting or sharing at holiday parties.
Ingredients
Nut Mixture
- 2 cups peanuts (dry roasted or salted)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Chocolate Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 lb vanilla almond bark
- 1 lb chocolate almond bark
- 12 oz dark chocolate chips
Toppings
- 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prep: Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray to ensure the candy mixture doesn’t stick during cooking.
- Add Ingredients: Place the vanilla almond bark, chocolate almond bark, dark chocolate chips, peanut butter, peanuts, and chopped pecans into the slow cooker.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low for 2 hours or high for 1 hour. Stir the mixture every 20 minutes to ensure everything melts evenly and combines well.
- Shape Candy: Once melted and mixed, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the candy mixture into muffin liners arranged in a muffin tin. Sprinkle the top of each candy with Christmas sprinkles if desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate the scooped candy for 1 to 2 hours, or until firm. Once set, they are ready to enjoy or share!
Notes
- Use nonstick spray generously to prevent sticking in the slow cooker.
- Stirring frequently ensures smooth, even melting and prevents burning.
- If you don’t have almond bark, you can substitute with white and milk chocolate melts.
- Store the finished candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Adding Christmas sprinkles is optional but adds a festive touch.
