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Crock Pot Candy - Dinner at the Zoo

This easy crock pot candy is creamy chocolate peanut clusters, all made with the help of a slow cooker! The perfect treat for the holidays that serves a crowd.

Peanuts and chocolate are a classic combination that never goes out of style. This easy candy can be made in the crock pot with just 5 minutes of prep time. It’s great for holiday parties or to give as gifts along with other treats such as buckeye balls and peppermint bark.

A holiday tin filled with crock pot candy.

The holidays are here, which means there’s a lot of celebrating and gift giving going on! There are times when I have the energy and patience to sit and decorate intricate holiday cookies by hand, and times where I need a quick hostess gift or party food contribution without a lot of effort. This crock pot candy is SO simple to make, tastes delicious and looks impressive. It’s perfect for gifts, parties and any time you just need a bite of something sweet. These chocolate peanut clusters will become a tradition in your house!

Crock pot candy ingredients

Bowls of ingredients including peanuts, almond bark, chocolate and sprinkles.

This slow cooker candy only has 4 ingredients – peanuts, chocolate chips, white almond bark and holiday sprinkles. I use a combination of salted and unsalted nuts for best flavor.

How do you make crock pot candy?

Place the peanuts in a slow cooker, then add the chocolate chips and almond bark on top. Cook for an hour, then remove the lid and stir everything together. Cover the pot, and cook for a little longer until everything is melted together. Stir well, then drop the candy mixture by the spoonful on to a sheet pan. Add a few sprinkles, then let the candy sit until it’s completely firm.

Step by step process shots showing how to make crock pot candy.

Tips for the perfect candy

  • This recipe serves a crowd, it will make anywhere from 25-40 pieces depending on the size of your clusters.
  • If you’re not familiar with almond bark, it typically comes in one pound bricks and is a white candy coating. It’s found near the chocolate chips in most grocery stores. If you can’t find almond bark, you can use white candy melts instead.
  • You will need a crock pot that has a capacity of at least 4 quarts for this recipe.
Chocolate peanut clusters on a plate.

Recipe FAQs

How long does homemade candy stay good?

The candy will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze your candy for 2 months.

How do you melt almond bark in a crock pot?

The best way to melt almond bark in a crock pot is to cut it into chunks, then cook it for at least one hour over low heat. The almond bark may still look formed after an hour, but when you stir it, it will reveal a liquid interior and will melt into the rest of the ingredients.

Crock pot candy peanut clusters in a decorative tin.

Flavor variations

While this candy is delicious as-is, you can add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your liking.

  • Nuts: Feel free to substitute other types of nuts. Some great options include almonds, pecans and walnuts.
  • Add-ins: You can stir in 1/2 cup of rice krispy cereal at the very end of the cooking time to add a little extra texture. Another great option for a last minute add-in is 1/2 cup of raisins.
  • Toppings: Instead of sprinkles, you can top your candy with a drizzle of white chocolate or finely diced peanuts.

How to serve crock pot candy

These peanut clusters make such a fun and unique homemade gift. I package them up in tins or cellophane bags to give to friends, teachers and neighbors. If you’re not a peanut fan, you can substitute another nut like almonds or pecans.

This may be the easiest holiday treat around, but it looks and tastes like you spent hours on it! Your friends and family will be so impressed that you made your own candy, no one needs to know how easy it was!

More holiday candy recipes

Crock Pot Candy Video

A holiday tin filled with crock pot candy.

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Crock Pot Candy

This easy crock pot candy is creamy chocolate peanut clusters, all made with the help of a slow cooker! The perfect treat for the holidays that serves a crowd.

Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

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.

Notes

  1. If you’re not familiar with almond bark, it typically comes in one pound bricks and is a white candy coating. It’s found near the chocolate chips in most grocery stores. If you can’t find almond bark, you can use white candy melts instead.
  2. You will need a crock pot that has a capacity of at least 4 quarts for this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 310mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2.1mg

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