Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe (3 Ingredients Only!)

This easy crockpot candy recipe requires just 3 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time! Chocolate peanut clusters made in the slow cooker with salted peanuts, almond bark, and chocolate chips create the perfect sweet and salty holiday treat. No stove watching required—just add ingredients to the crockpot, stir occasionally, scoop, and let set. Perfect for Christmas gift giving, holiday parties, or satisfying your chocolate cravings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Set Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes | Yield: 80 pieces

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Candy Recipe

This is the easiest candy recipe you’ll ever make! With only 3 ingredients and minimal hands-on time, your slow cooker does all the work of slowly melting the chocolate to perfection. The combination of chocolate, white almond bark, and salted peanuts creates irresistible sweet and salty clusters that taste like candy shop treats. They’re perfect for holiday food gifts, cookie exchanges, or keeping on hand when chocolate cravings strike.

What makes this recipe special:

• Only 3 ingredients needed
• Just 5 minutes of prep time
• Crockpot does all the work
• Perfect for holiday gift giving
• Makes 80 pieces for parties or sharing
• Easy to customize with toppings

Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Candy

• 32 oz dry roasted, salted peanuts (about 6 cups)
• 32 oz white almond bark, broken into pieces (1 1/3 packages)
• 18 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 2 1/4 cups or 1 1/2 packages)
• Optional: holiday sprinkles or sea salt for topping

How to Make Crockpot Candy

Step 1: Prepare Baking Sheets

Line four large cookie sheets with parchment paper or wax paper and set aside. This prep step ensures you’re ready to quickly scoop the candy once it’s melted and mixed.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in Crockpot

Sprinkle the dry roasted, salted peanuts in an even layer across the bottom of a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. This creates the base layer for your candy clusters.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Layers

Break the white almond bark into pieces and layer over the peanuts. Top with the semi-sweet chocolate chips, spreading them evenly. Do not mix at this stage—the layering is important for even melting.

Step 4: Initial Cook Time

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 1 hour without stirring or opening the lid. This allows the chocolate to melt slowly and evenly without burning.

Step 5: First Stir and Continue Cooking

After the first hour, remove the lid carefully (watch for condensation—don’t let water drip into the chocolate). Mix the peanuts and melted chocolate thoroughly until well combined. Cover and continue cooking on low for another hour, stirring well every 20 minutes. This ensures even melting and distribution.

Step 6: Scoop the Candy

Once the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, use a tablespoon to drop heaping spoonfuls of the chocolate peanut mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets. Space them about 1 inch apart. If using sprinkles or sea salt, add them immediately while the chocolate is still wet.

Step 7: Set the Candy

Refrigerate the candy clusters for 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set and hardened. You can also leave them at room temperature, but refrigeration speeds up the process.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once set, the crockpot candy is ready to enjoy, package for gifts, or store for later!

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Candy

Watch for condensation. When removing the crockpot lid, be very careful that no condensation drips into the chocolate. Even a single drop of water can cause the chocolate to seize and become grainy.

Use a 5-quart or larger crockpot. A smaller crockpot won’t hold all the ingredients properly, and they may not melt evenly.

Don’t skip the almond bark. White chocolate chips don’t set the same way as almond bark or melting wafers. The almond bark is essential for proper texture and setting.

Stir every 20 minutes in hour two. This ensures even melting and prevents hot spots that could burn the chocolate.

Add toppings while wet. If using sprinkles, sea salt, or other decorations, add them immediately after scooping while the chocolate is still soft, or they won’t stick.

Let them set completely. Don’t handle the candy until it’s fully hardened, or you’ll end up with chocolate fingerprints and misshapen clusters.

Refrigerate for faster setting. While they’ll set at room temperature, refrigeration speeds the process to 20-30 minutes.

Use cupcake liners for gifts. Scoop the chocolate mixture into mini cupcake liners for ready-made gift presentations.

Recipe Variations

White chocolate crockpot candy: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for an all-white version.

Christmas crockpot candy: Add holiday sprinkles, red and green sanding sugar, or crushed candy canes on top.

Different nuts: Substitute pecans, cashews, almonds, or mixed nuts for the peanuts.

Pretzel addition: Add 2 cups broken pretzel pieces for extra salty crunch.

Marshmallow clusters: Fold in 2 cups mini marshmallows after melting for rocky road-style candy.

Caramel version: Add 1 cup caramel bits to the chocolate mixture for turtle-style candy.

Toffee bits: Fold in 1 cup toffee bits for English toffee-inspired clusters.

Sea salt topping: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt instead of sprinkles for gourmet flair.

Peanut butter version: Add 1 cup peanut butter chips to the chocolate mixture.

Stovetop Method

Yes, you can make this on the stovetop! Add all chocolate ingredients to a large pot over low heat. Stir constantly until melted, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Stir in peanuts and any other add-ins, then scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Add sprinkles while wet and allow to set.

Why Not Use a Microwave?

While you technically can melt chocolate in the microwave, it’s not recommended for this recipe. Chocolate burns easily in the microwave, creating a grainy texture and bitter taste. The slow cooker’s gentle, even heat melts the chocolate to perfection without the risk of burning.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: Store crockpot candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. The candy will have a firmer texture when cold.

Freezer: Freeze crockpot candy for 2-3 months. Allow the candy to set completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zippered freezer bags. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Gift packaging: Store in decorative tins, mason jars, or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for beautiful holiday gifts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Stirring too early: Don’t stir during the first hour. The chocolate needs uninterrupted time to melt properly.

Water in the chocolate: Be extremely careful when removing the lid. Condensation dripping into chocolate causes it to seize and become grainy and unusable.

Using white chocolate chips instead of almond bark: White chocolate chips don’t have the same melting and setting properties. Always use almond bark or white melting wafers.

Overcrowding the crockpot: Make sure you’re using at least a 5-quart crockpot to accommodate all ingredients.

Not stirring enough in hour two: Stir every 20 minutes during the second hour to ensure even melting.

Handling before set: Wait until the candy is completely hardened before touching or moving pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of nuts? Absolutely! Pecans, cashews, almonds, or mixed nuts all work beautifully in this recipe.

What if I don’t have almond bark? You can substitute with white melting wafers or white candy melts. Don’t use white chocolate chips—they don’t set properly.

Can I make this without a crockpot? Yes! Use the stovetop method described above. Melt chocolate in a pot over low heat with constant stirring.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing? Keep all water away from the chocolate, including condensation from the lid. Use completely dry utensils and bowls.

Can I add other mix-ins? Yes! Try pretzels, marshmallows, toffee bits, caramel, or different types of nuts.

How far in advance can I make these? Make them up to 2 weeks in advance when stored at room temperature, or up to 3 months if frozen.

Do I need to use salted peanuts? Salted peanuts provide the best sweet and salty contrast. Unsalted peanuts will work but won’t have the same flavor impact.

Can I double this recipe? You’ll need a very large crockpot (7+ quarts) to double the recipe. It’s easier to make two separate batches.

Perfect for Gift Giving

This easy crockpot candy is ideal for holiday food gifts:

• Package in decorative tins or mason jars
• Use clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon
• Place in mini cupcake liners for elegant presentation
• Create gift boxes with assorted candies
• Arrange on decorative platters for parties
• Include recipe cards for a personal touch

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This easy crockpot candy recipe is the ultimate no-fuss holiday treat that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. With just 3 ingredients and your slow cooker doing all the work, you can create 80 delicious chocolate peanut clusters perfect for gift giving, parties, or satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of smooth chocolate, white almond bark, and crunchy salted peanuts creates irresistible candy that tastes like it came from a gourmet candy shop. Make a batch today and discover why this simple recipe has become a holiday tradition in so many homes!