If you’re looking for a simple but delicious chocolate candy, one you can make at home in the slow cooker and enjoy for weeks, this is the recipe for you!
When were Crockpots Invented?
I thought it might be fun, to start by talking about when (and why) Crockpots were invented. They first came on the scene in 1940, invented by a man named Irving Nixon. His idea? A slow-cooking method for making a favorite traditional Jewish dish called coolant (a slow-cooked stew).
He created the “Crock-Pot” to simplify the cooking process and to allow, over an extended period, even cooking.
Crockpots became really popular in the 70s, back when I was a teen. I honestly don’t remember my mama having one but I got one when I got married in ’79 and used it throughout my adult life.
These days I usually use my Pioneer Woman crockpot at parties to serve queso. But making candy in it? Well, that wasn’t something I had considered until I saw this recipe going around for crockpot candy.
Candy in a CrockPot? Really?
The answer to that question is yes, my friend.
When I first saw this recipe I was doubtful. Candy in a crockpot? Really?
Then I tried it. Actually, “we” tried it. The kids and grandkids were at my house baking for Christmas. And we decided we would make this recipe.
I happened to have a lot of almond bark on hand—white and chocolate. I also had chocolate chips. (We were in baking mode, after all.)
So, I decided to give this simple recipe a try.
And y’all, I’m so glad I did! I’ll tell you more about that later.
Crockpot Candy Ingredients
You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s a Quick Look at what you’ll need. These are simple ingredients you might already have on hand in your pantry or fridge.
- chocolate almond bard
- vanilla almond bark
- milk chocolate chips (or semi sweet)
- peanut butter
- dry roasted peanuts
- Rice Krispies
- marshmallows (optional)
- chopped Oreos (optional)
- sprinkles or mini M&Ms (optional)
You will also need to have parchment paper or wax paper handy.
How to Make Crock-Pot Candy
This has to be the world’s simplest (but tastiest) candy, y’all! And it comes together so quickly.
Place wax paper or parchment paper on baking sheet. I used a total of three. Butter the waxed paper and set cookie sheets aside.
Preheat your crockpot on high for a few minutes. (Alternatively, you can make this in a double boiler.)
Break up the squares of white chocolate almond bark and add to the crockpot.
Now do the same with the chocolate squares.
Now add the full bag of chocolate chips.
It’s time to add that peanut butter! You’ll want to add the whole jar.
Place the lid on and allow the chocolate and peanut butter to melt. This will take awhile.
Check it every few minutes to give the mixture a stir. (I should have used a wooden spoon!)
When it’s fully melted it’s time to add the other ingredients. I added dry roasted peanuts and Rice Krispies to my first batch.
Stir well.
Using a small cookie scoop, place scoops of candy onto the buttered waxed paper. If you like, you can place them in individual cupcake liners.
If you like, you can cover them with sprinkles or M&Ms.
Place cookie sheets into the refrigerator and chill until set.
Remove candies and serve.
To my second batch I also added chopped Oreos and marshmallows. (Note, I waited until the mixture cooled slightly to add the marshmallows so they wouldn’t completely melt.)
Store leftovers in a cool place. You can refrigerate if you like.
This delicious homemade candy will stay good for several weeks, especially if refrigerated.
You can freeze these candies up to two months or even a little longer. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
What to Expect from these Candies
This is such an easy recipe, y’all, and they turned out great!
Everyone who ate these candies was so surprised! The chocolate covered peanuts would have been delicious all on their own, but adding the Krispy cereal made it more like a Nestles Crunch bar.
I’ve always been a fan of Nestles Crunch so I absolutely loved this recipe! They were hard to stay away from, to be quite honest!
The second batch (the one with the Oreos and marshmallows) was delicious, too. The marshmallows were half-melted so they had a rocky road vibe. Next time I might make them like that on purpose (with almonds and marshmallows).
Next year I’m making these for my holiday cookie trays! They would also be great packaged in cellophane bags with pretty Christmas ribbons!
Variations on this Recipe
These are perfect for any holiday season (Christmas, Valentines, Halloween. . .whatever)! You can change the look of them simply by changing the colorful sprinkles. Here are some other changes you might consider:
Rocky Road: As I mentioned above, making a Rocky Road version of this is my next big plan.
Pretzels: I think that pretzels (lightly crushed) would be delicious in this candy!
Coconut: I love coconut and chocolate together and I think that coconut with almonds would e a lot of fun, much like an almond joy bar (but easier).
Walnut or Pecans: this would be a simple and delicious candy! Just use pecans or walnuts in place of peanuts. Really, any type of nut will do, even macadamia nuts!
Any chips you like! You can add dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips. . .or any kind of chips you enjoy. You can also add a German chocolate bar, if you like. Change up the chocolate flavor profile by switching out different chips.
Mini M&Ms: As I mentioned above, it’s fun to place mini M&Ms on top of the candies before they harden.
Maple Butterscotch: Use white chocolate (and white almond bark) and butterscotch chips. Add maple extract or syrup to the mix.
Peanut butter chips: If you don’t have peanut butter on hand you can always use a bag of peanut butter chips along with all of the chocolate ones.
Toffee bits: I think these would be a delicious crunch addition!
Dress them up any way you like for holiday parties, birthday parties, or even for a wedding! They’re the perfect sweet treat any time of year.
Other Candies from Out of the Box Baking
Here at Out of the Box we love our candies. You’re going to love them too. Here are some fan favorites.
- Easy Homemade Turtles Candy
- Copycat Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Easy Hot Cocoa Fudge
- Copycat York Peppermint Patties
That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoyed this delicious crockpot Christmas candy recipe.
If you make this recipe and love it, don’t forget to leave a review and a comment below. And while you’re at it, go ahead and pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!
See this recipe at
About the Author
Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 165 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.
Crockpot Candy
If you’re looking for a simple but delicious chocolate candy, one you can make at home and enjoy for weeks, this is the recipe for you!
Ingredients
- 6 squares chocolate almond bard
- 6 squares (amount) white chocolate almond bark
- 1 bag milk chocolate chips (or semi sweet)
- 1 small jar (ounces) peanut butter
- 1 can dry roasted peanuts
- 3 cups rice Krispies
- marshmallows (optional)
- chopped Oreos (optional)
- mini M&Ms or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Place waxed paper on three cookie sheets. Butter the waxed paper and set cookie sheets aside.
- Preheat your crockpot on high for a few minutes.
- Break up the squares of white chocolate almond bark and add to the crockpot.
- Now do the same with the chocolate squares.
- Now add the full bag of chocolate chips.
- It’s time to add that peanut butter! You’ll want to add the whole jar.
- Place the lid on and allow the chocolate and peanut butter to melt. This will take awhile.
- Check it every few minutes to give the mixture a stir.
- When it’s fully melted it’s time to add the other ingredients. I added dry roasted peanuts and Rice Krispies to my first batch.
- To my second batch I also added chopped Oreos and marshmallows. (Note, I waited until the mixture cooled slightly to add the marshmallows so they wouldn’t completely melt.) Stir well.
- Using a small cookie scoop, place scoops of candy onto the buttered waxed paper.
- Place cookie sheets into the refrigerator and chill until set.
Remove candies and serve. - Store leftovers in a cool place. You can refrigerate if you like.
- Candies will stay good for several weeks, especially if refrigerated.
- You can freeze these candies up to two months or even a little longer.
- Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
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