Crockpot Candy Recipe

When the chilly weather rolls in, there’s nothing quite like the sweet comfort of homemade treats, and today, I’m diving into a delightful fusion of crunchy, nutty goodness and rich, silky chocolate that all comes together in the magical embrace of my trusty crockpot.

I enjoy making quick and easy desserts that are also mouthwatering. My crockpot candy recipe blends the crunchy, slightly salty goodness of peanuts with three different kinds of chocolate: semi-sweet chocolate chips, authentic German sweet chocolate, and good old creamy white almond bark.

Yes, that’s EIGHT ounces of almond bark (by the way, if you can spare a coin or two for the Google Pay linked to this site, it would be much appreciated. Thanks for considering!)

Ingredients

• Salted Peanuts: Delivers a salty crunch; rich in protein and fiber.
• Unsalted Peanuts: Provides natural, wholesome flavor; packed with healthy fats.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Adds a touch of sweetness; offers antioxidant benefits.
• German Sweet Chocolate: Intensifies richness; smooth, sweet cocoa flavor.
• White Almond Bark: Creamy texture; sweet base for candy.

Ingredient Quantities

• 16 ounces salted peanuts
• 16 ounces unsalted peanuts
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 4 ounces German sweet chocolate, broken into pieces
• 2 pounds white almond bark, broken into pieces

How to Make this

1. Start by adding the salted and unsalted peanuts first to the bottom of the crockpot.

2. In addition to the semi-sweet chocolate, add the chocolate chips on top of the peanuts.

3. Put the German sweet chocolate, broken into pieces, over the chocolate chips.

4. Evenly layer the white almond bark pieces on top of all the other ingredients.

5. Put the crockpot on low and cover it.

6. Let the mixture cook on low for 2 to 3 hours; do not stir.

7. Once the cooking time is up, take off the lid and stir the mixture until it is smooth and totally blended. There should be no lumps or bumps. If there are any, you might not have cooked it long enough. You could also use a blender at this stage, but you’ll have to do it in batches unless you have a huge blender.

8. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the candy mixture onto either parchment or wax paper.

9. Allow the candies to set and to cool at room temperature. Make sure they are completely cool and hardened before removing them from the mold.

10. Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Once you have set them, that is.

Equipment Needed

1. Crockpot (slow cooker)
2. Measuring cups or kitchen scale
3. Spoon or spatula for stirring
4. Blender (optional)
5. Tablespoon or small cookie scoop
6. Parchment paper or wax paper
7. Airtight container for storage

FAQ

• What size of Crockpot should I use for this recipe?This recipe works best in a 4 to 6-quart Crockpot. This size ensures that the melting and mixing of the various ingredients happens evenly.
• Can I use different nuts or mix-ins in this recipe?Certainly, you can use other nuts instead, or in addition to, peanuts; try almonds, pecans, or cashews. For a twist on the classic Nutty Buddy, stir in some chopped dried fruit or even miniature marshmallows.
• Is it possible to use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?Undoubtedly, dark chocolate chips can substitute for bittersweet chocolate chips to enhance richness and reduce sweetness.
• How do I store the finished candy?Keep the candy in a room-temperature airtight container for as long as two weeks, or stick them in the fridge for a longer lifespan.
• Can I melt the chocolate on the stove instead of using a Crockpot?Certainly! You may use a double boiler on the stove to melt the chocolates, if you prefer that method. Just be sure to stir continuously while the chocolates are melting in order to prevent burning.
• Is almond bark the same as white chocolate?Almond bark is not the same; it is a confectionery coating that resembles white chocolate but is easier to melt and work with.
• How long does it take to make Crockpot candy?Approximately 2-3 hours on a low heat setting in the Crockpot is required to melt the ingredients, followed by another 1-2 hours for the candy to cool and set after it is spooned onto baking sheets.

Crockpot Candy Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can switch out the salted or unsalted peanuts for another kind of nut and still be just fine.

Try this with:

– Heath pieces
– Pecans
– Walnuts
– Any nut you like, really!
Semi-sweet chocolate chips can be substituted with either milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips, yielding a different flavor profile.
To achieve a distinct flavor, swap out the German sweet chocolate for either milk chocolate or bittersweet chocolate.
If you can’t locate white almond bark, try using white chocolate chips or melts instead.

Pro Tips

1. Layering Order When layering the ingredients in the crockpot, ensure the white almond bark is on top. This allows it to melt evenly and seep through the other chocolate layers, creating a smoother mix.

2. Uniform Melting To promote even melting, chop the German sweet chocolate and white almond bark into small, uniform pieces before adding them to the crockpot. This ensures they melt smoothly without leaving chunks.

3. Avoid Excess Stirring Resist the temptation to stir before the initial cooking time is complete. The steady heat and layered setup allow the chocolates to melt gently without seizing.

4. Cooling Method To speed up the cooling process, once you’ve dropped the candies onto the parchment or wax paper, you can place them in a cool, dry room or even near a fan, as long as moisture is avoided. This ensures they set firmly.

5. Flavor Enhancement Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt before stirring the melted mixture for added depth of flavor. Stir quickly to incorporate evenly.