Crockpot Candy Archives - The Slow Roasted Italian

Homemade Valentine’s Day Candy

Donna Elick — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Valentine’s Day Candy is sweet inside and out, from the melted candy coating to the colorful decorations on top. Roasted peanuts and mini pretzel twists add plenty of crunch too! This no bake dessert recipe makes a large batch of treats, perfect for packaging into gifts or freezing for later. And if you keep it all to yourself, I won’t tell!

Valentine’s Day Candy

Holidays are so much more fun with themed treats, but it’s easy to focus on the more notable occasions.

Since Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating the ones you love, it makes sense to put in some extra effort to make the day even sweeter.

I combined the best parts of my St. Patrick’s and pretzel crockpot candy recipes to create the sweetest Valentine’s Day candy around!

Creamy and crunchy textures can be found in every bite, and they’re extra cute with themed decorations on top.

Pair this recipe for Valentine candy with more swoon-worthy favorites like raspberry white chocolate chip cookies and old fashioned cream puffs.

Enjoying a romantic, date night in? Mix up some chocolate cherry heart cocktails! They’re great for Galentine’s Day too.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

White Baking Chips – Different from white chocolate chips, these do not contain cocoa butter.

This means they won’t melt quite as quickly, but they do set up faster and harder when cooled.

You can use white chocolate chips in a pinch, but white or vanilla melting candy/wafers are the closest substitute.
Almond Bark – Use the white or vanilla variety in this recipe for Valentine candy. It comes in a solid bar divided into smaller squares so you can break it apart easily.

Find it near the chocolate chips or in the specialty baking aisle. Vanilla candy melts are the best substitute.
Dry Roasted Peanuts – These give your candies shape and add a nice crunch too. Other nuts like cashews, macadamia nuts, or almonds would taste great.
Pretzel Twists – Look for the mini variety so they mix into the candies better. Or, break apart larger twists if you can’t find those.

And if you can find X’s and O’s for this Valentine’s Day candy, that’s even better!
M&M’s & Sprinkles – They make special versions of both of these for every holiday!

The M&M’s will be pink, red, and white, and sprinkles may be shaped like hearts, X’s and O’s, or tiny cupids.

If you don’t want to buy the fancy shapes, you can always use colorful jimmies or nonpareils.

Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Valentine’s Candy

Layer the ingredients just right.

Start with some of the white baking chips, then the peanuts. Add the almond bark next, followed by the remaining baking chips.

This keeps the peanuts from burning on the bottom of the pot, and the cocoa butter in the bark will distribute more evenly as it melts.

Don’t cook the pretzels — stir those in just before scooping. Otherwise, they’ll become too hard and have a stale texture.

Keep the temperature on Low.

Your homemade Valentine candy will likely burn if you try to use the High setting, and it won’t melt the chocolate much faster anyway.

Use cookie scoops to portion out your Valentine’s candy.

It’s a lot easier to transfer the sticky mixture with a scoop than with a regular spoon — and a lot less messy too!

Use a 3 Tablespoon scoop to make larger candies as shown here, or use a smaller scoop if you care more about quantity.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

Slow Cooker – A larger, oval-shaped crockpot will provide more surface area for the mixture to melt, which will also prevent lumps.
Baking Sheets lined with Parchment Paper – For cooling your homemade Valentine candy.
A sturdy silicone spatula can be used for scraping, stirring, and smoothing and is easy to clean too!
Cookie Scoops – Makes it easier to scoop out the candies and ensures they’re all the same size.

Decorating Tips

Add M&M candies and sprinkles quickly, before the chocolate hardens, to ensure they stick to the surface.

I usually decorate in batches, scooping out a dozen candies at a time and then pausing to decorate before I continue.

But if you have a kitchen helper — a great job for the kids — they can sprinkle while you scoop!

For an even prettier finish, add some colorful drizzle to your Valentine’s candy. Melt some extra almond bark in the microwave and stir in some pink food coloring until smooth.

You don’t even need a piping bag! Dip a fork into the bowl, then wave it back and forth or in a circular motion over each candy.

Storing Homemade Valentine Candy

This crock pot candy is fine to keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, but it may soften if you’ve got the heater running or if it’s in direct sunlight.

In that case, keep it in the refrigerator and let it soften on the counter before serving.

Store in an airtight container with a piece of parchment between layers if needed. You can also freeze Valentine’s candy for up to 3 months.

Recipe for Valentine Candy FAQ

Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Sure! In order to achieve the right texture, replace the white baking chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips, or swap the white almond bark with chocolate almond bark.

If you try to use all chocolate chips, the mixture won’t melt down nice and smooth.

The flavor might be too intense if you use chocolate versions for both. I definitely prefer a mixture, like in my original crockpot candy recipe.

How long does it take Valentine’s Day candy to set?

At room temperature, it can take an hour or two for the candies to become completely firm.

Speed up the process by placing them in the fridge or freezer — especially helpful if your kitchen is warm!

Can I add food coloring to the candy mixture?

Yes, but do so when you mix in the pretzels. Gel coloring is the best choice since it’s very concentrated and won’t affect the texture of the melted chocolate.

Start with just a drop or two and mix really well before adding more. The color will continue to deepen as the treats cool.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Easy Crockpot Candy Recipes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crockpot Candy +Video

St Patrick’s Day Crockpot Candy (VIDEO)

Crockpot Turtle Candy + Video

Pretzel Crockpot Candy + Video

Homemade Valentine’s Day Candy

Valentine’s Day Candy is easy to make with a handful of ingredients. Make this no bake recipe in your slow cooker, then scoop and decorate!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Slow Cooker

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings -50 candy pieces

Calories 341cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

3 cups white baking chips divided
24 ounces white almond bark 4 ounces for drizzle
32 ounces dry roasted peanuts
4 cups tiny pretzel twists break some if you like
4 additional ounces white almond bark for drizzle, optional
pink food coloring
1/2 cup Valentine’s Day M&Ms
1/2 cup assorted Valentine’s Day sprinkles

Instructions

Layer the ingredients in the crockpot: In a large crockpot, add 1 cup of white baking chips first. Then, add peanuts (salted and unsalted), followed by the 20 ounces of white almond bark (reserve about 4 ounces for the drizzle), and finally the remaining 2 cups of white baking chips on top.
Cook the mixture: Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 1 to 1.5 hours.
While it’s cooking, prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will be where you place the candy.
Stir and add pretzels: After cooking, remove the lid and stir the melted chocolate and peanuts together. Add the broken pretzel twists to the crockpot and stir until everything is well-coated in the chocolate mixture.
Scoop the candy: Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), scoop out candy balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
Garnish the candy: You can either garnish immediately with M&Ms and sprinkles before the chocolate hardens, or proceed to add a pink drizzle before garnishing. Let the candy cool completely after decorating.
Optional pink drizzle: If you’d like a pink drizzle, melt 4 ounces of almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth. Add 1-2 drops of pink food coloring and stir until the desired color is achieved. Use a fork to drizzle the pink almond bark over the candy, then immediately add M&Ms and sprinkles. Let the candy cool completely.

Notes

If you don’t want to buy two packages of almond bark, you can use 20 ounces in the crockpot and save 4 ounces for the drizzle.

You can also substitute chocolate almond bark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for the white almond bark and white chocolate chips.

No need to stir the candy while it cooks, but if you want to speed up the melting process, feel free to give it a quick stir halfway through.

Store your Valentine’s Day Crockpot Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Originally published January 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Homemade Valentine’s Day Candy appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe (Peanut Clusters) + Video

Donna Elick — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Crockpot Candy is a staple of the holiday season in my house. Ooey gooey chocolate cascading over roasted nuts for a remarkably simple yet devastatingly delicious homemade Christmas candy! Even better, you can make these crockpot peanut clusters right in your slow cooker with simple ingredients!

I’m not exaggerating here — watch the video in this post to see just how mouthwatering this easy recipe is!! The creamy chocolate makes this easy crock pot candy recipe one of the best!

You can make this for a holiday party or as a fun and easy way to treat your sweet tooth. This easy crockpot candy recipe is the best way to make a lot of candy for everyone in the house!

There’s no way that you won’t be able to eat these candy clusters – so be ready to dive into these homemade treats!

It’s so much fun to make your own candy at home – new recipes like this are the best! Follow the simple steps on the printable recipe card below to get started!

Crockpot Candy

Sometimes the best sweets are the simplest, and does it get more classic than chocolate and peanuts? My crockpot candy recipe is no fuss with no funny business.

This sweet treat is full of just wholesome, delicious flavors that you can share with your loved ones during the most wonderful time of the year!

The secret to homemade Christmas candy? Make a whole lot of it!! Saltine cracker candy and fudge are super shareable and could put a smile on even the Grinch’s face!

This easy crockpot candy is a must have on your holiday cookie trays. It is such an easy candy to make this time of year with all the gifting and holiday parties.

We enjoy taking time together to bake treats and these take so much less time that most other holiday baking.

If you love easy homemade candy, try our 10-Minute Microwave Peanut Brittle & Cool Whip Candy for some more easy sweets!

Ingredient Notes & Swaps for Chocolate Peanut Clusters

Peanuts – Honey roasted are my preference, but you’re not limited to just those!

You can certainly use unsalted peanuts, I feel like the honey roasted really make this homemade candy special!

Other nuts are great, too – almonds, walnuts, cashews, and macadamia nuts are some sweet subs your family will love. Or try stirring in some pretzels or rice krispies.
White Almond Bark – I recommend using vanilla for its sweet, subtle flavor. But you could certainly use white chocolate chips. You could even use candy melts.

But, as I always say, the more chocolate the better! So use chocolate almond bark if you’d like.
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips – Using milk chocolate chips would be a tad too sweet, in my opinion, but you’re welcome to! You can use half semi-sweet and half peanut butter chips.

Dark chocolate chips could also add a nice bitterness. Feel free to also mix and match to get a good balance!
German Chocolate Bar – Baker’s is my go-to! This is also a rather sweet chocolate, so you may want to substitute with a richer option if that’s your preference.
(Optional) Garnishes – Crushed candy cane, mini marshmallows, holiday sprinkles, toffee bits – there’s almost no end to the holiday toppers you could use!
You could even use a sea salt garnish.

If you’re nuts for nuts, you could even add more crushed peanuts on top to finish!

Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions

Allergy Friendly Fixes – You don’t need nuts for texture!

There are plenty of pairs for chocolate: pretzel pieces, pumpkin seeds, candy cane chunks, or graham crackers. Just choose your favorite!
Cool Them Quick – Once you’ve laid the crockpot peanut clusters onto the baking sheets lined with parchment or wax paper, pop them in the fridge to help them chill faster.

If you’re planning on using this tip, you may want to use a tiered container or perhaps several smaller baking dishes to fit easily in your fridge.
Tips for Less Mess – Rather than using parchment paper, consider placing the candies in individual muffin liners.

Not only can you easily move them from one place to another, but you can serve them right in the liners!
Great For Gifts! A handful of crockpot Christmas candy bites in cellophane bags are a great party favor or gift for friends during the holiday season.

I highly recommend it!
Making in Bulk? Layer a baking sheet with multiple pieces of parchment paper. Once one sheet is full, move it to another area of your countertop and proceed placing the crockpot candy on the sheet below it.

You can work quickly and efficiently this way! You can also layer hardened candies like this in a single container, helping you store more in one container.

Storing Your Homemade Christmas Candy

Crockpot peanut clusters don’t necessarily need to be refrigerated – they’re a certified countertop candy – but they’ll last longer when chilled!

And if your kitchen is on the warm side, they might get melty and messy if not kept in the refrigerator.

Let slow cooker candy cool to room temperature first if you’re going to store in layers or in the refrigerator.

They’ll last at room temp for a couple weeks, a month in the fridge in an airtight container, and even longer in the freezer!

I toss them in a gallon freezer bag and pull them out as we want them. Thaw for 30 minutes and enjoy.

Crockpot Candy FAQ

How many crockpot peanut clusters does this recipe make?

Using a small cookie scoop, you can make 12 dozen slow cooker peanut clusters!

Can I make crockpot candy on the stovetop?

While I recommend using a slow cooker for ease, you can easily make this recipe on your stovetop if you’d like to.

Using your stove does, however, require maintenance. Heat the chocolate on a low, low heat while stirring constantly. Once melted, add the peanuts. Stir and transfer with a scooper the same as the original recipe.

You could also go with the double boiler method, helping to quickly melt the chocolate and lowering the risk of burning.

Why isn’t my crockpot candy setting?

It’s possible that the chocolate you chose doesn’t harden adequately. This often happens if you don’t use enough almond bark, which sets the hardest.

If you don’t wish to use almond bark, then use candy coating discs instead – easily found in the baking or decorating aisle! It can’t be all chocolate chips as they just won’t harden right.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Crockpot Candy Recipes

Cashew Toffee Crockpot Candy

Pretzel Crockpot Candy

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crockpot Candy

Oreo White Chocolate Candy

Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe (Peanut Clusters) + Video

Crockpot Candy is a sweet, nutty, festive holiday treat on a time crunch! This homemade Christmas candy recipe basically makes itself!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Slow Cooker

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 30

Servings peanut clusters

Calories 94cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

slow cooker

Ingredients

34.5 ounces honey roasted peanuts I use Planters
32 ounces almond bark vanilla flavored
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
4 ounces German chocolate bar I use Baker's
optional garnish: sprinkles or crushed candy canes

Instructions

Layer ingredients into a 5-quart slow cooker; cover with lid.
Cook on Low for 1 hour. Do not stir!
After 1 hour, stir mixture and continue to cook, stirring every 15-20 minutes for another hour (a total of 2 hours).
Meanwhile, line countertop or table with a long piece of parchment paper.
Turn off crockpot. Use a 1 tablespoon scooper to portion out candy from crockpot and onto parchment paper.
Be sure to leave space between each peanut cluster. While the candy is still warm, garnish with sprinkles or other desired toppings.
Allow to cool completely.

Video

Nutrition

Originally published December 2014, updated and republished November 2024

The post Easy Crockpot Candy Recipe (Peanut Clusters) + Video appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Homemade Easter Candy + Video

Donna Elick — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Homemade Easter Candy Clusters are a simple, impressive 3-ingredient homemade Easter dessert recipe that everyone will be raving about! An easy crockpot dessert recipe that you layer in the slow cooker, stir, and scoop. It is so easy it almost makes itself.

This white chocolate Easter candy is so easy and delicious that we have made many varieties.

Check out our St Patrick’s Day Crockpot Candy, Crockpot Turtles Candy, and our original Christmas Crockpot Candy

Homemade Easter Candy

I love quick and easy treats, and I especially love my crockpot. When they come together, it is pure magic!

This simple 3-ingredient homemade Easter candy recipe is creamy, crunchy, peanutty, and incredibly gorgeous. What treats do you make in your slow cooker?

A few years ago I created my first ever crockpot candy recipe, and it has gone wild on our site ever since. This past Christmas I decided to make a variation.

And so, Crockpot Chocolate and Caramel Pecan Clusters (AKA Turtles) were born. Truly genius and amazing, if I must say so myself!

With spring upon us, I was up for a new magnificent creation and I have to say, I have outdone myself.

Need easy meal ideas for Easter, we have an entire list of our favorites.

Try more homemade candy recipes, like our Cool Whip Candy that uses just 3 ingredients!

Tips for Making White Chocolate Easter Candy

Choose great chocolate. There are a variety of options (found below) that will work with this recipe. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s high quality for best results.
Adjust the size as needed. You can use two spoons to drop the candy onto your parchment paper, but using a tablespoon scooper is my preferred method.

It ensures all of the Easter candies will be the same size, and it is easier and less messy.
Use holiday candies and sprinkles. Pastel colored M&Ms and sprinkles are what make these so festive.

What you will need:

Vanilla Candy Coating – You can use Candy Quick, Almond Bark (not actually made with almonds), vanilla candy melts, and even white chocolate in this recipe.
4-6 Quart Slow Cooker – This is my favorite whether I am making the best Easter candy or an easy meal!
1 Tablespoon Scooper – This is one of my favorite kitchen tools. It is perfect for candy making, meatballs, and so many more recipes.
Crockpot Liners – I never use them because I wash the crock when it is still a little warm and the candy comes right out.

But, if you are worried about the clean up, these are foolproof.
Parchment Paper – Scoop your Easter candies onto parchment to set. It will keep your pans clean and the treats peel right off!

Best Easter Candy FAQs

Can you make white chocolate Easter candy ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this homemade Easter candy up to 5 days in advance. Keep it stored in a cool dry place so the chocolate doesn’t melt and stays fresh.

Can I add extra candy?

Of course! Chop up your favorite Easter candy bars or candies and sprinkle them on top before it sets up.

You can also stir some Easter candies into the white chocolate, but sometimes it’s not as visible, so we like to sprinkle them on top.

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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More Amazing Candy Recipes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crockpot Candy

No Bake Avalanche Cookies

Crockpot Turtle Candy

Smores Crock Pot Candy

Homemade Easter Candy + Video

Easter Crockpot Candy is an irresistibly scrumptious 3-ingredient white chocolate candy recipe. This Easter treat is SO simple to make!!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Slow Cooker

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 30

Servings 12 dozen 1 tablespoon candies

Calories 105cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

Ingredients

34.5 ounces honey roasted dry roasted peanuts I used planters
48 ounces vanilla-flavored candy coating Almond Bark or CandiQuik
11.4 ounces Holiday M&Ms divided
seasonal sprinkles optional, I used jimmies and nonpareils

Instructions

Layer peanuts and then vanilla candy coating into a 5-quart crockpot. Cover with lid and cook on Low for 1 hour without lifting the lid.
After 1 hour, remove the lid and stir the mixture. Cover again and continue to cook, stirring every 15-20 minutes, for another hour (a total of 2 hours).
Meanwhile, line 3 cookie sheets with Silpat mats or line countertop or table with a long piece of parchment paper.
Turn off the crockpot. Reserve 1/2 cup M&M's.
When you are ready to scoop, pour remaining M&M’s into the crockpot and fold in.
Working quickly, use a 1 tablespoon scooper to portion out candy from crockpot and onto parchment or Silpat. Make sure candy clusters are not touching.
Once the entire cookie sheet is full (before candy dries) top each candy with 1 M&M and sprinkles.
Allow the candy to cool completely.

Video

Nutrition

Originally published March 2016, updated and republished March 2023

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Homemade Easter Candy + Video appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Crockpot Turtle Candy + Video

Donna Elick — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Crockpot Turtle Candy is shareable, snackable, and so tasty it’s irresistible! 5 ingredients are all you need for a crunchy, nutty, chocolatey dessert that you can basically make with your eyes closed! Even so, my caramel pecan clusters are sure to be the most satisfying sweet served this Christmas.

Don’t believe me? Click on the video in this post to see just how easy this turtle recipe is to make!

Crockpot Turtle Candy

Pecan turtles are small, sweet, and so easy to make!

These little turtle clusters are basically a bundle of rich chocolate, sticky caramel, and roasted pecans – the three tastiest things in the world!!

These flavors just scream “holiday” for me, so I just love to drop them into little gift bags to give away during Christmas!

Is it obvious yet that I just love crockpot candy??

Okay, you’ve heard of crockpot candy with pecans. Now get ready for… all of that stuff but on apple slices!

Then, there’s this huge air fryer caramel pecan cookie that I basically eat by myself in one sitting.

Don’t miss more of our easy homemade candy like these simple, creamy Cool Whip Candies!

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Raw Pecans – Toast them in a pan or oven first if you’d like to! Just let them cool off before tossing them into the slow cooker.
Almond Bark – You could also use a chocolate flavored candy coating or Candiquik – but those are your only options! I explain why in the FAQ section below.
German Chocolate Bar – This is my favorite baking chocolate! It’s dark yet sweet.
Caramel Bits – Caramel chips work fine, too. Just don’t use regular caramels. They’re way stickier and don’t play well with others!!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Dark chocolate could add a tasty bitter edge if you want to swap them out!

Milk and white chocolate are options, too – super sweet ones at that!

How to Make Crockpot Turtle Candy

You’ll want a slow cooker, baking sheets lined with parchment paper, and a 2 tablespoon scoop for this turtle candy recipe – and, well, any recipe for crockpot candy with caramel and pecans.

Start off by throwing everything into the slow cooker, reserving the chocolate chips and ½ cup of pecans for later.

Once melty and gooey, scoop your turtles onto the prepared baking sheets.

Garnish with the melted chocolate chips and chopped pecans.

Let them all cool to room temperature before serving – you can speed this up by sticking them in the fridge for a bit.

Crockpot Turtle Candy Recipe Tips & Tricks

Make A Big Batch – Double to feed a crowd! However,

I’d recommend doing so in a couple of batches – caramel has a tendency to get a little gritty if you don’t scoop it out fast enough.
Get Creative With Candy – Most chocolate, nut, and caramel faves will fit right into a batch of crockpot turtle candy.

Other kinds of nuts, dark chocolate, or even M&Ms – just stir them right in!
Make Serving A Breeze – Dollop these delicious caramel pecan clusters into muffin liners as you scoop them out!

Alternatively, cut up an extra sheet of parchment paper into squares and scoop onto the squares for easy separating and serving.
Don’t Burn The Candy! Keep your crockpot on low – don’t get impatient!

Slow and steady gets you silky smooth melted chocolate! (That’s how the saying goes, right?)

Freezing and Storaging Caramel Pecan Clusters

Crockpot turtle candy doesn’t need to be refrigerated, but chilling does help it to last longer and keeps it cool (well, of course!).

So if your kitchen is on the warmer side, play it safe and store in the fridge for up to a month.

You can also freeze ‘em! Just let them thaw a bit in the fridge before serving – they’ll be hard as a rock!

Add our 10-Minute Microwave Peanut Brittle to your holiday candy lineup — it’s the easiest brittle you’ll ever make and it disappears fast.

Crockpot Turtle Candy FAQ

Why is it called turtle candy?

A tasty candy, a fun recipe, and a cute name! Basically, it’s all because someone pointed out way back when that pecan clusters look like a turtle shell.

Eventually, the flavor combo (chocolate, caramel, and pecans) became synonymous with the term. Something fun to think about the next time you order a turtle latte!

Can I replace the almond bark with real chocolate?

So here’s the thing about almond bark – it contains an emulsifier that keeps it silky smooth as it melts and firms back up, capturing the other candies into one solid cluster.

Almond bark will need to be replaced with some alternative candy melt instead of a different kind of chocolate. You can replace the German chocolate bar and chocolate chips, though!

Can I make this turtle candy recipe on the stovetop?

Sure! My personal recommendation? Use a double boiler.

Melt the candy coating and chocolate first, stirring regularly until it’s totally melted. Then, mix in the pecans, add the caramel, and remove from the heat.

Then scoop them out as normal! Use a big bowl or make these in multiple batches.

Other Crockpot Candy Recipes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crockpot Candy

Cashew Toffee Crockpot Candy

Oreo White Chocolate Candy

White Chocolate Peppermint Crockpot Candy

Turtle Chocolates (Crockpot Candy) + Video

Turtle chocolates are an easy holiday treat that you won’t be able to stop eating! Make this crock pot candy recipe with just 5 ingredients.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Slow Cooker

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 25

Servings 1 Tablespoon Candies

Calories 74cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

16 ounces whole raw pecans reserve 1/2 cup for garnish
24 ounces chocolate flavored candy coating almond bark or candiquik
2 ounces German chocolate bar (by Baker's) 1/2 bar
11 ounce bag caramel bits
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Layer pecans, then candy coating, then chocolate bar into crockpot (I used a 5 quart). Cover. Cook for 1 hour on low temperature. Do not stir. After 1 hour stir mixture and continue to cook, stirring every 15-20 minutes for another hour (a total of 2 hours). Once mixture has completely come together, stir in caramel bits and turn off the heat. Cover for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile line counter top or table with a long piece of parchment paper.
Stir. Use 2 table spoons to scoop out candy from crockpot and scoop it onto parchment paper. Make sure candy is not touching.
Meanwhile, melt 2 cups chocolate chips and chop 1/2 cup pecans. Drizzle over turtles and garnish with chopped pecans.
Allow to set completely.
Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

You can double the recipe, but the caramels will start to get a little gritty in the candy if not scooped out quickly enough. So, be careful.

The photos above are from a double batch that I made. Scoop fast.

Nutrition

Originally published December 2015, updated and republished December 2022

The post Crockpot Turtle Candy + Video appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Cashew Toffee Crockpot Candy

Donna Elick — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 10:59:00 +0000

Cashew toffee crock pot candy is not only incredibly tasty, but it’s a low-maintenance dessert as well. Make some today in just a few easy steps!

Perfectly roasted cashews, crunchy caramel popcorn, and rich toffee come together to make an incredibly delectable dessert.

Topped with pieces of Heath bar and drizzled with melted chocolate, this slow cooker candy will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.

You can also make plenty of other sweet treats in a crockpot! For a classic flavor, check out my Original Crockpot Candy recipe. With just five ingredients, these divine treats are not only delicious but super versatile too!

I also have a version with pretzels for extra salty flavor, and these White Chocolate Peppermint ones are festive enough for the holidays!

How to Make Cashew Toffee Crock Pot Candy

Simply layer the cashews, almond bark, and white chocolate in the crockpot and set it to Low.

Cook for about an hour, until everything is melted and smooth. Then, scoop the mixture onto parchment paper and top with the rest of your ingredients.

Once cooled, add a drizzle of chocolate over the tops. It’s that effortless!

Helpful Tips & Tricks

Make them ahead of time. Since this entire recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish, making this crock pot candy recipe in advance will help you to not feel so rushed.
Tip for faster cooling: After scooping, place the baking sheets into the fridge to help the candies set faster.
Use candy melts instead. While the flavor isn’t quite the same, you can substitute these round wafers for the Baker’s bar if needed. Just don’t use white chocolate chips since they won’t melt down properly.
Trust the process! Don’t try to rush the recipe by putting the temperature on High. That will only cause the ingredients to burn, and you will have to start over with a new batch.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

Slow Cooker – I use a 5-quart one for this recipe. Larger is better so everything melts evenly.
Baking Sheets lined with parchment paper
A sturdy silicone spatula withstands the heat of the crockpot and is easy to clean too!
1 Tablespoon Scoop – Makes scooping much simpler and ensures that all your cashew toffee treats are the same size.

FAQ – Common Recipe Questions

Does slow cooker candy need to be refrigerated?

While these candies will keep at room temperature, a warm kitchen can cause the ingredients to separate.

Storing them in a sealed container or Ziploc bag and putting them in the freezer will keep them fresh for months! I recommend letting them thaw on the counter for a bit before serving.

How many treats does this recipe make?

Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon will yield around 5 dozen candies. Feel free to use a larger scoop for a smaller batch of larger cashew toffee treats.

What is almond bark?

It’s a vanilla-flavored candy coating that, despite its title, has no almonds! It can typically be found in blocks in the baking aisle.

This confection is made with vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter, which allows it to melt down a lot quicker and smoother than regular chocolate. It also hardens much faster so your treats set up faster!

Enjoy!

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Other Crockpot Candies

Crockpot Turtle Candy + Video

Smores Crock Pot Candy + Video

St Patrick’s Day Crockpot Candy (VIDEO)

Pretzel Crockpot Candy + Video

Cashew Toffee Crockpot Candy

Cashew toffee crock pot candy is not only incredibly tasty, but it’s a low-maintenance dessert as well. Make some today in just a few easy steps!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Slow Cooker

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 45

Servings candies

Calories 232cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

4 cups roasted salted cashews
24 ounces vanilla almond bark
4 ounces Baker’s white chocolate
9 ounces toffee cashews
8 ounce package English toffee bits
3 cups caramel popcorn
3 Heath candy bars chopped
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Set aside 1/2 cup caramel popcorn and ½ cup of the toffee cashews to use on the tops of the candies.
Break the almond bark and white chocolate bar into pieces. In the following order, layer ingredients in the crockpot: remaining roasted cashews, almond bark, and white chocolate.
Cover with a lid and program the crockpot for one hour on LOW. Do not stir the candy during this time.
After one hour, stir the candy to determine if the chocolates are fully melted. Continue cooking on LOW if needed for 15 minute increments until everything is melted and stirs together smoothly.
Prepare sheet pans or a lengthy countertop by covering with parchment paper.
Stir in the toffee cashews, toffee bits, and caramel corn.
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of the candy onto the parchment paper.
Sprinkle the tops with reserved cashews, caramel corn, and Heath bar pieces.
Continue dropping the candies and sprinkling with the toppings.
After all of the candy has been scooped, melt the chocolate chips by microwaving in 30 second increments. Transfer melted chocolate into a small ziploc bag and snip the corner off of the bag to use it as a piping bag. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the candies.
Allow candies to set. Peel the candies from the parchment paper and store in an airtight container on the counter top for up to a couple weeks or freeze for 3 months.

Notes

Keep candies at a cool temperature so the candy stays set and intact. Store in an airtight container (ziploc bags work great) to make sure the popcorn stays crunchy as long as possible. The freezer works great also for keeping the candies fresh (store in a ziploc freezer bag).

Nutrition

Originally published November 2021

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The post Cashew Toffee Crockpot Candy appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crockpot Candy +Video

Donna Elick — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 17:59:00 +0000

Chocolate peanut butter crockpot candy is so easy to prepare and makes a wonderful gift. Simply melt everything together and scoop onto parchment to set!

Peanut butter and chocolate is one of my favorite flavor combinations – how have I not created a Reese’s crockpot candy recipe until now?!

Crunchy peanuts add plenty of texture to the smooth and creamy candies, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips creates a gorgeous swirl effect. Top them with chopped Reese’s cups and you’ve got a winner in my book!

If you love this recipe for crock pot candy, there are plenty more flavors for you to try!

I also have an easy Reese’s fudge made with just 4 ingredients or an extreme brownie cake for when you want to impress your guests.

If you can’t resist chocolate and peanut butter together, you’ll absolutely love our Reese’s Peanut Butter Ice Cream & Chocolate Peanut Butter Graham Cracker Bars!

How To Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Crockpot Candy

Layer the peanuts, peanut butter, baking chips, and almond bark in the bottom of a slow cooker. Heat on Low for one hour or until everything is melted.

Next, swirl in some chocolate chips and scoop out the mixture onto parchment paper. Sprinkle with additional peanuts and chopped up Reese’s cups.

Melt the remaining chocolate chips and drizzle over the tops. Then, let the treats set until firm. That’s all there is to it!

Tips and Tricks

Make them chunkier. Feel free to add extra peanuts to the mixture if you’d like.
Get a swirl effect. Avoid stirring the mixture once you add the chocolate chips. The more it’s touched, the more the colors will blend together.
Set them faster. Scoop the treats onto parchment-lined sheet pans and place them in the refrigerator or freezer right away. This can be especially helpful if your kitchen is particularly warm.
Need more candies? If you don’t want to double this recipe for crock pot candy, use a smaller scoop to maximize the number of pieces. I used a 2 tablespoon scoop for the size seen here, so try a single tablespoon scoop instead.

Video: Peanut Butter Crockpot Candy

To see the recipe prepared from start to finish, check out our video at the top of the post.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

Slow Cooker – A larger, oval-shaped crock pot will provide more surface area for the base mixture to melt, which will also help to prevent any lumps.
Cookie Scoops – This not only makes scooping easier, but it guarantees that all of your candies are the same size.
Parchment Paper – Prevents your treats from sticking and makes clean up a breeze!

FAQ – Common Recipe Questions

Can I double this recipe for crock pot candy?

As long as your slow cooker is large enough, I don’t see why not.

Because you may lose some of the swirl effect from the additional scooping, it may be better to prepare separate batches. Or, get two batches going at the same time if you have multiple crockpots.

Does peanut butter crockpot candy need to be refrigerated?

It’s perfectly fine at room temperature once set, though you may want to keep them in the refrigerator if you live in a warmer climate.

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen, I recommend letting them soften on the counter before serving.

Can I use creamy peanut butter instead?

Yes, there just won’t be quite as much crunchy texture in the candies. You can add more peanuts to make up for it, or chop up a handful to replace the ones missing from the creamy peanut butter.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Crockpot Candy Recipes

Pretzel Crockpot Candy

Turtle Chocolates (Crockpot Candy)

Original Crockpot Candy

Oreo White Chocolate Candy

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crockpot Candy + Video

Peanut butter crockpot candy is so easy to prepare and makes a wonderful gift for any occasion. Simply melt everything together and scoop onto parchment to set!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Slow Cooker

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 25

Servings large candies

Calories 368cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

20 ounces salted roasted peanuts divided
16.3 ounce jar of chunky peanut butter we used Skippy
24 ounce package vanilla almond bark
10 ounce bag Peanut butter chips divided
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips Guittard
15 Reese’s peanut butter cups chopped

Instructions

Set aside 1/2 cup of the peanuts to use on the tops of the candies.
In the following order, layer ingredients in the crockpot: remaining peanuts, peanut butter, peanut butter chips, and almond bark.
Cover with a lid and program the crockpot for one hour on LOW. Do not stir the candy during this time.
After one hour, stir the candy to determine if the peanut butter, peanut butter chips, and almond bark are all fully melted. (Mine were melted after 1 hour). Continue cooking on LOW if needed for 15 minute increments until everything is melted and stirs together smoothly.
Prepare sheet pans or a lengthy countertop by covering with parchment paper.
Just before you are ready to form the candies, sprinkle about 1/4 -1/3 cup of chocolate chips across the stirred candy. Swipe your spoon or spatula through the mixture just once to create a chocolate swirl throughout the peanut butter candy.
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of the candy onto the parchment paper.
Sprinkle the tops with reserved peanuts and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups.
Continue dropping the candies and sprinkling with the toppings.
After all of the candy has been scooped, melt the remaining bit of chocolate chips by microwaving in 30 second increments. Transfer melted chocolate into a small ziploc bag and snip the corner off of the bag to use it as a piping bag. Drizzle the melted chocoolate over the candies.
Allow candies to set. Peel the candies from the parchment paper and store in an airtight container on the counter top for up to a couple weeks or freeze for 3 months.

Video

Notes

If you are in a warm room/climate, you may want to use sheet pans so that you can transfer them in and out of the fridge or freezer to help your candy set up faster.

You can add additional peanuts for a chunkier candy drop.

Use a single tablespoon for smaller candies or about two tablespoons per candy for the size seen here.

Try not to stir the mixture at all after adding the chocolate for the swirl effect. It will mix in the more it is touched.

Nutrition

Originally published November 2021

The post Chocolate Peanut Butter Crockpot Candy +Video appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Oreo White Chocolate Candy + Video

Donna Elick — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 09:59:00 +0000

This white chocolate candy is loaded with chopped pretzels, Oreo cookies, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Make them for gifts or an easy treat!

Although this recipe is easy to follow, it does require a bit of time. Allow for a few hours to put them together and cool, or prepare them a day or two in advance.

I’ve got plenty more crockpot candy recipes for you to try as well, including a few special creations for holidays throughout the year like these chocolate oreo truffles.

Or, try another delicious Oreo treat like this easy mug cake or peppermint bark. Both come together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients.

How To Make Crockpot Candy Crack

Melt the almond bark and baking bar in a slow cooker, then stir in the pretzels and Oreo cookie pieces.

Add marshmallows and a handful of chocolate chips before scooping out the mixture onto parchment paper.

Gently press extra cookies, pretzels, and marshmallows into the tops before drizzling with melted chocolate. Then, cool until set and enjoy!

Video: Oreo White Chocolate Candy

To see us make this from start to finish, watch the video in this post.

Tips and Tricks

Keep it on low. Cooking on High heat will not make the base melt any faster. It will only cause scorching, and you’d have to start all over.
Create a swirl effect. Avoid stirring the mixture once you add the chocolate chips. Otherwise, the candies will be more of a solid brown color instead of that signature black and white “cookies n cream” look.
Don’t forget to decorate! Measure out ½ cup each of the pretzels, cookies, and marshmallows to sprinkle over the candies after they’ve been scooped. Then, a drizzle of chocolate adds the finishing touch.
Need them to set faster? Place the parchment on sheets pans and pop the crockpot candy crack in the refrigerator or freezer. This is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm or you live in a hotter climate.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

Slow Cooker – A larger, oval-shaped crock pot will provide more surface area for the base mixture to melt, which will also help to prevent any lumps.
1 Tablespoon Scoop – This not only makes scooping easier, but it guarantees that all of your candies are the same size. If you don’t have one, use a heaping tablespoon instead.
Parchment Paper – Prevents your white chocolate candy from sticking and makes clean up a breeze!

FAQ – Common Recipe Questions

Can I use a larger scoop?

Absolutely! You will get fewer candies, but you can always prepare a double batch to make up for it.

How do you store white chocolate candy?

These treats will keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container. If it’s particularly warm, you may want to store them in the refrigerator so they don’t become soft.

Or, freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw on the counter before serving. Add a piece of parchment or wax paper between stacked layers to prevent them from sticking together.

Can I use baking chips for this crockpot candy?

Unfortunately, no. Because white baking chips do not contain cocoa butter, they won’t melt down properly and may end up scorching.

The closest substitute would be white candy melts, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Enjoy!

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Other Crockpot Candy Recipes

Original Crockpot Candy

Pretzel Crockpot Candy

White Chocolate Peppermint Crockpot Candy

Turtle Chocolates (Crockpot Candy)

Oreo White Chocolate Candy + Video

This crockpot candy is loaded with chopped pretzels, Oreo cookies, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Make them for gifts or an easy treat!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Slow Cooker

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings candies

Calories 246cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

24 ounce package vanilla almond bark
4 ounce Baker’s White Chocolate bar
2 cups chopped mini twisted pretzels
4 cups chopped Oreo cookies about 3 sleeves or 1 regular-sized package
2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Reserve 1/2 cup each of pretzels, cookies, and marshmallows for decorating the tops of the candies.
Break apart almond bark and white chocolate bar and place in the crockpot.
Cover with a lid and program the crockpot for one hour on LOW. Do not stir the candy during this time.
After one hour, stir the candy to determine if the almond bark and white chocolate are fully melted and smooth. Continue cooking on LOW if needed for 15 minute increments until everything is melted and stirs together smoothly.
Stir in chopped pretzels and cookies until combined.
Prepare sheet pans or a lengthy countertop by covering with parchment paper.
Just before you are ready to form the candies, stir in the mini marshmallows. Sprinkle a handful of mini chocolate chips across the mixture and swipe your spoon or spatula through the mixture just once to create a chocolate swirl throughout the Oreo cookie candy.
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of the candy onto the parchment paper.
Sprinkle the tops with reserved pretzels, cookies, and marshmallows.
Continue dropping the candies and sprinkling with the toppings.
After all of the candy has been scooped, melt the remaining bit of chocolate chips by microwaving in 30 second increments. Transfer melted chocolate into a small ziploc bag and snip the corner off of the bag to use it as a piping bag. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the candies.
Allow candies to set. Peel the candies from the parchment paper and store in an airtight container on the counter top for up to a couple weeks or freeze for 3 months.

Video

Nutrition

Originally published November 2021

The post Oreo White Chocolate Candy + Video appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Smores Crock Pot Candy + Video

Donna Elick — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 09:59:00 +0000

Smores Crock Pot Candy tastes just like your favorite campfire treat! Make it with all the classic ingredients plus honey roasted peanuts.

Smores Crockpot Candy

Skip the mess and sticky fingers with this recipe for crock pot candy. It has all the essential ingredients in one bite-sized treat. Check out more of our crock pot candy recipes here. We also have an air fryer smores recipe that is amazing!

Plus, you can make these no matter what the weather is like outside!

Video: Making Smores Candy

Be sure to watch the video! Look for it in the recipe card, at the bottom of this post.

Capture the same flavors from your firepit with my Mocha Smores Dip. It tastes delicious with graham crackers, your favorite cookies, or even sliced apples!

Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Pops are great for feeding a crowd, and you can decorate them to match your holiday celebrations too.

Or, combine two popular treats into one with these Snickerdoodle Smores Bars. Melted chocolate is sandwiched between two cookie layers and drizzled with melted marshmallow. Yum!

How To Make Smores Crockpot Candy

Layer the peanuts and chocolate in your slow cooker and cook until melted. It’s that simple! Then, stir in some graham crackers and marshmallows, scoop out onto parchment, and add more of your s’mores toppings.

Recipe Tips

Allow them to cool completely

It should take about two hours for the treats to firm up, and then you can peel them off the parchment paper and transfer to a container.

To cool them faster, scoop onto lined baking sheets instead, then place them in the refrigerator until solid.

Make them ahead of time

Because the entire process takes several hours, you may want to make this recipe for crock pot candy a day or two beforehand so you don’t feel rushed.

Plus, they last about a month in the refrigerator and even longer in the freezer! So make a batch when you have some free time and pull them out whenever you need a quick treat.

Adjust the size as needed

With a small candy scoop, this recipe should yield at least 12 dozen clusters.

However, feel free to use a larger scoop if you want them to be bigger or don’t need quite that many pieces.

Crock Pot Candy FAQ

Does crockpot candy need to be refrigerated?

If your kitchen is particularly warm, it’s a good idea to keep them chilled so they don’t melt and separate. Otherwise, they should be fine for a few weeks at room temperature.

What is almond bark?

Almond bark is a vanilla-flavored candy coating that, despite the name, doesn’t actually contain any almonds!

Because it contains vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter, it melts smoothly without tempering, and it hardens much faster than regular chocolate.

You can typically find it in blocks in the baking aisle, but white candy melts will work as well. These come in the form of discs and are often with the cake decorating supplies.

Can I make smores candy without peanuts?

Peanuts give the candy structure, so you will need to replace them with something else. Cashews, almonds, or macadamia nuts would also taste great.

If you have nut allergies, I recommend using pretzel pieces or pumpkin seeds.

Or, you could omit the additions. Just melt the chocolate in the microwave before stirring in the graham crackers and marshmallows. Just keep in mind that they may not hold their shape as well.

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Smores Crock Pot Candy + Video

Smores Crock Pot Candy tastes just like your favorite campfire treat! Make it with all the classic ingredients plus honey roasted peanuts.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Slow Cooker

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 30

Servings

Calories 198cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

5 ounces honey roasted dry roasted peanuts I used planters
32 ounces vanilla almond bark or white chocolate chips
12 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips about 2 cups
12 ounces milk chocolate chips about 2 cups
1 package of graham crackers chopped into 1/2” pieces
4 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

Layer peanuts, both chocolate chips, and almond bark into the crockpot (I used a 5 quart), cover.
Cook for 1 hour on low temperature. Do not stir.
After 1-hour stir mixture and continue to cook, stirring every 15-20 minutes until all of the chocolate is melted.
Meanwhile, line countertop or table with a long piece of parchment paper.
Turn off crockpot. Reserve 1/2 cup marshmallows and 1/4 graham cracker pieces.
Gently stir in graham crackers and marshmallows until just coated.
Use a 1 tablespoon scooper to scoop out candy from crockpot and onto parchment paper. Use the back of the scooper to press the candies down gently.
Top with mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs.
Allow to cool completely.

Video

Nutrition

Originally published December 2020.

The post Smores Crock Pot Candy + Video appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Pretzel Crockpot Candy + Video

Donna Elick — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 09:59:00 +0000

Pretzel crockpot candy is creamy, crunchy, peanutty, and perfectly salty and sweet. Make this white chocolate candy in just a few easy steps!

Recipes like Pretzel Crockpot Candy

It’s easy to satisfy any craving with the perfect blend of salty and sweet. Add in some red and green candy, and you’re ready for the holidays!

For a different flavor, try my Crockpot Turtles Candy. It’s just as easy to make as my original recipe, but it has a gorgeous topping of pecans and chocolate drizzle.

There are plenty of other sweet treats you can make in a slow cooker as well!

Crockpot Cinnamon Roasted Almonds make a wonderful party snack, or you can package them up with some crockpot peanut clusters for an easy holiday gift.

Or, make a no-fail Dulce de Leche with just two ingredients and no stirring! It’s rich, creamy, and tastes great on everything.

How To Make Pretzel Crockpot Candy

First, make sure you have plenty of time. These take about an hour to cook, plus another couple of hours to cool.

Otherwise, this sweet and salty candy couldn’t be easier to make!

Just layer the chocolate and nuts in the crockpot and cook. Then, stir in the pretzels, scoop out onto parchment, and top with candy and sprinkles.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Keep it on low heat. Don’t try to make this faster by cooking High. That will only cause the chocolate to burn and you’ll have to start over with all new ingredients.
Want to save time? You can mix the M&Ms into the crockpot before scooping if you’d like. Just keep in mind that they’ll be coated in the chocolate, so they will be white instead of Christmas colored.
Tip for Quicker Cooling: To set the white chocolate candy more quickly, pop the baking sheets into the refrigerator.
Want an easy holiday food gift? Place liners in muffin pans and scoop the candy into those instead of onto parchment. It will take a little longer for them to cool, but this is a great option for when you’ll be packaging them as gifts.

Kitchen Tools For Making Crockpot Peanut Clusters

Slow Cooker – I recommend using at least a 4-quart sized crock, but larger is better so everything melts evenly.
Cookie Scoops – For this recipe, I typically use a 3 Tablespoon scoop, but using a smaller one will yield more treats.
Baking Sheets – Used for anything from cookies to roasting, a good baking pan will last for years.
Parchment Paper – Prevents your treats from sticking and makes clean up a breeze!

Recipe Notes + FAQ

Storage and Freezing

These are usually fine at room temperature for a few weeks, but storing them in a sealed container will help keep them fresh.

If your kitchen is particularly warm, you may want to keep them in the refrigerator so they don’t soften and separate.

This sweet and salty candy should last up to a month when chilled. Or, you can freeze it for longer, but let the pieces thaw a bit before serving.

Can I use different kinds of nuts?

Sure! Almonds, cashews, and macadamia nuts would all taste great. You can even mix and match, as long as the measurements stay the same.

How many treats does this recipe make?

With the larger scoop, you should get about 3 dozen crockpot peanut clusters. If you need more, use a smaller scoop or double the ingredients.

Can I replace the almond bark with more white chocolate chips?

For this recipe, no. Almond bark is made specifically for melting because the texture stays smooth and it sets up and hardens beautifully.

Using only chocolate chips will result in crumbly and separated white chocolate candy.

If you can’t find almond bark, use white candy melts instead. They are shaped liked quarter-sized discs and can be found in the baking or cake decorating aisles.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Pretzel Crockpot Candy Recipe Video

To see us make the recipe from start to finish, watch the video on this page.

Pretzel Crockpot Candy + Video

Christmas crockpot candy is creamy, crunchy, and loaded with peanuts and pretzels. Make this white chocolate candy in just a few easy steps!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Slow Cooker

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings Treats

Calories 369cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

24 ounces vanilla almond bark
2 cups white chocolate chips 11 oz bag
16 ounces dry roasted peanuts salted
16 ounces dry roasted peanuts unsalted
3 1/2 cups mini pretzel twists
1 1/2 cups Holiday M&Ms
Holiday sprinkles optional

Instructions

Layer the following in a crockpot in this order: almond bark, dry roasted peanuts (salted), dry roasted peanuts (unsalted), and white chocolate chips.
Let cook on low for 1 hour (do not stir).
After 1 hour, turn the heat off and stir the mixture.
Break some of the pretzels apart and add pretzels to the crockpot (I like to leave some whole, but you can break them all).
Mix well so that all of the pretzels get coated.
Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper and use a 3 tablespoon cookie scoop or a large spoon or measuring cup to spoon mixture onto the baking sheet.
Top candy with holiday M&Ms and garnish with holiday sprinkles (optional).
Let candy cool completely and enjoy!

Video

Notes

If you use a smaller spoon or cookie scoop, you will yield more treats.

You could mix the M&Ms in the crockpot, but I didn’t want mine coated with white chocolate.

Nutrition

Originally published December 2020

The post Pretzel Crockpot Candy + Video appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

St Patrick’s Day Crockpot Candy (VIDEO)

Donna Elick — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 09:59:00 +0000

St Patrick’s Day Crockpot Candy is the easiest and most impressive homemade candy ever. A minty sweet 4-ingredient Leprechaun Treat that you simply toss in the slow cooker, stir a few times and scoop it out. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

If you are looking for more fun St. Patrick’s Day recipes you will love our Lucky Charms No-Bake Pie, Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip, McDonald’s Copycat Shamrock Shake, and our Chocolate Mint Oreo Cookie Trifle.

We have a thing for peanut clusters around here. And the ease of making Crockpot Candy makes it an absolute favorite.

Do I have to make St Patrick’s Day Crockpot Candy in a slow cooker?

You can prepare this on the stovetop if desired. But, the slow cooker gives you a no-fuss recipe and keeps the melted chocolate melty and easy to work with while you are scooping it out.

Can I substitute chocolate chips for the vanilla candy coating?

You can use white chocolate chips or Wilton Candy Melts in place of the vanilla candy coating.

I generally use almond bark that you can buy at Wal-Mart. It is what my mom used for peanut clusters and I keep it on hand.

What is vanilla candy coating?

Vanilla candy coating (commonly known as almond bark) is a chocolate-like candy made with vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter.

It melts evenly without tempering and is great for candy making.

Can I freeze St Patrick’s Day Crockpot Candy?

Allow candy to cool completely. You can toss it in the fridge to speed the process up.

Place candy in an airtight container, or in a zip-top freezer bag with the air pressed out. Candy will keep in the freezer for 6 months. Be sure to defrost before serving.

How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Crockpot Candy

Combine peanuts and candy coating in the slow cooker on low.
Cook, covered for 1 hour.
Stir.
Cook for another hour.
Stir in all but 1/2 cup of M&M’s.
Scoop candy, decorate and allow to set up.

Helpful Tips to make St Patrick’s Day Crockpot Candy:

You can make this recipe with CandiQuik, Almond Bark (not actually
made with almonds), vanilla candy melts and even white chocolate in
this recipe. I have tried them all and we have loved every one.
You can use two spoons to drop the candy onto your parchment paper
but using a tablespoon scooper is my preferred method.

It assures all of the candy will be the same size and it is easier and less messy.

What you will need to make St Patrick’s Day Crockpot Candy:

Vanilla Candy Coating – You can use CandiQuik, Almond Bark (not actually made with almonds),
vanilla candy melts and even white chocolate in this recipe.
4-6 Quart Slow Cooker – This is my favorite.
1 Tablespoon Scooper – This is one of my favorite kitchen tools. It is perfect for candy making, meatballs, and so many more recipes.
Crockpot Liners – I never use them because I wash the crock when it is still a little warm and the candy comes right out, but if you are worried about the cleanup,
these are foolproof.
Parchment Paper–I get lazy having to wash the Silpat liners. I love that I can toss this when I am done.

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Other Crockpot Candy Recipes

Crockpot Candy

Smores Crock Pot Candy

Crockpot Turtle Candy

Pretzel Crockpot Candy

St Patrick’s Day Crockpot Candy

Crock Pot Candy is the easiest and most impressive homemade candy ever. A rich chocolaty, peanutty 4 ingredient recipe that you simply toss in the slow cooker, stir a few times and scoop it out. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Slow Cooker

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 30

Servings 1 tablespoon candies

Calories 105cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

34.5 ounces honey roasted dry roasted peanuts I used planters
48 ounces vanilla-flavored candy coating Almond Bark or CandiQuik
11.4 ounces Dark Chocolate Mint M&Ms
Garnishes: seasonal sprinkles I used shamrocks, gold coins, and green & white jimmies

Instructions

Layer peanuts and then vanilla candy coating into the crockpot (I used a 5-quart). Cover. Cook for 1 hour on low temperature without lifting the lid. After 1 hour, stir the mixture and continue to cook, stirring every 15-20 minutes for another hour (a total of 2 hours).
Meanwhile, line 3 cookie sheets with Silpat mats or line countertop or table with a long piece of parchment paper.
Turn off the crockpot. Reserve 1/2 cup M&M’s.
When you are ready to scoop, pour remaining M&M’s into the crockpot and fold in.
Working quickly, use a 1-tablespoon scooper to portion out candy from crockpot and onto parchment paper. Make sure candy is not touching. Once the entire cookie sheet is scooped (before candy dries) top with 1 M&M and sprinkles.
Allow the candy to cool completely.

Video

Notes

Crockpot Candy will keep in the freezer in an airtight container or a ziptop freezer bag for 6 months. Be sure to defrost before serving.

If you wish to have flatter (easier to bite into) candies, use the back of the scooper to press down the candy a bit before it is garnished.

If your kitchen is cool your candy may set up faster. Keep an eye on it and add garnishes after the first dozen or so have been scooped so they do not dry before you can decorate them.

Nutrition

Originally published March 2020

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