Christmas Crock Pot Candy (Peanut Clusters)REcipe (2024)

If you are in desperate need of an easy and delicious Christmas dessert to make this holiday season AMAZING, this crock pot candy recipe is a surefire hit with family and friends. It only requires 4 simple ingredients – plus one hour of cooking time in the crock pot. After that’s done, you’ll have a HUGE batch of candy ready to enjoy. So get your ingredients together because it’s time to make some crock pot peanut clusters!

Christmas is the best time to make delicious desserts and treats, and this crock pot candy is no exception!

Today’s recipe is a fun, quick, and delicious treat you can make for the holidays.And while this technically isn’t a cookie, I think it looks beautiful on a Christmas cookie platter. So, if you’re looking for more delicious cookie recipes, check out all of my favorite Christmas Cookie recipese!

Now, I’m sure many of you have heard of this since it’s become so popular this year. It’s so yummy, however, that I had to give it some love on IBC. I’m not sure where this recipe originated, but I heard about it from my mom who got it from one of her good friends.

This year, my mom and I share Christmas cookie-making responsibility for the holidays. She makes half of the recipes and I make half. Then we split our baking bounty! Last year, she made crock pot candy. When she gave it to me, I sort of turned my nose up at it. The joke was on me though because, after one bite, I was hooked!

This recipe for crock pot peanut clusters just might be the ultimate holiday treat. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also really delicious and a great treat to share for Christmas. You’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You only need four ingredients! Yep, you read that right. Just four! We’re all about simplicity here. No need for a shopping list as long as Santa’s naughty and nice list.
• The beauty of this candy is how effortless it is. Seriously, your crock pot does nearly all the work. No need to hover over a stovetop or keep a hawk’s eye on an oven. Just let it do its thing and before you know it, you’ll have a delectable treat that looks like you slaved over it for hours.
• Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a sweet treat that’s got a delightful crunch, and is drenched in silky chocolate? This candy hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of dessert where you think you’ll just have one piece and then… well, you know the rest.
• Wrapped up in some festive cellophane or tucked into a cute tin, these peanut clusters make the perfect gift. Everyone appreciates a homemade treat, and this one screams, “I made this with love, but also didn’t stress myself out.”

Looking for more EASY Christmas treats? You’ve got it! Try this White Chocolate Puff Corn, Peanut Butter Truffles, and these No-Bake Bourbon Balls.

Ingredients

The ingredient list for this crock pot candy is simple. Here are all of the things you will need:

• Dry Roasted Peanuts: These are best for this recipe, but if you can’t find them salted will work too. I don’t recommend buying the honey roasted as it might be too sweet with the chocolate and almond bark.
• Almond Bark: If you’ve never used almond bark before, it’s a white chocolate-like coating commonly used for making candy. It melts nicely and has a great flavor when combined with the other ingredients. I used chocolate, but vanilla will also work.
• German Chocolate Bar: I recommend using a German chocolate bar to make this crock pot candy so that you get a good amount of flavor from the chocolate without too much sweetness. This is available at most grocery stores in the baking aisle.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are the finishing touches to the crock pot peanut clusters, providing a nice balance of sweetness and richness.
• Mini Baking Cups: I like to use these to make a big batch of individual peanut clusters. To make it even more festive, choose mini baking cups that are Christmas-themed!
• Sprinkles: This is totally optional, but sprinkles make the candy look even more festive and delicious.

How to Make

I’ll walk you through the steps for making this crock pot candy below. (Don’t worry it’s really easy!) I’ve also provideda full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Put all of the ingredients in a crock pot. (Except for the sprinkles.)
2. Cover and set the temperature to warm. Let sit for 1 hour; then stir the mixture. Continue to heat for another hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes for an additional hour or until the chocolate is completely melted.

3. Once everything is melted, portion out the candy into mini paper baking cups. (I found it helpful to place the cups in a mini muffin pan before filling them with the candy to help them keep their shape. This isn’t required, just helpful.)
4. Top with sprinkles and allow to cool until set.

5. Pack and store in an airtight container.

And that’s it! I told you this was an easy recipe!

Recipe Variations

Now, while the classic version of this Crock Pot Candy is nothing short of fantastic, I totally understand the need to shake things up a bit. Here are some delightful twists you can give to this recipe:

• Different Nuts: Not a fan of peanuts or just want to mix it up? Try using almonds, cashews, or even walnuts. The world is your nutty oyster here!
• Choco-Variety: While the original calls for milk chocolate, feel free to explore with white chocolate or dark chocolate for a unique twist. Or hey, why not a combination of all three for a tri-chocolate cluster?
• Add in Some Fruit: Dried fruits can be a game-changer. Consider tossing in some dried cranberries or raisins. They add a sweet-tart kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy chocolate.
• A Hint of Flavor: Infuse your candy with a few drops of peppermint or vanilla extract for a touch of added flavor. Just a hint can elevate the entire experience.
• Sea Salt Sprinkle: After dropping your clusters onto the tray, sprinkle a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt on top. This sweet-salty combination is so tantalizing, it might just become your new favorite version.

Remember, these are just jumping-off points! Feel free to get inventive and combine some of these variations, or come up with your own unique take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few questions I’ve been asked when I have shared this recipe for crock pot candy.

Is crock pot candy gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure that the ingredients you use are gluten-free.

What other types of nuts can I use in this recipe?

You can use any type of nut that you like. Try using almonds, cashews, pecans, or walnuts for a different flavor profile!

How do I serve these peanut clusters?

This candy is fun to add to a cookie tray or package up as a small gift for friends, family members, or coworkers. You can also add it to a dessert charcuterie board and serve it alongside other holiday treats like these white chocolate cherry shortbread cookies and gingerbread biscotti.

Does this need to be refrigerated?

No, the peanut clusters don’t need to be stored in the refrigerator. However, if you live in a warm climate and find that the candy softens quickly, you could store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I make this candy ahead of time?

Yes, you can. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. It should keep well if stored correctly.

More Homemade Candy You’ll Love

• Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy
• Salted Caramel Turtles
• No Bake Bourbon Balls
• Meringue Mushrooms
• Easy Christmas Fudge

There you have it! With just four simple ingredients and one hour in the crock pot, you can whip up a huge batch of delicious crock pot peanut clusters for your holiday gathering.

Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also a crowd pleaser. So don’t be afraid to give this recipe a try. I’m sure your family and friends will love it as much as mine did! If they do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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