Crockpot candy is a delightful and effortless way to whip up a batch of sweet treats that are perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and very little time, you can create a crunchy, chocolatey, and nutty concoction that will satisfy any sweet tooth. This recipe is especially perfect during the holidays when you want to spread cheer with homemade gifts or need a quick snack for gatherings. Gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and watch the magic happen as your kitchen fills with the aroma of melted chocolate and peanut butter goodness.
Why We Love This Crockpot Candy Recipe
This recipe has it all: it’s easy, delicious, and wonderfully versatile. You can toss in whatever sweet or crunchy mixes you have on hand, making it customizable for everyone’s taste. The slow melting of the chocolate and chips in the crockpot allows for a blend of flavors that is rich and satisfying, creating a candy that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time and allow it to cool and set, freeing up your schedule for other important holiday preparations or activities. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just for yourself, this crockpot candy is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients about Crockpot Candy
To create your delicious crockpot candy, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1 cup of peanut butter chips
- 1 cup of butterscotch chips
- 1 cup of peanuts
- 1 cup of holiday M&Ms
- 1 cup of dried fruit (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
These ingredients come together to form a crunchy, sweet, and indulgent treat that everyone will love.
How to Make Crockpot Candy Directions
Making crockpot candy is a straightforward process that only requires a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove your candy once it’s set.
- In your crockpot, combine 1 cup of chocolate chips, 1 cup of peanut butter chips, 1 cup of butterscotch chips, and the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir the mixture lightly to ensure the chips are evenly distributed.
- Set your crockpot to low heat. Cover it and let the mixture melt for about 30 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to help the melting process and ensure everything blends smoothly.
- After about 30 minutes, check to see if the chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. If not, continue melting, stirring occasionally, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Once your chocolate mixture is smooth, add in the cup of peanuts and the cup of dried fruit, if you decided to use it. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated in the chocolate mixture.
- Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the candy mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them out a bit to allow for some spreading.
- Before the mixture sets, sprinkle the holiday M&Ms on top of each candy cluster. This will not only add a pop of color but also a delightful crunch and sweetness to each bite.
- Now, you need to let your candy cool and set. You can either leave it at room temperature for a few hours or pop it in the fridge to speed up the process.
- Once set, break the clusters into pieces, and your delicious crockpot candy is ready to serve or package as a gift!
How to Serve Crockpot Candy
Crockpot candy isn’t just a treat; it’s a fun and festive indulgence that you can serve in several delightful ways. You can present your candy just as it is, in clusters on a beautiful platter for a casual get-together. Alternatively, consider packaging the cooled candy in decorative cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for a charming gift. This homemade candy can also be placed in jars or tins as part of holiday gift baskets for friends and family, showcasing your culinary skills.
For an added touch, you might want to serve your crockpot candy alongside a selection of other holiday treats. Pair it with cookies, brownies, or popcorn mixes to create a colorful and inviting dessert table. If you’re feeling adventurous, chop the crockpot candy into smaller bits and use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, adding a delightful crunch and sweetness to your desserts.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Candy
To ensure your crockpot candy turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality chocolate, peanut butter, and butterscotch chips. The better your ingredients, the more delicious your candy will be.
- Stir Often: Regular stirring not only helps with even melting but also prevents the chocolate from scorching in the crockpot.
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Your candy can be customized with various ingredients. Try adding different nuts, seeds, or even pretzels for a salty-sweet flavor.
- Monitor the Temperature: If you’re new to using a crockpot, keep an eye on your candy as it melts. Every crockpot is slightly different, and too much heat can lead to burnt chocolate.
- Don’t Overfill the Crockpot: If you’re making a large batch, consider melting the ingredients in two separate batches to avoid clogging the crockpot and to ensure even cooking.
How to Store Crockpot Candy
Once you’ve made your delectable crockpot candy, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness and flavor. After the candy has completely set, store it in an airtight container. This will help keep the candy from becoming stale and protect it from contamination. Ideally, you should place parchment paper between layers of candy to prevent sticking.
Crockpot candy can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a very warm climate, it might be a good idea to store it in the fridge to prevent melting. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Variations of Crockpot Candy
One of the best features of crockpot candy is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to cater to your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Nut-Free Version: If you or someone you know has allergies, you can omit the peanuts and replace them with crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbles for added texture.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Swap out the chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor. You can also combine different types of chocolate for a layered taste.
- Add Coconut: For a tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut. This pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and contrasts beautifully with the other flavors.
- Fruit Infusion: If you’re a fan of dried fruits, add cranberries, raisins, or apricots. These will add a chewy texture that complements the crunchiness of the nuts.
- Make It Festive: For seasonal versions, you can use themed M&Ms or add edible glitter or sprinkles to really make your candy pop during the holidays or special occasions.
FAQ
What is crockpot candy?
Crockpot candy is a simple sweet treat made by melting chocolate and various mix-ins in a crockpot. It’s a fuss-free way to create delightful candy that’s perfect for gifting or personal indulgence.
How do I make sure my crockpot candy doesn’t burn?
To prevent burning, keep the temperature on low and stir the mixture frequently. Make sure you check on it regularly while it’s melting.
Can I freeze crockpot candy?
Yes! Crockpot candy can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
Is it possible to make crockpot candy without nuts?
Absolutely! You can leave out the nuts entirely and substitute them with crunchy cereal or pretzels for texture.
What other toppings can I use besides M&Ms?
Feel free to get creative! Other great toppings include crushed cookies, sprinkles, or even mini marshmallows for a fun twist.
Crockpot Candy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1 cup holiday M&Ms for topping
- 1 cup dried fruit optional
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melting
- In the crockpot, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, and vanilla extract. Stir lightly to mix.
- Set the crockpot to low heat and cover. Let the mixture melt for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until smooth.
- Once melted, add peanuts and dried fruit (if using). Stir well to coat.
Forming Candies
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out.
- Sprinkle holiday M&Ms on top of each cluster before setting.
Cooling
- Let the candy cool and set at room temperature or in the fridge until firm.
- Once set, break into pieces and serve.
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