This Crockpot Christmas Crack is a delightful sweet-and-salty treat that’s easy to make in a slow cooker! Loaded with chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy nuts, it’s the perfect holiday dessert to share with family and friends. With minimal prep and just a few hours in the slow cooker, this recipe is a go-to for festive gatherings or gift-giving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: Just layer ingredients in the crockpot and let it melt together—no stovetop or oven needed.
- Sweet and Salty: The perfect balance of creamy chocolate and crunchy, salty nuts.
- Perfect for Holiday Sharing: This recipe makes about 36 pieces, ideal for parties or holiday gifts.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make it your own!
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted peanuts (about 16 oz)
- 2 cups salted peanuts or cashews (about 16 oz)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz)
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (12 oz)
- 1 2/3 cups peanut butter chips (10 oz)
- 1 lb vanilla candy coating (16 oz)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker for easy cleanup. Add the unsalted peanuts, salted peanuts or cashews, semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and vanilla candy coating.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring halfway through to help everything melt and combine evenly.
- Form the Crack Pieces: Line a baking sheet with 36 cupcake liners. Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, scoop out golf ball-sized portions of the chocolate mixture into each liner, pressing gently to hold shape.
- Chill and Set: Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, or until the Christmas Crack has fully set and hardened.
- Break into Pieces: Once chilled, remove the treats from the liners and break along natural “crack” lines. Alternatively, you can cut them into uniform squares with a knife if you prefer.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Ice cream scoop or large spoon
- 36 cupcake liners
- Baking sheet
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these treats on a holiday dessert platter, or package them in small gift bags for festive favors.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer storage.
Recipe Variations
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle crushed pretzels or toffee bits on top of each piece before chilling.
- Festive Toppings: Add crushed candy canes, holiday sprinkles, or mini marshmallows for a holiday touch.
- Fruit and Nut Twist: For added flavor, mix in dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped almonds.
Helpful Notes
- Stir Gently: When stirring halfway through, be gentle to avoid breaking up the nuts too much.
- Add Coconut Oil: If the mixture seems too thick or sticky, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil to smooth out the texture.
- Use a Double Layer of Nuts: Layering both salted and unsalted nuts gives a nice balance of saltiness without overpowering the sweetness.
Tips from Candy Experts
- Chef Christina Tosi: “For an extra creamy texture, use good-quality chocolate chips, which melt better and give a smoother finish.”
- Chef Ree Drummond: “Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling enhances the sweet-and-salty flavor profile.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use different nuts?
Yes! Feel free to swap in pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts based on your preference.
Q2: What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can melt the ingredients in a double boiler over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Follow the same steps for portioning and chilling.
Q3: Can I use almond bark instead of vanilla candy coating?
Yes, almond bark works well as a substitute for vanilla candy coating.
Q4: Can I freeze Christmas Crack?
Yes, Christmas Crack freezes well! Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Q5: What if my chocolate isn’t melting evenly?
If you notice uneven melting, try stirring more frequently or add a bit of coconut oil to help smooth it out.
Perfect for Holiday Gifting and Parties
This Crockpot Christmas Crack is a fun, easy, and irresistible treat that’s sure to be a holiday hit. Sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy, each bite delivers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Enjoy making, sharing, and savoring this festive favorite with family and friends!
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Crockpot Christmas Crack Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 36 Pieces 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Christmas Chocolate Nut Crack combines sweet and salty flavors with the richness of peanut butter and smooth chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this treat offers a delightful crunch from the peanuts and cashews and a velvety texture from the chocolate layers. It’s an easy, slow-cooked dessert with a festive feel that’s ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted peanuts
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups salted peanuts or cashews
- 1 2/3 cups peanut butter chips
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 lb vanilla candy coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker to make cleanup easier after cooking. Add the unsalted peanuts, semi-sweet chocolate chips, salted peanuts or cashews, peanut butter chips, milk chocolate chips, and vanilla candy coating to the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure even melting and blending.
- Form the Crack Pieces: Line 36 cupcake tins with paper liners. Scoop golf ball-sized portions of the chocolate mixture into each lined cup using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, pressing gently to ensure they hold their shape.
- Chill and Set: Place the filled liners in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until completely set and hardened.
- Break into Pieces: Once chilled, remove the crack from the liners and break into pieces along the natural “crack” lines or cut into squares with a knife for more uniform pieces.
Notes
- For a Smoother Texture: If the mixture feels too dry or sticky, add a spoonful of coconut oil to adjust the consistency.
- Customizable Flavors: Add a sprinkle of toffee bits, dried fruit, or mint chips for a personalized twist.
- Storage: Store leftover pieces in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking, for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
