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!
Crockpot Christmas Crack Recipe
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.