This Crockpot Christmas Crack is a deliciously easy treat featuring crunchy dry-roasted peanuts and a blend of creamy white and dark chocolate with a touch of peanut butter and toffee bits. It’s a festive, melt-in-your-mouth candy that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or enjoying at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless: The crockpot does all the work, so it’s incredibly simple to make.
- Perfect for Gifting: These bite-sized treats are great for holiday tins and gift bags.
- Rich and Festive: With its blend of chocolates, peanuts, and optional sprinkles, this candy captures the flavors of the season.
- Minimal Cleanup: Using a crockpot liner or non-stick spray keeps cleanup quick and easy.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) jar of lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts
- 2 (11-ounce) packages of white chocolate chips (22 ounces total)
- 5 ounces dark chocolate chips (half of a 10-ounce package)
- ½ cup smooth peanut butter
- ⅓ cup toffee bits
- Optional garnish: Festive sprinkles or sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot and Baking Sheets
- Spray the interior of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or line it with a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.
- Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats or wax paper. Set aside.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Place the pieces of almond bark at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the peanuts, followed by the white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, and peanut butter.
Step 3: Cook and Melt the Mixture
- Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Allow the ingredients to cook for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, remove the lid and stir thoroughly to ensure the peanuts are coated in the melted chocolate.
- If any chocolate pieces remain unmelted, cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes until the chocolate is smooth and capable of coating the peanuts evenly.
Step 4: Scoop the Candy
- Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, scoop generous portions of the candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheets.
- If using sprinkles, add them immediately before the chocolate cools and sets.
Step 5: Cool and Store
- Let the candy cool at room temperature until the chocolate is fully set.
- Once cooled, transfer the candy into an airtight container for storage.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Crockpot
- Silicone baking mats or wax paper
- Cookie scoop or two tablespoons for scooping
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions: Serve this candy on a holiday dessert table or package it in decorative bags or tins as gifts.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container, layering parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Mix: Add almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts along with the peanuts for more variety.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Substitute some of the white chocolate with extra dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Add Marshmallows: For a Rocky Road effect, fold in mini marshmallows just before scooping the candy mixture.
Helpful Notes
- Watch the Chocolate: Stirring every 15 minutes prevents the chocolate from scorching and ensures even melting.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This makes scooping uniform portions easier and creates evenly sized candies.
- Add Toppings Immediately: Sprinkles or sea salt should be added while the candy is still warm to ensure they stick.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Ina Garten’s Tip for Candy Making: Use good-quality chocolate for the best flavor, as it’s the star ingredient.
Martha Stewart’s Advice: Set up a cooling station with wax paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts?
Absolutely! You can substitute or mix in other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans.
Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate chips?
Yes, almond bark works well and adds extra creaminess to the candy.
Do I need to stir the candy often?
Stirring every 15 minutes helps the chocolate melt evenly and prevents burning.
What if I don’t have a crockpot liner?
Simply spray the crockpot with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, if you like extra texture, crunchy peanut butter will work just as well.
This Crockpot Christmas Crack is a simple yet indulgent holiday treat, perfect for spreading holiday cheer with family, friends, or coworkers. Enjoy each delicious bite!
PrintCrockpot Christmas Crack Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 Pieces 1x
Description
This Crockpot Christmas Crack is the ultimate holiday treat! Crunchy peanuts and creamy chocolate with a sprinkle of festive magic!
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) jar lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts
- 2 (11-ounce) packages white chocolate chips (22 ounces total)
- 5 ounces dark chocolate chips (about half of a 10-ounce package)
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/3 cup toffee bits
- Optional: Festive sprinkles and sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly coat the interior of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or place a liner to make cleanup easier.
- Line Baking Sheets: Arrange two baking sheets lined with silicone baking mats or wax paper and set aside.
- Layer Ingredients in Crockpot: Place pieces of almond bark on the bottom of the crockpot. Then, layer the peanuts, white chocolate, dark chocolate, and peanut butter on top.
- Cook and Stir: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 1 hour. After the first hour, uncover and stir thoroughly to coat the peanuts with melted chocolate. If chocolate pieces remain solid, replace the lid and continue to cook, stirring every 15 minutes, until all chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Scoop Candy onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, drop generous spoonfuls of the candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Add Garnishes and Cool: If using sprinkles or sea salt, add them to each candy portion immediately before it cools. Let the candies cool and set at room temperature until firm.
- Store: Once set, store the candies in an airtight container.
Notes
- Watch the Chocolate: Stirring every 15 minutes prevents the chocolate from scorching and ensures even melting.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This makes scooping uniform portions easier and creates evenly sized candies.
- Add Toppings Immediately: Sprinkles or sea salt should be added while the candy is still warm to ensure they stick.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes