Crockpot Christmas Crack

Crockpot Christmas Crack, also referred to as Crock Pot Christmas Candy, is a delicious combination of nuts and chocolates that comes together quickly and easily in your slow cooker. With only a few minutes of hands on time, you can make a big batch of this irresistible chocolate Christmas candy.

Crockpot Christmas Crack

While the name is a bit goofy, these chocolatey peanut clusters are downright irresistible. A perfect blend of four types of chocolate, with crunchy peanuts and cashews, they are a great addition to Christmas cookie platters and treat trays.

One of the great things about this recipe is that it only takes about 15 minutes of hands on time, yet creates a batch big enough to serve at a party or help fill up multiple Christmas cookie containers. This recipe gives you a lot of bang for your buck, the same way Reindeer Chow does!

How To Make Crockpot Christmas Candy

Let’s discuss the ingredients you’ll need, and the steps you’ll take, to make this easy Crockpot Christmas Crack Candy recipe. If you want to skip my discussion, tips, information and answers to frequently asked questions, just scroll to the bottom of this post for the printable recipe.

Ingredients

• Unsalted peanuts– I prefer to use unsalted peanuts to keep the candy from becoming overly salty 
• Cashews – I recommend using lightly salted cashew halves and pieces.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Be sure to use a high quality chocolate so it melts smoothly and sets up well. I used Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate chips, and also love Guittard and Ghirardelli.
• Peanut butter baking chips – Reese’s makes great peanut butter chips, and I also like the ones that can sometimes be found at Trader Joe’s.
• White chocolate bars – Ghirardelli, Baker’s and Lindt all make great white chocolate bars. You could also use vanilla almond bark or white chocolate chips.
• German chocolate bar– Baker’s German Chocolate Bars add a nice depth to this mix of chocolate. If you can’t find them, I would suggest substituting with a dark chocolate bar.
• Festive sprinkles (optional) – Colorful red and green sprinkles give these peanut clusters a fun holiday appearance.
• Flake sea salt (optional) – If you LOVE the salty sweet combo, then I definitely recommend sprinkling on a few flakes of sea salt. I highly recommend Maldon or Jacobson salt. They have great flavor and crunch, and aren’t overly salty the way a table salt would be.
• Crushed candy canes (optional) – Crushed candy canes not only give a festive look, they add a delicious peppermint touch.

Directions

1. Place the peanuts and cashews into a 5 quart crock pot. Stir to combine and spread the nuts evenly over the bottom of the crock pot.
2. Layer the semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter baking chips evenly over the nuts.
3. Break apart the vanilla baking bars and German chocolate bar and add them to the crockpot.
4. Cover and heat on LOW for 1 hour without stirring.
5. Give the candy a good stir to mix well. Scoop the candy into small clusters on parchment or wax paper.
6. Top ⅓ of the candy clusters with sprinkles, ⅓ with flake sea salt, and ⅓ with crushed candy canes.
7. Allow the candy to set completely at room temperature or place in the refrigerator to set faster

Tips and Advice

Crock Pot Variation – Crock pots tend to all cook at different temperatures. For my crockpot, 1 hour is the perfect amount of time for all the chocolate to melt smoothly. You may find that your crock pot requires a little less or a little more time. Check it at 1 hour and give it a good stir. If the chocolate is completely melted and smooth it’s ready to go. If it’s not ready yet allow it to continue cooking and check it every 15-30 minutes.

Chill Out – This candy can set either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. I prefer to let it set in the refrigerator since it is faster and helps the chocolate harden more thoroughly.

Storage

Store the Crock Pot Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. You can store at room temperature as well if your room is cool enough to not melt the chocolate.

To freeze Crockpot Christmas Crack, let the candy cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Once it has cooled, place it in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Flash freeze for 30 minutes or until completely hardened. Put the candies in a freezer-safe container and keep them frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

More Chocolate And Peanut Butter Recipes

If you love the combo of chocolate and peanut butter, here are some other recipes I think you’ll enjoy!

• Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Fudge
• Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Magic Cookie Bars
• Chocolate Covered Ritz Crackers