There’s something magical about a recipe that blends simplicity with nostalgia. When you can toss a few ingredients into a slow cooker and walk away, only to return to a rich, decadent chocolate peanut butter candy, it feels less like cooking and more like a warm hug from the past. Whether you’re prepping a holiday candy tray, making edible gifts, or just craving something sweet and easy, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Crockpot Candy delivers everything you need. It’s rich, crunchy, creamy, and impossible to resist.
Let’s walk through how to make it from scratch, what you need, how to store it, and even how to put your own spin on it.
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Why Chocolate Peanut Butter Crockpot Candy Belongs in Your Recipe Box
You don’t need to be a candy maker or spend hours in the kitchen to make something people will rave about. This candy is effortless and always a crowd-pleaser. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, and you get all the glory.
Here’s why this treat might become your new favorite:
- Set it and forget it: The crockpot melts everything perfectly, with little hands-on time.
- No candy thermometer required: You won’t have to watch sugar syrup hit hard-ball stage. This recipe is foolproof.
- Minimal ingredients: Just five pantry staples and some optional sprinkles.
- Perfect for any occasion: From holiday parties to teacher gifts, it fits the mood.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to match your tastes or what you have on hand.
You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again—not just because it’s easy, but because it’s that good.
What You’ll Need to Make This Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy
Before you begin, gather these ingredients. They’re all easy to find, and you may already have them in your pantry.
Ingredients:
- 32 ounces dry roasted salted peanuts – Crunchy and salty, they’re the base of the candy.
- 10 ounces peanut butter chips – For that sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- 24 ounces chocolate almond bark (chopped) – It melts beautifully and sets up with a nice sheen.
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips – You can also use semi-sweet if you prefer a richer taste.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter – Smooth and melty, this blends everything together.
- 1 tablespoon red and green nonpareil sprinkles – Optional, but festive and fun.
Make sure your crockpot is clean and ready to go. A 6-quart size works best for this batch.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy in a Crockpot
Even if you’ve never used a slow cooker to make candy before, this process is incredibly simple. Here’s how you do it.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker in this order: peanuts, peanut butter chips, chopped almond bark, chocolate chips, and finally the peanut butter.
- Cover the crockpot with a clean tea towel or paper towel before placing the lid on top. This helps prevent moisture from dripping onto the chocolate.
- Cook on low for 1 hour without stirring. Just let the heat do its work.
- Stir after 1 hour, then continue cooking, stirring every 15 minutes until fully melted and smooth. This usually takes two to three more 15-minute intervals.
- Scoop the candy onto wax or parchment paper using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop. You can make them smaller or larger depending on your preference.
- Add sprinkles while the candy is still wet, if you’re using them.
- Let it cool at room temperature or pop the trays into the fridge to speed things up. After about an hour, they’ll be firm and ready to store—or eat.
That’s it. You now have a batch of rich, creamy, peanut-studded chocolate candy ready to enjoy.
Variations and Custom Add-Ins
One of the best parts of this candy is how versatile it is. If you want to give the recipe your own twist, here are some fun ideas to try.
Flavorful Add-Ins:
- Shredded coconut – Adds texture and a subtle tropical note.
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint extract – Perfect for the holidays.
- Chopped caramels – For a gooey surprise in every bite.
- Andes mints or mint chips – A chocolate-mint combo is always welcome.
- Dried fruit – Try raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots.
- Pretzel pieces – For a salty crunch.
- Any type of nuts – Cashews, almonds, pecans, macadamia… you name it.
This is one of those “choose your own adventure” kinds of recipes. Use the base and get creative.
How to Store Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy
After making a batch, you’ll want to keep your candies fresh for as long as possible. Thankfully, they store really well.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They’ll last up to three months.
- Refrigerator: If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate them to keep the chocolate firm.
- Freezer: You can freeze these candies for up to a year. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Let them thaw at room temp or enjoy them cold.
Avoid humidity or warm areas—moisture and heat are the enemies of good chocolate texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy
Can I use chocolate chips instead of peanut butter chips?
Yes, absolutely. While peanut butter chips add a creamy nuttiness and a lighter color, chocolate chips work just as well. You can even mix in butterscotch or white chocolate chips for variety.
Can this candy be made in the microwave?
If you’re short on time, yes. Combine the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second intervals, stirring in between. Be careful, though—chocolate can burn fast in the microwave. This method works, but the crockpot is safer and yields smoother results.
Can I substitute peanut butter with other nut butters?
Yes, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you’re avoiding nuts. Just make sure it’s creamy, not chunky, so it melts smoothly into the candy.
Conclusion
When you make Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy in the crockpot, you’re doing more than following a recipe. You’re creating something warm, comforting, and filled with memories—or maybe starting new ones. With simple steps, basic ingredients, and room to be creative, this treat is designed for real life and real joy.
Whether you’re making it for a Christmas cookie exchange, a thoughtful homemade gift, or just because the craving hits, this candy checks every box. Sweet, salty, crunchy, creamy, and most of all—easy. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and make a batch that’s sure to bring smiles.
Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a tradition in your home. And if you make it your own with fun mix-ins, even better. Share it, gift it, or just enjoy a quiet moment with something sweet made with your own hands.
More Tasty Ideas
- Lazy Slow Cooker Chocolate Candy: If you loved the ease of crockpot candy, this lazy version keeps things simple while delivering delicious, chocolatey clusters that melt in your mouth. A perfect addition to your holiday dessert table or snack stash.
- Snowball Oreo Cookie Balls: These no-bake treats blend creamy Oreo centers with a white chocolate shell, echoing the convenience and sweetness of the chocolate peanut butter candy. Great for gifting or entertaining.
- Christmas Fudge Recipe: Rich, festive, and incredibly easy, this fudge recipe shares the same indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth texture and is another great slow-prep dessert you can make ahead.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crockpot Candy is a rich, sweet treat made with roasted peanuts, peanut butter chips, milk chocolate, and almond bark, all melted together in a slow cooker. Perfect for holidays or homemade gifts, it’s an easy, hands-off dessert with a creamy, crunchy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 105 minutes
- Total Time: 115 minutes
- Yield: 35 candies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 32 ounces dry roasted salted peanuts
- 10 ounces peanut butter chips
- 24 ounces chocolate almond bark, chopped
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon red and green nonpareil sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Add the peanuts, peanut butter chips, chopped almond bark, milk chocolate chips, and peanut butter to a 6-quart crockpot.
- Place a clean tea towel or paper towel on top of the crockpot and then secure the lid over it.
- Cook on low for 1 hour without stirring.
- After 1 hour, stir the mixture, then replace the towel and lid.
- Continue to stir every 15 minutes until the chocolate and peanut butter chips are fully melted and smooth (usually takes 2 to 3 more 15-minute intervals).
- Lay out wax paper or parchment paper on a flat surface.
- Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to drop the candy mixture onto the paper in mounds.
- Immediately sprinkle with nonpareil sprinkles while the candy is still wet.
- Let the candy set at room temperature or refrigerate for about 1 hour to firm up.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- You can substitute peanut butter chips with chocolate, butterscotch, or caramel chips.
- Any type of creamy nut butter can be used instead of peanut butter (e.g., almond or cashew butter).
- Try variations with shredded coconut, chopped soft caramels, or crushed candy canes for added flavor.
