If you are looking to make a delightful and festive treat that brings joy with every bite, the Easter Crock Pot Candy Recipe is an absolute must-try. This easy slow cooker candy blends creamy white and semi-sweet chocolates with crunchy peanuts and colorful pastel M&M’s to create a mouthwatering dessert that captures the spirit of the season perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a sweet snack, this candy delivers a heavenly mix of flavors and textures that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the key to making this Easter Crock Pot Candy Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a big role in bringing together the rich taste, satisfying crunch, and vibrant appearance that makes this treat so irresistible.
- 2 pounds white almond bark: This melts smoothly to form a creamy, sweet base that holds the candy together.
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness for a perfect chocolate harmony.
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips: Enhances the candy with extra richness and a silky texture.
- 16 ounces dry roasted peanuts: Offers a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements all the chocolate.
- 16 ounces salted cocktail peanuts: The saltiness here provides an exciting contrast that makes every bite pop.
- 1 cup pastel-colored M&M’s: These add vibrant colors and a fun, candy-coated crunch that’s perfect for Easter.
- ½ cup pastel sprinkles (optional): A festive finishing touch that enhances color and texture if you want to go all out.
How to Make Easter Crock Pot Candy Recipe
Step 1: Combine Chocolate and Almond Bark
Start by adding the broken white almond bark, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips directly into the base of your crock pot. This trio of chocolates will melt together into a luscious, smooth mixture that forms the foundation of your candy.
Step 2: Add Peanuts and Cook
Next, sprinkle both the dry roasted peanuts and salted cocktail peanuts evenly over the chocolate mixture. Cover the crock pot and cook on the lowest setting for approximately 1½ to 2 hours. It’s important to resist stirring during this time to allow the chocolate to melt evenly and the peanuts to subtly soften, melding their flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Stir to Combine and Add M&M’s
Once the chocolate and almond bark mixture has melted completely, remove the lid and stir gently until everything is combined with a smooth, even consistency. Now fold in the pastel-colored M&M’s carefully, reserving a handful for topping your candies.
Step 4: Scoop and Top
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment or wax paper. Immediately press the reserved M&M’s onto the tops, and if you’re using sprinkles, add those now too. This step gives your candy a festive appearance and an extra layer of sweet crunch.
Step 5: Let Set
Allow your candies to set at room temperature for about an hour, or pop them in the refrigerator to speed things up. Once hardened, these beauties are ready to be enjoyed or wrapped up for gifting!
How to Serve Easter Crock Pot Candy Recipe
Garnishes
While the M&M’s and sprinkles provide excellent garnish already, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an elegant finishing touch. This not only enhances the look but also adds layers of flavor that dazzle your guests.
Side Dishes
This candy is rich and sweet, so pairing it with fresh fruit like juicy strawberries or tart raspberries can refresh the palate between bites. It also complements a simple cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the candy in mini cupcake liners to keep pieces neat and easy to grab. You can also arrange them artfully on pastel-colored plates or fill decorative jars as adorable Easter gifts. If you want to impress, layer the pieces in a clear glass bowl with festive shredded papers for a colorful display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Easter Crock Pot Candy Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps the candy fresh and maintains its delightful crunch and creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to make this candy ahead of time or keep it longer, it freezes beautifully. Place the candies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper layers between them to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
While this candy is best enjoyed as is, if you prefer a softer texture, pop a piece in the microwave for just a few seconds. Be cautious not to overheat or it might become too melty. Reheating makes it perfect for a warm, gooey treat.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts in this Easter Crock Pot Candy Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap peanuts for almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just keep the total nut weight the same to maintain the balance of textures and flavors.
Is it necessary to use both types of chocolate chips?
Using both white and semi-sweet chocolate chips creates a delightful contrast in sweetness and texture, but you can adjust based on your preference. Pure white or pure semi-sweet will work, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I make this candy without a crock pot?
While this recipe is designed for slow cooker convenience, you can melt the ingredients gently in a double boiler on the stovetop. Just be careful to stir frequently and avoid overheating the chocolate.
How long does the candy take to set?
At room temperature, expect the candy to set in about an hour. Refrigerating speeds this up to roughly 20 to 30 minutes, especially when you’re eager to dig in sooner.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Easter Crock Pot Candy Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free labeled chocolate chips and M&M’s to avoid cross-contamination.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Crock Pot Candy Recipe is one of those magical treats that feels both festive and effortless. It’s a sweet celebration of chocolate, nuts, and colorful candies that never fails to bring smiles. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and share it with loved ones – it’s truly candy making made joyful and simple.
Print
Easter Crock Pot Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 40 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easter Crock Pot Candy Recipe is a delightful no-bake dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. Combining creamy white almond bark, semi-sweet and white chocolate chips with crunchy peanuts and colorful pastel M&M’s, this sweet treat is simple to prepare in a slow cooker. It offers festive colors and a delicious blend of textures, ideal for sharing during Easter or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds white almond bark, broken into pieces
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 16 ounces dry roasted peanuts
- 16 ounces salted cocktail peanuts
Decorative Toppings
- 1 cup pastel-colored M&M’s (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup pastel sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Break the white almond bark into pieces and gather the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, peanuts, and M&M’s for easy access during cooking.
- Layer Ingredients in Crock Pot: Add the almond bark, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips to the bottom of a large crock pot. Then, top with both types of peanuts evenly.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the crock pot and cook on the low setting for 1½ to 2 hours without stirring. This slow melting process ensures the chocolates melt gently and evenly.
- Mix Thoroughly: Once the chocolates have melted completely, stir the mixture until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Fold in M&M’s: Gently fold the pastel-colored M&M’s into the chocolate-peanut mixture, reserving a few for decorative topping.
- Form Candies: Spoon out tablespoon-sized portions or use a small cookie scoop to drop the mixture onto parchment or wax paper-lined trays.
- Add Toppings: Immediately after forming each candy, top with the reserved M&M’s and pastel sprinkles, if using, to add color and texture.
- Let Set: Allow candies to set completely at room temperature for about 1 hour, or refrigerate to speed up the setting process.
- Store Properly: Once set, store the candies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and tasty.
Notes
- You can use mini cupcake liners for a cleaner and more festive presentation.
- Feel free to customize the candy by using different nuts or candy-coated chocolates to suit holidays or personal preferences.
- To avoid overcooking or burning the chocolate, keep your crock pot on the lowest heat setting and start checking the melting process at 1½ hours.
