Crockpot Christmas Crack is a delightful treat that combines sweet and salty flavors into a candy that’s nearly impossible to resist. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of a slow cooker, you can whip up a batch of this festive candy in no time. Featuring peanuts, pretzels, Rice Chex, and three kinds of chocolate, this recipe is ideal for holiday parties, gifting, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Sprinkle in some festive fun with holiday-themed sprinkles, and you’ve got a no-bake treat everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: The slow cooker does all the work—no stovetop juggling or oven babysitting.
- Perfect for gifting: Pack these treats in holiday tins or gift bags for a thoughtful, homemade present.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal tastes.
- Make ahead-friendly: Store it for up to a week, so you can prep early and stress less during the holidays.
Ingredients for Crockpot Christmas Crack
Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible candy:
- Salted dry-roasted peanuts: 1 pound (16 oz jar) for the salty base.
- Mini pretzels: 2 cups, adding crunch and saltiness.
- Rice Chex: 3 cups for a crispy, light texture.
- German’s Sweet Chocolate: 4 oz for a rich chocolatey layer.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 12 oz, adding sweetness and depth.
- White almond bark: Two 24 oz packages for a creamy, sweet coating.
- Festive sprinkles (optional): A colorful, decorative touch for the holidays.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Add peanuts, pretzels, and Rice Chex to a 4-quart crockpot. Spread them evenly for uniform mixing later.
2. Layer the Chocolate
Add the German’s Sweet Chocolate, followed by the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Finally, top with the white almond bark.
3. Cook Without Stirring
Set the crockpot to LOW and let it cook for 1.5 hours. Resist the urge to stir—letting the chocolate melt undisturbed is key to the perfect texture.
4. Mix Until Smooth
After 1.5 hours, stir everything together with a wooden spoon until smooth and fully combined.
5. Portion the Candy
Using a spoon, drop 2-tablespoon portions of the mixture onto a wax paper-lined cookie sheet or into festive cupcake liners.
6. Cool and Enjoy
Let the candy cool completely before removing. Once set, it’s ready to enjoy or package for gifting.
Tips for Making Crockpot Christmas Crack
- Customize the mix-ins: Add M&Ms, crushed candy canes, or sprinkles for a personal touch.
- Use a larger crockpot: If doubling the recipe, ensure your crockpot is at least 6 quarts.
- Avoid stirring early: This prevents uneven melting and ensures a smooth texture.
- Storage tips: Keep the cooled candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Substitute salted dry-roasted peanuts with cashews, almonds, or pecans. Ensure the nuts are salted to maintain the sweet-and-salty balance.
No, avoid stirring during cooking. This allows the chocolate and almond bark to melt evenly for the perfect consistency.
Absolutely! Prepare it up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
If you don’t have almond bark, white chocolate chips work as a substitute. However, they may melt differently, so adjust your cook time if needed.
Definitely! Stir in M&Ms, crushed candy canes, or other holiday treats after cooking for extra flair.
Store cooled candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it.
Yes, but use a larger crockpot (6-quart or more) and adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure even melting.
If your crockpot is smaller or larger, adjust the batch size to fit, ensuring there’s enough space for the ingredients to melt evenly without overflowing.
How to Customize Crockpot Christmas Crack for Any Occasion
- Easter: Swap sprinkles for pastel colors or add marshmallow Peeps.
- Valentine’s Day: Use red and pink sprinkles or heart-shaped candies.
- Birthdays: Incorporate rainbow sprinkles or fun-shaped candies.
The versatility of this recipe means it’s not just for Christmas—get creative for any celebration!
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Why You Should Make Crockpot Christmas Crack This Holiday Season
This recipe is the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and festivity. The blend of sweet and salty ingredients makes it a crowd-pleaser, while the simple slow-cooker method ensures a stress-free cooking experience. Whether you’re hosting a party, creating gifts, or adding treats to your dessert table, Crockpot Christmas Crack is a holiday essential.
Pin This Recipe!
Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for easy access during the holiday season. Share it with friends and family to spread the joy of this simple, delicious treat!
Happy Holidays and Happy Snacking!
PrintCrockpot Christmas Crack
- Total Time: 2 hours 2 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings 1x
Description
A festive and easy-to-make candy recipe combining peanuts, chocolate, and peanut butter chips for the perfect holiday treat. Made effortlessly in the slow cooker, this Crockpot Christmas Crack is perfect for gifting, parties, and satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds peanuts (1 pound salted, 1 pound unsalted)
- 20 oz peanut butter chips
- 20 oz white melting wafers
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate baking bar (optional)
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Add peanuts to the bottom of a 4-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Layer chocolate chips, baking chocolate, peanut butter chips, and white melting wafers on top.
- Set the crockpot to LOW and cook for 1 hour without stirring.
- After the first hour, gently stir. Continue cooking for an additional hour, stirring every 30 minutes.
- Once fully melted and smooth, scoop small dollops onto wax or parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with festive decorations before the candy sets.
- Allow the candy to cool and harden, then store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze (only if eating frozen).
- Substitutions: Swap peanuts for cashews or almonds, use butterscotch chips instead of peanut butter chips, or add caramel drizzle.
- Do not overcook or let the chocolate scorch—this can ruin the texture.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 167
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 18mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 4mg
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