Pin it
Whip up holiday sweets the super simple way this season. Grab four ingredients and a slow cooker, that’s it. No oven, zero hassle, just sweets you’ll wanna share or stash for yourself. Tastes great, doesn’t take much effort.
Reasons You'll Love This Candy
This treat lets you skip complicated holiday prep. Toss a handful of things into your slow cooker and just walk away. You'll have loads for parties or gifts later. Swap out nuts or toppings however you want. This works all year, not just in December.
What Goes In
- Sprinkles: Pick any fun colors you like
- Peanuts: Roasted gives tastier candy
- German Chocolate: Makes everything sweeter
- Chocolate Chips: Use basic semi-sweet
- White Almond Bark: For that creamy, smooth bite
How It Comes Together
- Get Stuff Set:
- Spray down your slow cooker to keep cleanup easy. Toss in almond bark plus chocolates.
- Start Cooking:
- 1. Cover lid with a towel to stop water drops 2. Blast on high for an hour
- Finish Melting:
- 1. Switch to low heat 2. Let it go for another hour 3. Give it a stir every quarter hour 4. Mix until really smooth
- Add Your Nuts:
- 1. Take off the lid and don’t let water get in 2. Throw in peanuts 3. Mix until they all look covered
- Shape the Treats:
- 1. Lay parchment on pans 2. Drop small blobs on top 3. Quickly toss on toppings while wet 4. Stick in the fridge to harden
Pin it
Slow Cooker Perks
Using a slow cooker keeps burning chocolate out of the picture. Melts everything slow and steady, unlike the stovetop. You get to do your own thing — wrap gifts, tidy up, relax — while it cooks. No need to stand there staring at pots.
Tips for Awesome Chocolate
Starting with good chocolate just makes everything better. Go for the best you can buy since there aren’t many ingredients. Almond bark helps these hold their shape. Don’t let water anywhere near — that towel trick keeps chocolate smooth and glossy.
Choose the Best Nuts
Roasted peanuts make each bite crunchy and salty. Want a change? Try cashews or almonds, or mix a few kinds for new flavors. Just skip raw nuts so taste isn’t flat. The nuts make these more satisfying and tastier.
Switch It Up Your Style
Make these candies match any holiday. Green and red for Christmas, use pink on Valentine’s, or bright stuff for birthdays. Toss in cinnamon for heat or sprinkle sea salt for a sweet-salty kick. Change it up however you like.
Store and Share
Once they're firm, pack ‘em up neat. Use cute tins, bags, or ribbon-tied boxes to give away. Keep extras in a closed container so they stay fresh. They’re awesome for stockings or party snacks. People love homemade treats like this.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long do they take to set?
Pop them in the fridge for 30-60 minutes to get firm, or speed things up with 15 minutes in the freezer. Touch to check—if there's no smudge, they’re done! Take your time to avoid white spots (chocolate bloom). Once firm, they’re stable at room temp unless it’s hot.
- → Can I use other nuts?
Go for it! Pecans are fancy, almonds are crunchy. Mixing different nuts makes it interesting. Just roast them first—raw nuts can taste bland. Chop larger ones so they’re easier to nibble. Stick with the same total amount as listed!
- → Is a slow cooker mandatory?
Not at all! The stovetop works but needs constant attention. A double boiler minimizes burning risks. Slow cookers are great for hands-off prep, keeping heat steady. If using a stove, go low and stir often. Microwaves are fine too—melt in 30-second bursts.
- → What’s the best way to store them?
Room temp storage is fine if it’s cool. If things heat up (over 70°F), move them to the fridge. Use wax paper between layers so they don’t stick. They’ll last about 2 weeks at room temp, a month chilled, or up to 3 months if tightly wrapped in the freezer.
- → Do I need sprinkles?
Your call! They add a fun touch, but plain candy is just as tasty. Other ideas: crushed candy canes, shredded coconut, or a pinch of sea salt. Match sprinkle colors to holidays or parties. Add toppings to wet chocolate so they stick, or drizzle with white chocolate for a cool finish.
Conclusion
Love simple sweet ideas? Try peanut butter balls or chocolate peanut clusters next time. Both are quick, delicious, and perfect for gifting just like this candy!