Crockpot Christmas crack is the simplest no-bake holiday treat! Roasted peanuts, dark and white chocolate, and festive sprinkles make these easy peanut clusters a family favorite.
Nothing says Christmas is coming like a plateful of almond bark peanut clusters. Plus, a limited amount of hands-on time is always a bonus when it comes to dessert!
The secret weapon in this Christmas candy recipe is the Crockpot. Yes, you heard that right — Crockpot candy! It makes life a breeze, which will give you more time to visit with friends and family this holiday season!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Crowd-pleasing: Almond bark peanut clusters are easy to bring to parties, get-togethers, and other family events. Everyone will dive straight in when they see the plate coming their way!
- Simple: This recipe is made with widely available and simple ingredients. Plus, you’ll have no problem following the detailed step-by-step instructions.
- Kid-friendly: Not only do kids adore almond bark peanut clusters, but it’s so easy to get them involved in the cooking process.
What Is Crockpot Christmas Crack?
Crockpot Christmas crack is a traditional holiday candy recipe and for good reason. It’s easy to make, tastes delicious, and can be easily customized.
This peanut cluster recipe is made with a combination of German chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate, almond bark, and roasted peanuts. All you have to do is dump the ingredients into a slow cooker, melt them together, form mounds, and decorate the tops with holiday sprinkles.
Wait for the clusters to set, and you are ready to eat!
Ingredients For Crockpot Christmas Crack
See the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below.
- German chocolate: Sweet, mild, and easily meltable, German chocolate is my top choice for Crockpot Christmas crack. If you can’t find any, use an equivalent amount of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. If you use bittersweet, add a teaspoon of sugar for every ounce.
- White almond bark: This can be found in packages, blocks, or round discs where candy and baking supplies are sold. White almond bark might be labeled as vanilla or white candy coating, so check for that as well.
- Semi-sweet & white chocolate chips: Add both semi-sweet and white chocolate chips for the perfect balance of intense and bitter plus mild and sweet flavors.
- Roasted peanuts: To add the perfect crunch. Use salted and unsalted roasted peanuts so the clusters don’t turn out overly salty!
- Holiday sprinkles: Choose whichever colors and shapes you prefer, but make sure they are festive! Wilton makes a wide variety of holiday-inspired sprinkles.
How to Make Crockpot Christmas Crack
Step 1: Line the Crockpot
Lightly spray the Crockpot insert. You can also use a Crockpot liner if you have one.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Add in all of the ingredients (except the sprinkles), then cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 1-2 hours. After the first hour, stir the mixture every 20 minutes or so.
Step 3: Form the Clusters
Once the candy mixture is ready, drop spoonfuls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Stop after every 6 or so to add Christmas sprinkles.
If you have one, use a cookie scoop for this step to create evenly sized peanut clusters.
Step 4: Let the Clusters Set
Allow the candy to set for at least one hour in a cool place, preferably a refrigerator, until the chocolate has firmed up.
Serve immediately, or store the candy inside an airtight container in a cool area.
Recipe Variations
- Different chocolate: Easily transform the flavors of these almond bark peanut clusters by swapping in different chocolate flavors like butterscotch, peanut butter, peppermint, espresso, caramel, toffee, or cinnamon.
- Drizzled: In addition to sprinkles (or in place of), drizzle the tops of the clusters with melted white chocolate or milk chocolate.
- Sprinkles: Use white, red, green, nonpareils, stars, candy, or even coarse sea salt to sprinkle the tops of the clusters.
- Other nuts: For a completely new texture and taste, swap out the peanuts for macadamia nuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, or hazelnuts.
Tips For The Best Recipe
- Use a cookie scoop: For consistent peanut cluster sizes, I find it much easier to use a cookie scoop.
- Stir the mixture: After the first hour, keep that chocolate moving! It will help melt it faster and prevent any of it from burning.
- Know your slow cooker: Every slow cooker is different. Make sure you keep a close eye on the mixture, especially the first time around making this Crockpot Christmas crack recipe.
- Use quality chocolate: Since there are so few ingredients in these almond bark peanut clusters, opt for high-quality German chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, and white chocolate.
- Line your slow cooker: For a quicker and easier cleanup, use a Crockpot liner if you have one on hand.
What To Do With Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. This will ensure they don’t melt. They will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Alternatively, you can freeze your Crockpot Christmas crack. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend thawing them in the fridge before biting into them to save on dentist bills!
Additional Sweet Recipes
For more holiday-inspired desserts, why don’t you try one (or all) of the following:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Crockpot Christmas crack on the stovetop?
Yes, you can make this Crockpot Christmas crack recipe on the stovetop. Heat the mixture over low, making sure to stir constantly while the chocolate is melting to prevent burning.
Why do my peanut clusters have a white coating on them?
If your peanut clusters develop a white coating on them, they’re still safe to eat. This is called “chocolate bloom” and can be caused by moisture, improper storage techniques, or dramatic shifts in temperature.
Are almond bark peanut clusters gluten-free?
Yes, these almond bark peanut clusters are gluten-free. Make sure the chocolate you’re using is made in a gluten-free facility.
Crockpot Christmas Crack
Ingredients
- 4 ounces German sweet chocolate chopped into small pieces
- 1 pound white almond bark might be labeled as white candy coating chopped into small pieces
- 16 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 ounces white chocolate chips
- 1 pound roasted salted peanuts
- 1 pound roasted unsalted peanuts
- holiday sprinkles to your taste
Instructions
- Lightly spray (or use a crock pot liner) the crockpot insert and add in all the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours. After the first hour, stir the mixture every 20 minutes.
- Drop spoonfuls of the candy mix onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, stopping after every 6 or so to add Christmas sprinkles.
- Allow candy to set for at least one hour in a cool place – preferably a refrigerator – until set.
- Serve immediately, or store the candy inside an airtight container in a cool area.
I made this yesterday! Great! Anyone else tried this with pecans? I want to try white chocolate too!
I was wondering if this recipe could be made with white chocolate instead of brown chocolate?
@Robin, did you try it with white chocolate? I am interested in trying it that way too.