Crockpot Christmas Crack

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Sweet, salty, crunchy, and absolutely irresistible — Crockpot Christmas Crack is the ultimate holiday treat that brings festive cheer in every bite. This addictive candy combines the richness of peanut clusters with smooth, melted chocolate, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s the kind of treat that disappears as quickly as it’s served, leaving behind a trail of satisfied smiles and sticky fingers.

What makes this treat so special is not just its taste but its simplicity. You don’t need to hover over a stove or temper chocolate like a pro. With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you can whip up a batch of this gooey, chocolate-coated delight. Perfect for gifting, party platters, or midnight snacking, Crockpot Christmas Crack is a stress-free solution to your holiday sweet cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Christmas Crack

• Minimal effort, maximum payoff: Just dump the ingredients and let your crockpot do the work.
• Great for gifting: It’s festive, transportable, and easy to package for holiday gifts.
• Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the chocolatey crunch.
• Long shelf life: Stays fresh for weeks in airtight containers.
• Customizable: Add sprinkles, sea salt, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for extra flair.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect batch of Crockpot Christmas Crack, you’ll need just a few essential tools:

• Crockpot (slow cooker): This is your main tool — it slowly melts everything together without burning the chocolate.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: For stirring the mixture halfway through to ensure even melting.
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper: For scooping out and setting the clusters after cooking.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Helps form evenly sized clusters.
• Storage containers or treat bags: Ideal for keeping your candies fresh or ready for gifting.

Each tool plays a simple but vital role in ensuring smooth prep and stress-free cleanup.

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Preparation Tips

When layering ingredients into your crockpot, always start with the peanuts on the bottom to prevent scorching the chocolate. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as it releases heat and affects the melting process. Stir only when the chocolate looks mostly melted — this helps avoid seizing or overmixing. If you’re adding toppings like festive sprinkles or sea salt, do so immediately after scooping while the clusters are still warm to ensure they stick. For easier cleanup, use a crockpot liner or lightly grease the insert. Let the candy cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

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Ingredients for this Crockpot Christmas Crack

• 2 pounds of salted dry roasted peanuts
• 1 pound of unsalted dry roasted peanuts (for balanced saltiness)
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 2 cups peanut butter chips
• 2 (10 oz) bags of peanut butter candy melts or vanilla almond bark (broken into chunks)
• Optional: Festive sprinkles, flaked sea salt, or crushed peppermint for topping

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Step 1: Layer the Ingredients

Start by layering the ingredients in your crockpot in the following order: peanuts first (both salted and unsalted), followed by the chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and finally the candy melts or almond bark chunks on top. This layering helps prevent scorching and allows everything to melt evenly from the top down.

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Step 2: Slow Cook the Mixture

Set your crockpot to LOW and let everything melt for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep the lid on during this time, and resist the urge to stir or open the lid frequently, as this will release heat and slow the melting process. Check at the 90-minute mark — the chocolates should be glossy and melted.

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Step 3: Stir the Mixture Thoroughly

Once the chocolate is fully melted, use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir all the ingredients until well combined. Make sure the peanuts are evenly coated in the melted chocolate mixture. This is when everything comes together into that irresistible candy base.

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Step 4: Scoop and Portion

Using a cookie scoop or large spoon, scoop small mounds of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Try to keep the sizes uniform so they set evenly. Work quickly, as the mixture will begin to firm up as it cools.

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Step 5: Add Toppings

Before the clusters cool completely, sprinkle your choice of toppings like crushed candy canes, colored sprinkles, or a touch of flaky sea salt. This step gives your Crockpot Christmas Crack that festive holiday appearance and a delightful texture contrast.

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Step 6: Cool and Set

Let the clusters sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or until completely firm. You can speed up the process by placing the trays in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes if you’re short on time.

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Step 7: Store or Package

Once fully set, transfer the clusters to airtight containers for storage or place them into treat bags or tins for gifting. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain texture and freshness.

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Notes

Crockpot Christmas Crack is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for beginner candy makers and busy holiday bakers. You can easily double the batch for large gatherings or adjust the types of chocolate and mix-ins to suit different tastes. If you’re allergic to peanuts or want variation, try substituting with cashews, almonds, or pecans. Even adding mini marshmallows or pretzel bits after melting can give it a fun twist. Always make sure the candy sets completely before packaging to avoid sticking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chocolate: Leaving the mixture in the crockpot too long can cause the chocolate to seize or become gritty. Stick to the 1.5–2 hour window on LOW.
• Skipping the layering order: Putting chocolate directly on the bottom can burn it. Always start with peanuts first.
• Not stirring thoroughly: Failing to stir after melting can leave unmixed areas or clumps of unmelted chips.
• Adding toppings too late: Sprinkles and salt won’t stick if the mixture has already started to set.
• Improper storage: Warm or humid environments can cause the candy to melt or get sticky.

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Storage Instructions

Once the clusters are completely set, store them in an airtight container lined with parchment or wax paper between layers. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 weeks in a cool, dry place, or in the refrigerator for up to a month. If freezing, separate layers with parchment and use freezer-safe containers — they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to avoid condensation on the chocolate.

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Estimated Nutrition (per cluster, approx.)

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 2mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of peanuts should I use?

Use a mix of salted and unsalted dry roasted peanuts for the best balance of flavor and texture.

Can I substitute the chocolate types?

Yes! Feel free to swap in dark chocolate, white chocolate, or butterscotch chips depending on your preference.

Do I have to use a crockpot?

While a crockpot offers hands-off convenience, you can melt the ingredients slowly on the stove using a double boiler — just stir frequently to avoid burning.

How long does Crockpot Christmas Crack stay fresh?

Stored properly, it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temp, 1 month in the fridge, or 3 months in the freezer.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, you can use pretzels, sunflower seeds, or even crispy rice cereal as a substitute for nuts.

Why is my chocolate turning grainy or dry?

This usually happens from overheating. Stick to LOW heat and don’t cook for longer than necessary.

How do I package this for gifts?

Use festive treat bags, holiday tins, or mason jars. Just ensure the candy is fully set and cool before packing.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Absolutely. Just maintain the ingredient ratios and ensure your crockpot size matches the batch volume.

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Conclusion

Crockpot Christmas Crack is the no-fuss, crowd-favorite treat that delivers maximum holiday joy with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for your own family, a cookie exchange, or as edible gifts, it’s a recipe that checks every box: easy, festive, and irresistibly tasty. With a few pantry staples and a bit of time, you’ll have a sweet, salty, chocolatey masterpiece that feels like a holiday tradition in every bite.

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