If you’re searching for a fun, festive, and downright delicious way to celebrate the season, this Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a colorful, sweet treat that perfectly blends creamy white almond bark with crunchy roasted peanuts, pastel Easter M&Ms, and fruity mini marshmallows. Best of all, it’s made effortlessly in your crockpot, freeing you up to enjoy every moment of the holiday. Whether you’re preparing for a big gathering or just want a homemade snack that bursts with springtime cheer, this candy recipe is as joyful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe is how simple the ingredients list is. Each component plays a crucial role: some add creamy richness, others bring crunch or a pop of color, making this treat both delightful on the eyes and irresistible on the palate.
- White almond bark (2 24 oz. blocks): This melts into a smooth, creamy base that coats every peanut perfectly.
- Roasted peanuts (24 oz): They offer a satisfying crunch and nutty depth that balances the sweetness.
- Easter M&Ms (1 ½ cups, pastel): These add festive colors and bursts of chocolate that are simply irresistible.
- Mini marshmallows (1 ½ cups, fruit-flavored): Their soft, chewy texture and fruity notes lift the flavor profile.
- Easter sprinkles: The final touch to brighten each candy cluster with whimsical flair.
How to Make Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Almond Bark and Peanuts
Start by placing the white almond bark and roasted peanuts into your slow cooker. Cover it and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Be sure to stir frequently. This slow melting process allows the almond bark to coat every peanut in a silky, luscious layer of chocolatey goodness.
Step 2: Cool the Mixture
Once the chocolate has melted and transformed into a smooth, velvety mixture, turn off the slow cooker. Allow it to cool to room temperature. This step is key, because if the mixture is too warm, it will melt the M&Ms and marshmallows when you add them; too cool, and it becomes difficult to mix evenly.
Step 3: Add the M&Ms and Marshmallows
Gently fold in the pastel Easter M&Ms and the fruit-flavored mini marshmallows. This is the magic moment when your candy really starts to shine—those colorful candies and fluffy marshmallows bring fun texture contrasts and a playful sweetness.
Step 4: Form the Candy Clusters
Use a spoon to scoop about 1 to 1½ tablespoon portions of the chocolate mixture. Place each portion onto parchment paper, creating cute little clusters. These manageable sizes make them perfect for sharing or sneaking bites whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Step 5: Top with M&Ms and Sprinkles
For a truly festive finish, press a few extra M&Ms and some Easter sprinkles on top of each cluster. Not only does this add color and texture, but it also makes them look like little edible Easter works of art.
Step 6: Let Them Set
Leave your candy clusters to set at room temperature until they harden completely. This ensures they keep their shape and offer that perfect balance of crunch and chewiness you want in a homemade treat.
How to Serve Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe even more eye-catching, consider sprinkling a few extra pastel M&Ms or decorative Easter-themed edible glitter on the serving platter. Fresh edible flowers or small candy eggs can also add an elegant, whimsical touch that guests will love.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet, nutty candy clusters with light, refreshing options to balance the richness. Think spring fruit salads, citrusy drinks, or even a simple scoop of lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation matters! Try arranging your candies in colorful paper cupcake liners or clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for an adorable party favor. For a centerpiece, mound the candies in a clear glass bowl surrounded by fresh flowers or greenery to really capture that Easter vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe has set, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep well for about a week, retaining their delightful texture and flavor without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to keep these candies on hand for longer, freezing is an excellent option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed container or bag. When properly stored, they can last up to three months.
Reheating
Since these candies are best enjoyed at room temperature, let thawed clusters sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture of the almond bark and marshmallows, making them less appealing.
FAQs
Can I substitute the white almond bark with regular chocolate?
Absolutely! While white almond bark provides a smooth coating and a classic look, you can melt white or milk chocolate chips instead. Just be mindful to keep the melting process gentle to avoid burning.
What if I don’t have a crockpot? Can I make this candy on the stove?
You sure can! Using a double boiler on low heat will work just as well to melt the almond bark and peanuts slowly. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Are there any alternatives to roasted peanuts for allergies?
Yes! Try using roasted almonds, cashews, or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. Just adjust the roasting and melting time accordingly.
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of fruit-flavored mini marshmallows?
Regular mini marshmallows work just fine and will still add that lovely chewy texture; however, fruit-flavored ones add a subtle fruity note that complements the candy beautifully.
How long does it take for the candies to set?
At room temperature, the candies usually take about 1 to 2 hours to fully set. If you’re in a hurry, placing them in the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes can speed up the process.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe is a joy to make and even more fun to share. It combines simplicity, festive colors, and irresistible flavors into a candy that feels special without any complicated steps. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a perfect way to add some homemade sweetness to your holiday celebrations and create delightful memories along the way.
Print
Easter Crockpot Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 50 candies
- Category: Candy
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Easter Crockpot Candy recipe combines creamy white almond bark, crunchy roasted peanuts, colorful Easter M&Ms, and fruity mini marshmallows to create easy, delicious candy clusters perfect for holiday celebrations. Made in a slow cooker, this recipe is simple to prepare and yields 50 festive treats that are great for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 blocks (24 oz each) white almond bark
- 24 oz roasted peanuts
- 1 ½ cups Easter M&Ms (pastel colors)
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows (fruit-flavored)
- Easter sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
- Melt almond bark and peanuts: In your slow cooker, place the almond bark and roasted peanuts. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring frequently to ensure the almond bark melts evenly and coats the peanuts thoroughly.
- Cool the mixture: When the almond bark is fully melted and smooth, turn off the slow cooker. Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature until it reaches a warm but not hot consistency, preventing melting of the candies and marshmallows added later.
- Mix in candies and marshmallows: Gently fold in the Easter M&Ms and fruit-flavored mini marshmallows until just combined, distributing color and texture evenly throughout the mixture.
- Form candy clusters: Using a spoon, scoop out 1 to 1 ½ tablespoon portions of the mixture and place them onto parchment paper to create individual clusters.
- Add toppings: Decorate each candy cluster by pressing additional M&Ms and Easter sprinkles on top for extra color and crunch.
- Set the candies: Allow the candy clusters to set completely at room temperature until firm, ensuring they hold their shape before serving.
Notes
- Stir the mixture often while melting to prevent burning and ensure even coating.
- Do not add M&Ms and marshmallows when the chocolate is too hot to avoid melting them.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of candy clusters.
- Store finished candies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- Adjust quantities of M&Ms and marshmallows according to personal taste if desired.
