Easy Spring Crockpot Candy Recipe
This spring crockpot candy combines crunchy peanuts, sweet vanilla almond bark, marshmallows, and colorful pastel M&Ms to create irresistible candy clusters perfect for Easter baskets and spring celebrations. Ready in just a few hours with minimal hands-on time, these peanut clusters are as simple to make as they are delicious.
Making candy has never been easier with this foolproof slow cooker method. The gentle, even heat of the crockpot melts everything perfectly without burning, creating a smooth, creamy base for these festive treats. Plus, the recipe makes about 50 clusters, giving you plenty to share with friends and family.
Looking for more sweet treats? Try my 3-Ingredient Turtle Rolo Pretzels with Pecans or Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites for more easy candy recipes!
Table of Contents
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This crockpot candy recipe requires just a few minutes of hands-on time, with the slow cooker doing most of the work.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe for any holiday or occasion by changing the candy colors and sprinkles.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These candy clusters can be made several days in advance, perfect for party planning or gift giving.
- No Candy Thermometer Needed: Unlike traditional candy making, this method doesn’t require any special equipment or temperature monitoring.
What Is Crockpot Candy?
Crockpot candy is a foolproof method of making homemade candy clusters using a slow cooker. This easy technique melts almond bark or chocolate with nuts and mix-ins at a low, controlled temperature, preventing burning and creating perfect results every time.
Traditional crockpot candy often features peanuts and chocolate, but this spring version uses vanilla almond bark with festive pastel colors. The gentle heat of the slow cooker gradually melts the candy coating while preserving the texture of the nuts. After cooling, the mixture sets into delicious bite-sized candy clusters that are perfect for gifting, serving at parties, or enjoying as a sweet treat.
Crockpot Candy Ingredients
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
- Roasted salted peanuts – Provides a satisfying crunch and savory flavor that balances the sweetness of the candy. The salt enhances all the flavors in the mixture.
- Honey roasted peanuts – Adds a touch of sweetness and another layer of flavor to complement the salted peanuts. The combination of both types creates the perfect sweet-salty balance.
- Vanilla almond bark – The base of this candy that melts smoothly and sets firmly. It has a pleasant vanilla flavor that serves as the perfect blank canvas for the other ingredients.
- Mini marshmallows – Creates pockets of soft, pillowy sweetness within the crunchy clusters. They add a fun textural contrast to the finished candy.
- Pastel M&Ms – Brings beautiful spring colors and a chocolate crunch to each bite. The candy shells remain vibrant even after mixing with the warm almond bark.
- Bunny sprinkles – These festive decorations add charm and a holiday touch to the finished candy clusters without affecting the flavor.
Substitutions and Additions
- Nut Options: If peanut allergies are a concern, substitute cashews, pecans, or even mixed nuts for equally delicious results.
- Chocolate Variations: Instead of vanilla almond bark, try white chocolate chips, milk chocolate, or a combination of white and dark chocolate for different flavor profiles.
- Seasonal Adaptations: This recipe is incredibly versatile for different holidays – try red and green M&Ms with Christmas sprinkles for holiday gifts, similar to my Easy Christmas Pretzels Dipped in Chocolate.
- Mix-In Ideas: Consider adding dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, toffee bits, or even potato chip pieces for unique flavor combinations.
- Finishing Touches: For extra indulgence, drizzle the set clusters with contrasting chocolate (like milk chocolate over the white candy) for a professional-looking finish.
How to Make Spring Crockpot Candy (step-by-step directions)
STEP 1. Add both types of peanuts to your crockpot, spreading them in an even layer across the bottom. (Photo 1)
STEP 2. Break the vanilla almond bark into squares and place them on top of the peanuts. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for one hour, or until the almond bark is completely melted. (Photo 2)
STEP 3. Stir the mixture to combine the melted almond bark with the peanuts. If needed, continue cooking on low for additional 15-minute increments until fully melted and smooth. (Photo 3)
STEP 4. Turn off the slow cooker and allow the mixture to cool for 30-45 minutes at room temperature. This cooling period prevents the marshmallows and M&Ms from melting when added.
STEP 5. While waiting, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for the candy clusters.
STEP 6. Once the mixture has cooled but is still melted, gently fold in the pastel M&Ms and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed. (Photos 4 & 5)
STEP 7. Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, quickly portion the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. (Photo 6)
STEP 8. Immediately top each cluster with a few extra M&Ms and bunny sprinkles before the candy begins to set. (Photo 7)
STEP 9. Allow the clusters to set at room temperature for about 1 hour or until completely hardened. To speed up the process, you can refrigerate them for 20-30 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Temperature Control: Keep your crockpot on LOW setting only – high heat can scorch the almond bark. Every slow cooker heats differently, so check frequently during the first batch.
- Cooling Time: Don’t skip the cooling period before adding M&Ms and marshmallows. If the mixture is too hot, they’ll melt completely instead of maintaining their shape and color.
- Quick Action: Work quickly when scooping the clusters as the mixture will begin to set as it cools. Having everything prepared ahead of time helps this process go smoothly.
- Preventing Sticking: For easier cleanup, consider using a crockpot liner or spraying the inside lightly with cooking spray before adding ingredients.
- Even Portions: Using a cookie scoop creates uniform clusters that will set and cool at the same rate. Consistent sizing also makes for a more professional presentation.
Storing Tips
- Storage: Keep your crockpot candy in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight, for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 1 month.
- Freezing: These candy clusters can be frozen for up to 3 months. Layer them between pieces of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking.
- Gifting: For homemade gifts, package the candy in decorative tins or cellophane bags with a festive ribbon. The sturdy texture makes them perfect for shipping to loved ones.
Serving Suggestions
These spring crockpot candy clusters make a stunning addition to any Easter dessert table or spring celebration. Arrange them on a pretty platter alongside my Kit Kat Fudge for a crowd-pleasing dessert spread.
They’re also perfect for tucking into Easter baskets or packaging in colorful bags for sweet gifts. Serve them with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, or add them to a dessert charcuterie board with fruits and other sweets like my Gluten-Free Candied Pecans.
For a special spring gathering, pair these treats with my Best Spring Appetizers for a complete seasonal menu your guests will love.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! While nuts provide the classic texture and crunch, you can substitute cereal like Rice Krispies, pretzels, or even graham cracker pieces if you need a nut-free option.
If your M&Ms melted completely, the almond bark mixture was likely still too hot when you added them. Make sure to let the mixture cool for at least 30-45 minutes after turning off the crockpot, and consider refrigerating the M&Ms beforehand to help them maintain their shape.
Yes, but the results may vary slightly. Chocolate chips contain less stabilizers than almond bark, so the finished candy might be a bit softer. For best results with chocolate chips, add 1-2 tablespoons of shortening or coconut oil to help them melt smoothly and set properly.
The almond bark should be completely smooth, with no lumps, when stirred. If you see any unmelted pieces after the initial hour, continue cooking on low for additional 15-minute intervals, stirring each time until completely smooth.
Yes, this recipe can be halved for a smaller slow cooker. The melting time should remain about the same, but keep an eye on it as smaller crockpots sometimes heat more intensely.
Need More Candy Recipes? Try These:
Easy Spring Crockpot Candy Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounce jar roasted salted peanuts
- 16 ounce jar honey roasted peanuts
- 2 24 oz vanilla almond bark
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup pastel M&Ms plus more for topping
- Bunny sprinkles mix for topping
Instructions
- Add both types of peanuts to your crockpot, spreading them in an even layer across the bottom.16 ounce jar roasted salted peanuts,16 ounce jar honey roasted peanuts
- Break the vanilla almond bark into squares and place them on top of the peanuts. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for one hour, or until the almond bark is completely melted.2 24 oz vanilla almond bark
- Stir the mixture to combine the melted almond bark with the peanuts. If needed, continue cooking on low for additional 15-minute increments until fully melted and smooth.
- Turn off the slow cooker and allow the mixture to cool for 30-45 minutes at room temperature. This cooling period prevents the marshmallows and M&Ms from melting when added.1 ½ cups mini marshmallows,1 cup pastel M&Ms
- While waiting, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for the candy clusters.
- Once the mixture has cooled but is still melted, gently fold in the pastel M&Ms and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, quickly portion the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Immediately top each cluster with a few extra M&Ms and bunny sprinkles before the candy begins to set.Bunny sprinkles mix
- Allow the clusters to set at room temperature for about 1 hour or until completely hardened. To speed up the process, you can refrigerate them for 20-30 minutes.
Notes
- Temperature Control: Keep your crockpot on LOW setting only – high heat can scorch the almond bark. Every slow cooker heats differently, so check frequently during the first batch.
- Cooling Time: Don’t skip the cooling period before adding M&Ms and marshmallows. If the mixture is too hot, they’ll melt completely instead of maintaining their shape and color.
- Quick Action: Work quickly when scooping the clusters as the mixture will begin to set as it cools. Having everything prepared ahead of time helps this process go smoothly.
- Preventing Sticking: For easier cleanup, consider using a crockpot liner or spraying the inside lightly with cooking spray before adding ingredients.
- Even Portions: Using a cookie scoop creates uniform clusters that will set and cool at the same rate. Consistent sizing also makes for a more professional presentation.
Nutrition Information
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