Crockpot candy is a classic for a reason – it’s incredibly simple to make, utterly delicious, and perfect for gifting or satisfying your sweet tooth. This recipe, inspired by the ease and home-style goodness associated with the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, takes the fuss out of candy making. Forget tempering chocolate or complicated steps; with a slow cooker, you can have a batch of decadent, peanut-studded chocolate candy with minimal effort.
Stack of Crockpot Candy
What Goes into Pioneer Woman Crockpot Candy? Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The beauty of this Pioneer Woman Crockpot Candy recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Peanuts: A generous amount of peanuts provides that signature crunch and nutty flavor. The original recipe uses a mix of salted and unsalted, offering a balanced sweet and salty profile. Feel free to use your favorite type of peanuts – roasted, honey-roasted, or even a mix! Some variations even incorporate cashews or other nuts for a different twist.
- German Chocolate: Don’t let the name fool you; German chocolate isn’t German! It’s a type of dark baking chocolate that’s milder and sweeter than semi-sweet chocolate, adding a unique depth of flavor to the candy. If you can’t find German chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips will work perfectly as a substitute, maintaining the rich chocolate taste.
- Almond Bark: This is the secret ingredient that makes crockpot candy so easy to melt and set. Almond bark, also known as vanilla-flavored candy coating, is a vegetable fat-based coating that melts beautifully in the slow cooker. Despite its name, it doesn’t actually contain almonds and isn’t white chocolate. It provides a smooth, creamy texture and a touch of vanilla sweetness that complements the chocolate and peanuts perfectly.
- Peanut Butter Chips: To amplify the peanut butter flavor and add an extra layer of sweetness, peanut butter chips are mixed in. These melt into the chocolate, creating pockets of creamy peanut butter goodness throughout the candy.
Overhead of Chocolate in Crockpot
Choosing the Right Crockpot for Your Candy
A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for making a good-sized batch of Pioneer Woman crockpot candy, perfect for holiday gifting or family gatherings. This size provides enough surface area for the chocolate to melt evenly without overflowing. Digital timer settings on a slow cooker can be handy, allowing you to set it and forget it, but a basic manual slow cooker will work just as well. Brands like Crock-Pot and Hamilton Beach offer reliable and affordable options. Make sure your slow cooker is clean and dry before you start, ensuring no unwanted flavors transfer to your delicious candy.
Stovetop Instructions: Making Crockpot Candy Without a Crockpot
No slow cooker? No problem! You can easily make this Pioneer Woman-inspired candy on the stovetop. Simply combine all the chocolate, almond bark, and peanut butter chips in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Melt over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. This should take about 15 minutes. Once melted and smooth, remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes before stirring in the peanuts. The rest of the process remains the same – drop by spoonfuls onto parchment paper and refrigerate to set.
Crockpot Candy from Overhead
Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Crockpot Candy Every Time
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your candy while it’s in the slow cooker. Overcooking can lead to dry or grainy candy. Melt on low heat and stir occasionally once things start melting to ensure even cooking.
- Stir Well: Once everything is melted, stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly. This ensures that each piece of candy has a good mix of chocolate, peanuts, and peanut butter chips.
- Customize Your Mix-ins: While peanuts are classic, feel free to experiment with other nuts like cashews, pecans, or almonds. You can also add dried cranberries, pretzels, or even toffee bits for extra flavor and texture.
- Setting the Candy: For the best results, let the crockpot candy harden at room temperature first before storing. If you’re in a hurry, you can refrigerate them to speed up the setting process.
- Storage: Store your Pioneer Woman crockpot candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. To prevent them from sticking together, place wax or parchment paper between layers.
This Pioneer Woman crockpot candy is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s about the joy of easy, homemade treats, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays or any time you crave a sweet and salty indulgence. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to create a batch of candy that will disappear in minutes!
