If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing sweet treat that’s both festive and incredibly easy to make, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Crockpot Easter Candy with Peanuts and M&M’s Recipe. It transforms simple pantry staples into crunchy, colorful little bites of joy, perfectly balancing salty peanuts, creamy almond bark, and those iconic pastel M&M’s. Whether you’re looking to add a handmade touch to your Easter celebrations or just craving a no-fuss dessert to share with friends and family, this recipe is a total winner that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a snack that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Each element plays a starring role in building the vibrant colors, comforting creaminess, and satisfying crunch that make this candy so special.
- Honey roasted peanuts: They bring a sweet, nutty crunch that perfectly complements the creamy chocolate.
- Vanilla flavored almond bark: This smooth, melty coating serves as the luscious base, holding everything together with a gentle vanilla note.
- Pastel Easter M&M’s: Their bright colors brighten up the candy and add that iconic chocolatey crunch we all love.
- Easter sprinkles: These tiny bursts of festive color add sparkle and whimsy, making every bite feel celebratory.
How to Make Crockpot Easter Candy with Peanuts and M&M’s Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanuts
Start by pouring the honey roasted peanuts into the crockpot’s insert, spreading them out evenly across the bottom. This ensures every bite gets coated beautifully with the creamy almond bark in the next steps.
Step 2: Break Up the Almond Bark
Remove the vanilla almond bark from the packaging and snap it into small squares for easy melting. A butter knife works wonders here—just wedge it between the squares and gently pry them apart to avoid any mess.
Step 3: Layer Almond Bark Over Peanuts
Scatter the broken almond bark squares evenly over the peanuts in the crockpot, preparing the mixture for a slow, gentle melt that will coat every nut with sweet creaminess.
Step 4: Cook on Low Heat for 1 Hour
Set the crockpot to LOW and let it work its magic for an hour. Afterward, stir the mixture thoroughly until every peanut is luscious and glossy with melted almond bark—this creates that irresistible honey-nut chocolate combo.
Step 5: Continue Cooking for 30 More Minutes
Pop the lid back on and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes, giving the mixture a chance to meld flavors even further. Once time’s up, stir again with some enthusiasm to ensure every bite is perfectly coated.
Step 6: Fold in Half the M&M’s and Scoop Out Candy
Using oven mitts, carefully lift the crockpot insert out and gently fold in 1 cup of the pastel M&M’s. Quickly scoop the candy out onto parchment paper with a cookie scoop so the M&M’s maintain their shape and don’t melt into the mix—working fast is key here!
Step 7: Top with Remaining M&M’s and Sprinkles
Before the candy sets, sprinkle a few remaining M&M’s and Easter sprinkles on top of each scoop. This finishing touch adds both a pop of color and extra crunch that will delight everyone who tries them.
Step 8: Allow Candy to Set
Let the treats sit at room temperature for about an hour or speed up the process by chilling them in the fridge for 30 minutes. Once firm, they’re ready for munching, gifting, or partying with!
How to Serve Crockpot Easter Candy with Peanuts and M&M’s Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special presentation, add a pinch of edible glitter or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top. These subtle touches enhance the festive vibe and make your candy look almost too good to eat.
Side Dishes
This candy pairs beautifully with a simple spring-themed fruit salad or a creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The crunch and sweetness of the candy offer a perfect contrast to fresh, juicy fruits or rich, silky desserts.
Creative Ways to Present
Package the candy in small cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for charming Easter gifts. You could also serve them in bright bowls or atop decorative Easter-themed platters to make a stunning candy buffet that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Crockpot Easter Candy with Peanuts and M&M’s Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents moisture from softening the crunch, holding onto that perfect texture for up to a week.
Freezing
If you want to make this candy ahead for later, freeze it in a sealed container layered with parchment paper between batches. Frozen candy will keep beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Although this candy is best enjoyed cold or at room temp, if you prefer softer bites, gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat since the M&M’s can melt too much and lose their texture.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this Crockpot Easter Candy with Peanuts and M&M’s Recipe?
Absolutely! While honey roasted peanuts are classic here, feel free to substitute almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts to customize the flavor and add a personal twist.
Is it necessary to use almond bark, or can I use regular chocolate?
Almond bark melts smoothly and thickens nicely, making it ideal for this recipe. Regular chocolate can work but may require tempering and careful attention to prevent it from seizing or burning.
Can I make this candy without the crockpot?
If you don’t have a crockpot, you can melt the almond bark and mix with peanuts on a double boiler or low heat stovetop. Just be sure to stir continuously to prevent burning.
How do I prevent the M&M’s from melting when adding to the candy?
Speed is key! Fold in the M&M’s right after removing the melted mixture from heat, and quickly scoop the candy onto parchment paper so the candy cools rapidly and the M&M’s keep their shape.
Can I use mini M&M’s instead of regular-sized ones?
Yes, mini M&M’s work perfectly. They disperse evenly through the candy and give a more delicate crunch while maintaining those cheerful pastel colors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crockpot Easter Candy with Peanuts and M&M’s Recipe enough—it’s simple, fun, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or just treating yourself, this candy brings smiles and festive cheer with every bite. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved yearly tradition in your kitchen too!
Print
Crockpot Easter Candy with Peanuts and M&M’s Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 50 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful and easy-to-make Crockpot Easter Candy featuring honey roasted peanuts coated in smooth vanilla almond bark, mixed with colorful pastel Easter M&M’s and festive sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this no-bake treat is slow-cooked to creamy perfection and shaped into bite-sized clusters.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 jar (34.5 oz) honey roasted peanuts
- 2 packages (24 oz each) vanilla flavored almond bark
- 2 cups pastel Easter M&M’s, divided
- Easter sprinkles, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare peanuts: Pour the honey roasted peanuts into the crockpot insert and spread them evenly along the bottom to create a uniform base layer.
- Break almond bark: Remove the vanilla almond bark from the packages and break it into squares using a butter knife wedged between to make breaking easier.
- Layer almond bark: Spread the broken almond bark squares evenly over the peanuts in the crockpot.
- Cook first session: Set the crockpot to LOW heat and cook for 1 hour. Stir the mixture thoroughly so the nuts become fully coated with the melting almond bark.
- Cook second session: Replace the lid and continue cooking on LOW heat for an additional 30 minutes. After cooking, stir the mixture very well to ensure an even coating.
- Mix in M&M’s and scoop: Using oven mitts, carefully remove the crockpot insert. Gently fold in 1 cup of the pastel Easter M&M’s. Quickly use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the candy onto parchment paper laid out on a flat surface, working swiftly to prevent the M&M’s from melting.
- Top candy clusters: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of M&M’s and Easter sprinkles on top of each candy scoop to add color and texture.
- Set the candy: Let the candy set at room temperature for 1 hour or speed up the process by chilling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until firm.
Notes
- Use oven mitts when handling the hot crockpot insert to avoid burns.
- Work quickly when scooping to prevent M&M’s from melting too much in the warm chocolate and peanut mixture.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate the candy clusters after shaping.
- Store leftover candy clusters in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
