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    You are here: Home / Desserts / Candy / Rocky Road Peanut Clusters (Crockpot Candy!)

    Rocky Road Peanut Clusters (Crockpot Candy!)

    December 23, 2019 By Sam 24 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
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    Crockpot candy topped with sprinkles on white plate

    One of the easiest candy recipes ever! No candy thermometer, just a few basic ingredients and a slow cooker needed! My version of these peanut clusters or “crockpot candy” uses chocolate, nuts, and marshmallows! This recipe is great any time of year but I love making it around Christmastime as an edible gift… and it makes a ton! 

    Crockpot Candy in dish

    Rocky Road Peanut Clusters, AKA The Easiest Candy (Make it in Your Crockpot)!

    I’ve shared a lot of candy recipes on the blog, some easy and some more complicated ones that require candy thermometers and boatloads of patience. But even the easiest candy recipes I’ve shared (looking at you, easy fudge) aren’t as simple as this crockpot candy.

    You’ve probably tried, or at least heard of, “peanut clusters” before. They’re chocolate coated mounds of roasted peanuts, and they’re pretty addictive. Here we’re elevating them to new heights and giving that classic candy a rocky road spin by stirring in a bag of miniature marshmallows.

    If you’re looking for a quick last-minute Christmas treat (or maybe a last-minute Christmas gift?), these are the perfect choice. This candy takes only minutes to prepare, then it’s simply a matter of letting your slow cooker do all the work.

    ingredients for peanut clusters

    What You Need to Make Peanut Clusters

    • Vanilla almond bark. You’ll need 2 lbs.
    • Dry roasted peanuts. Grab lightly salted ones, the salt helps add to the flavor.
    • Semisweet chocolate chips. Even though the white, vanilla-flavored almond bark is the predominant coating here the chocolate chips and chocolate bar we’ll be adding are critical for properly flavoring the crockpot candy.
    • Dark chocolate bar. I prefer to use dark chocolate for the flavor and because there’s plenty of sweetness going on in this recipe already. A bittersweet chocolate bar works great, I like Ghirardelli 60% cacao.
    • Mini marshmallows. These set my peanut clusters apart from any other I’ve ever tried and make them more like “rocky road clusters”. I love the soft chewiness of the marshmallows against the smooth chocolate and crunchy peanuts! So good!
    • Sprinkles. Completely optional, but don’t they look nice? A great way to add a festive flair.

    You’ll also need a slow cooker, of course! This is the one I use, it’s a 6 quart.

    Peanuts in melted chocolate with spatula

    How to Make Crockpot Candy

    1. Sprinkle your peanuts in an even layer over the bottom of the crockpot.
    2. Break your almond bark into pieces (they can be large pieces) and scatter over your peanuts. Break up your chocolate bar and add that and your chocolate chips as well.
    3. Cover and cook on low heat for one hour or until chocolate is melted.
    4. Uncover and stir until peanuts are coated with chocolate. Briefly stir in mini marshmallows until they are also coated with chocolate (just until they are coated, don’t stir too much or the marshmallows may melt entirely).
    5. Scoop candy by large rounded spoonfuls onto a wax paper lined baking sheet. If desired, decorate with sprinkles, then allow chocolate to harden before enjoying (this usually takes about 30 minutes or so).

    How to Store

    These peanut clusters will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for two weeks.

    Rocky road peanut cluster with bite out of it -- showing marshmallow and peanut interior

    Enjoy!

    I originally shared this Crockpot Candy recipe over on The Recipe Critic!

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    Let’s bake together! Head on over to my YouTube channel where I’ve already uploaded hundreds of recipe videos that you can watch for free!

    Crockpot Candy with sprinkles

    Rocky Road Peanut Clusters (Crockpot Candy)

    One of the easiest candy recipes ever! No candy thermometer, just a few basic ingredients and a slow cooker needed! My version of these peanut clusters or "crockpot candy" uses chocolate, nuts, and marshmallows!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Candy, Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 60 candies
    Calories: 197kcal
    Author: Sam Merritt

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb lightly salted dry roasted peanuts about 4 cups (450g)
    • 2 lbs vanilla almond bark broken into pieces (910g)
    • 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips 340g
    • 4 oz dark chocolate bar broken into pieces I like to use Ghirardelli 60% (113g)
    • 10 oz mini marshmallows about 4-5 cups (280g)
    • Sprinkles optional

    Recommended Equipment

    • 6 quart slow cooker
    • Cookie scoop
    • Baking sheets
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Layer peanuts evenly into the bottom of your crockpot. Add almond bark, chocolate chips, and dark chocolate bar on top.
    • Cover with lid and cook on low heat for one hour.
    • Remove lid and stir well. If all of the chocolate isn't completely melted, continue to cook uncovered on low heat, stirring occasionally, for another 15-30 minutes (or as long as is needed until chocolate is melted).
    • Turn off heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Add mini marshmallows and stir briefly, just until marshmallows are coated in chocolate and combined (if you stir too much you will melt your marshmallows, you want them to pretty much maintain their shape).
    • Immediately use a 1 ½ Tablespoon sized cookie scoop (or two large spoons) and scoop candy by heaping 1 ½ Tablespoon onto a wax paper lined cookie sheet (you'll need several, this makes a lot of candy).
    • Top with sprinkles, if desired, then allow candy to set before enjoying (about 30-60 minutes).
    • Store candy in an airtight container at room temperature.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1candy | Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!
    « 12 Must-Try Christmas Cookies!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laurel

      December 20, 2021 at 9:40 pm

      5 stars
      Made these as neighbor gifts and they’re delicious! Super easy and hands off too! And it made so many!!!

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        December 21, 2021 at 10:58 am

        What a wonderful idea, Laurel! We’re so happy you used our recipe to treat your neighbors. Thanks so much for your review 😊

        Reply
    2. Mandy

      October 08, 2021 at 11:09 pm

      5 stars
      Is there anything I can use instead of the vanilla almond bark? I’m finding it difficult to find

      Reply
      • Emily @ Sugar Spun Run

        October 13, 2021 at 10:05 am

        Hi Mandy! You could substitute candy melts or white chocolate for the almond bark. Enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Kathryn

      November 27, 2020 at 11:50 pm

      Have you ever added in raisins?

      Reply
      • Sam

        November 28, 2020 at 4:26 pm

        I haven’t (not personally a fan of raisins) but I don’t see why you couldn’t! Enjoy!

        Reply
      • Jody

        November 04, 2022 at 8:44 pm

        Can these be made and then put in the freezer if in a air tight container?

        Reply
        • Sam

          November 04, 2022 at 8:45 pm

          Hi Jody! That should work just fine. 🙂

    4. Kathy

      October 01, 2020 at 3:31 pm

      Not sure what I did wrong..followed recipe 100%. Marshmallows melted into chocolate. I cooled after the melting process was completed 10-15 minutes. , before adding them. . Initially marshmallows remained firm, but then ..started streaking in to melted chocolate.
      So disappointed. Was making for a special birthday gift.

      Reply
      • Sam

        October 03, 2020 at 10:05 pm

        Hi Kathy, I’m not sure either unfortunately. I’ve never had this issue, it might be helpful to watch the video but if you let the chocolate cool a bit and worked quickly you shouldn’t have had this problem so I am as puzzled as you are.

        Reply
    5. Arron

      September 28, 2020 at 4:31 pm

      How long will they stay good in an airtight container?

      Reply
      • Sam

        September 28, 2020 at 9:45 pm

        Hi Arron! They should be good for about a week. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Bruce

      April 03, 2020 at 6:34 pm

      Great recipe, but it would be nice if you mentioned that it could be done in about 15 minutes (except the cooling time) using the microwave, instead of the 1 1/2 hours using the slow cooker. Of course, the size of the batch makes the slow cooker very convenient, but it isn’t the only way.

      Reply
      • Sugar Spun Run

        April 03, 2020 at 10:28 pm

        Thank you for trying my recipe, Bruce, and for the feedback. I will make a note to add directions if you do not wish to use the crockpot. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Cary Jo Snyder Milosh

      February 26, 2020 at 5:18 pm

      Can you freeze the marshmallows before putting in?

      Reply
      • Sam

        February 26, 2020 at 5:23 pm

        I suppose you could, though I am not sure why you would.

        Reply
    8. Alyssa

      January 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      We LOVE your rocky road peanut clusters!! My family and I can’t get enough of them! Thank you for all of your incredible recipes… They are delish!!

      Reply
      • Sugar Spun Run

        January 26, 2020 at 6:04 pm

        I am so happy that your family enjoyed the crockpot candy, Alyssa! Thank you for trying my recipe and for commenting. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Lanette Solares

      December 30, 2019 at 1:28 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe!! It was a hit with the family! I made it for Christmas and it didn’t make it to the next day!!!!

      Reply
      • Sugar Spun Run

        December 30, 2019 at 6:53 am

        That is wonderful, Lanette! I am so glad that everyone enjoyed the peanut clusters. Thanks for commenting and trying my recipe. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Judith

      December 24, 2019 at 2:37 pm

      Hi Sam,

      Congrats on your new bundle of joy and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family.
      I am questioning if, regarding the 60% 4 oz. dark chocolate bar, I could use 85% chocolate instead.

      Thank you
      Judy

      Reply
      • Sugar Spun Run

        December 24, 2019 at 5:30 pm

        Thank you so much, Judith! Our little one has been such a blessing. Yes, 85% chocolate will work just fine. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Nancy

      December 23, 2019 at 5:45 pm

      If I wanted to make a smaller batch, would the cooking time change?

      Reply
      • Sam

        December 23, 2019 at 6:08 pm

        It depends on how small of a batch you are making. If you’re making a half batch I’d check the chocolate at 35/45 minutes and see if it is melted (make sure to try stirring it to test if it is melted or not, as some of the chocolate will hold its shape until disturbed), then continue to heat additional time as needed if it is not melted. I hope that helps!

        Reply

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    The author (Sam) in blue shirt holding donut Hi, I'm Sam! I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate). Read more about me.

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