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!
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.
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.
How to Make Crockpot Candy
- Sprinkle your peanuts in an even layer over the bottom of the crockpot.
- 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.
- Cover and cook on low heat for one hour or until chocolate is melted.
- 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).
- 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.
Enjoy!
I originally shared this Crockpot Candy recipe over on The Recipe Critic!
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!
Rocky Road Peanut Clusters (Crockpot Candy)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lightly salted dry roasted peanuts about 4 cups
- 2 lbs (910 g) vanilla almond bark broken into pieces
- 12 oz (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 oz (113 g) dark chocolate bar broken into pieces I like to use Ghirardelli 60%
- 10 oz (280 g) mini marshmallows about 4-5 cups
- Sprinkles optional
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Layer peanuts evenly into the bottom of your crockpot. Add almond bark, chocolate chips, and dark chocolate bar on top.1 lb (450 g) lightly salted dry roasted peanuts, 2 lbs (910 g) vanilla almond bark, 12 oz (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips, 4 oz (113 g) dark chocolate bar broken into pieces
- 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).10 oz (280 g) mini marshmallows
- 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).Sprinkles
- Store candy in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
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.
Brannon
This is my second year to make this for Christmas. My family loves it! It reminds me of my grandmother making rocky road when I was a little girl. Thank you for a great recipe that’s easy to follow!
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Brannon! 🙂
Diane Holly
Do you think I could add pretzel pieces? If so, should I add them toward the end?
Thanks!
Sam
Hi Diane! That should work and yes I would stir them in close to the end. 🙂
Patti
I added toffee bits . Worked perfectly.
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much! 🙂
Maria
So disappointed. Did exactly as stated, however, I waited 7 minutes before adding the marshmallows (it said to wait 5 minutes). Marshmallows did melt. If I try again, I will add a few and maybe wait 10 minutes before I add them. So sad, I was hoping to surprise my husband since he loves rocky road!
Sam
Unfortunately this could be a result of being stirred too much 🙁
Laurel
Made these as neighbor gifts and they’re delicious! Super easy and hands off too! And it made so many!!!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
What a wonderful idea, Laurel! We’re so happy you used our recipe to treat your neighbors. Thanks so much for your review 😊
Sharon
This will be my second year making these. Everyone seems to love them. Thank you.
Sam
I’m so glad everyone enjoys it so much! 🙂
Mandy
Is there anything I can use instead of the vanilla almond bark? I’m finding it difficult to find
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Hi Mandy! You could substitute candy melts or white chocolate for the almond bark. Enjoy!
Kathryn
Have you ever added in raisins?
Sam
I haven’t (not personally a fan of raisins) but I don’t see why you couldn’t! Enjoy!
Jody
Can these be made and then put in the freezer if in a air tight container?
Sam
Hi Jody! That should work just fine. 🙂
Kathy
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.
Sam
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.
Arron
How long will they stay good in an airtight container?
Sam
Hi Arron! They should be good for about a week. 🙂
Bruce
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.
Sugar Spun Run
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. 🙂
Cary Jo Snyder Milosh
Can you freeze the marshmallows before putting in?
Sam
I suppose you could, though I am not sure why you would.
Alyssa
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!!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so happy that your family enjoyed the crockpot candy, Alyssa! Thank you for trying my recipe and for commenting. 🙂
Lanette Solares
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!!!!
Sugar Spun Run
That is wonderful, Lanette! I am so glad that everyone enjoyed the peanut clusters. Thanks for commenting and trying my recipe. 🙂
Judith
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
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Judith! Our little one has been such a blessing. Yes, 85% chocolate will work just fine. 🙂
Nancy
If I wanted to make a smaller batch, would the cooking time change?
Sam
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!