Creepy Crockpot Peanut Clusters are a fun and delicious way to celebrate Halloween! This easy treat is loaded with crunchy honey roasted peanuts, creamy vanilla almond bark, colorful M&M's and plenty of spooky sprinkles. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
It's sweet, salty, crunchy and ridiculously easy to make, whether you're filling treat bags, heading to a Halloween party or just want something fun to snack on while waiting for the trick-or-treaters.
Why crockpot peanut clusters are irresistible
This recipe makes a big batch, which comes in handy during the busy Halloween season. You'll have plenty for parties, treat bags or sharing with friends and neighbors. It's also easy to make ahead, and you can change up the M&M's and sprinkles for different holidays throughout the year. One recipe, lots of possibilities!
Even better, the slow cooker does most of the work. If you love this easy candy-making method, be sure to try my Crockpot Peanut Clusters next. There's no candy thermometer, no complicated technique and very little hands-on time.
Creepy Crockpot Candy
Equipment
- 1 6 quart Crockpot
- Silicone Spatula
- Large Baking Sheets or Mats
- Parchment Paper
- small cookie scoop
Ingredients
- 32 ounce Honey Roasted Peanuts
- 48 ounce Vanilla Almond Bark broken into chunks
- 10 ounce Halloween M&M's divided
- ½ cup Halloween-themed candy sprinkles
Instructions
- Line baking sheets/mats with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Pour honey roasted peanuts into a 6 qt. crockpot. Layer chunks of almond bark over the peanuts.
- Cover with lid, and cook on low heat for one hour or until the almond bark is completely melted. Do not lift lid or stir within this first hour.
- When all the almond bark is melted, turn off the crockpot, and remove from heat. Stir well, being sure to thoroughly coat the peanuts.
- Gently fold in the M&M's, reserving ½ c. for garnishing the tops of the candies.
- Using a small cookie scoop, dollop the candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Immediately top each one with the reserved M&M's and Halloween sprinkles before moving on to the next.
- Allow the candy to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator until the almond bark is fully hardened.
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements for this recipe.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Absolutely! Plain or dry roasted peanuts will work just fine. You can also experiment with different varieties or swap the peanuts for cashews, pecans, almonds or pistachios. It's an easy way to make the candy your own.
No. I use vanilla almond bark because it melts smoothly and is easy to work with, but white chocolate melting wafers can also be used. Whichever you choose, make sure your crockpot and utensils are completely dry. Even a small amount of moisture can cause melted chocolate to seize.
Don't worry, some slow cookers simply heat more slowly than others. Give the almond bark a little more time rather than turning the heat to high, which can cause it to scorch. Depending on your crockpot, it may take up to two hours for the almond bark to melt completely.
Deb's top tips
Work in small batches when scooping the candy. Add the M&M's and sprinkles to each piece right away, before the almond bark begins to set. Once it hardens, those cute little toppings aren't going anywhere except back onto the baking sheet!
More Spooky Treats to Try 🎃
Keep the spooky treats coming! Try my Halloween Monster Cookies covered with sprinkles and candy eyes, make a batch of Jack Skellington Peanut Butter Cups, or have some fun decorating these adorable Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats. They're all festive additions to your Halloween celebration!
A Little Halloween Fun 🎃
Halloween treats don't need to be complicated to get everyone excited! Make a batch for your next spooky celebration and watch how quickly these little candies disappear. If homemade sweets are your thing, you'll find even more ideas in my easy candy recipes. And if you make this one, leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I always love hearing what's cooking in your kitchen!
Karen E says
These look so good and easy to make. Love all the crockpot recipes I can get. Life is always so busy for everyone and this recipe saves so much time in the kitchen leaving time to spend with family and still come off as the Mama who can do everything! Love it!
Debra Clark says
That’s exactly what I’m hoping for with all these Crocktober recipes: less time fussing in the kitchen and more time for everything else life throws at us. And if everyone thinks Mama did it all without breaking a sweat, we certainly don’t need to tell them the crockpot did most of the work. Enjoy Karen!
Theresea c says
I love how easy this comes together.. Maybe some dried cranberries too. Thanks again for the recipe.
Debra Clark says
Oooh, that would be so festive. Great addition Theresea!
Beth says
Yum! I have bookmarked your recipe for Halloween!
Cheryl Huerta says
If you havent tried this recipe you definetely should try!!! I made this as soon as I saw it
because my Grandson loves those M&M's and those peanuts!! So I made them and as soon as I finished them he sat there eyeing them up. Finally when he was able to have them he ate 7 of them (and mind you he weighs about 48lbs) and he said Grandma you are the best cook in the whole World!! So Thank you for making me the best cook and I look forward to trying many more recipes!!!
Debra Clark says
Cheryl you've made my day AND you are the BEST cook ever! How cool is that? He will always remember that time spent with you. What great memories you're making. Thanks and enjoy those treats!!!
Sherri Rochester says
These are so cute! My grandson will devour these when I make them. I think I have a potluck before Halloween that I will make them for, too. I can see doing Christmas candies that all of my family and fries will love on my sharing plates. This recipe excites me!
Debra Clark says
Oh yes please! Wouldn't they be fun and festive for Christmas? That's a fun idea! Enjoy the treats Sherri!
Carol says
How adorable these would look on a Pot Luck table!! Super great idea, thanks.
Debra Clark says
You're welcome Carol - thank you!!
Lois Corliss says
This is a wonderful treat and anytime of the day or night. It’s so easy to make and you will be the star of the potluck or where ever you serve it. The texture is great, sweet and tasty. Love them.
SHELIA HALL says
this sounds so yummy and easy to make!
Debra Clark says
Thanks Sheila, I hope you give them a try!
SHELIA HALL says
I plan to make them next weekend for a party
Debra Clark says
Wonderful! Enjoy Sheilia and I hope your party is fantastic!
Beverly Lloyd says
I really like the looks of this candy. I don’t think I have ever seen this type without it being chocolate. You also made it with honey roasted peanuts which I love.
Debra Clark says
The honey roasted peanuts are SO good in this! I love that little bit of sweet and salty they add. And you’re right, the vanilla coating makes these a fun change from the usual chocolate version. I hope you give them a try! 🎃🧡
Deb Lafond says
Can’t wait to try these! But, I’m gonna be a little bit selfish and not give them out to trick or treaters, I’m gonna eat them with my family and myself! My kids are all adults and they will love them. If they are good, I will share them with the grandkids too. But only if they’re good!
Happy haunting, Deb
Debra Clark says
😂😂 I fully support this plan! Family first, trick-or-treaters second…and apparently the grandkids still have to pass the taste test! I hope you love them enough to share, but no judgment here if the grandkids never even know they existed. Happy haunting to you too! 🎃👻
Sue Turcsany says
Looks like the ultimate upgrade for a sugar craving--- no more eating chocolate frosting out the can with a butter knife---Crockpot Peanut Masterpiece!!---but where do I find vanilla almond bark in the supermarket? is this a seasonal item and who makes it?
Debra Clark says
Most grocery stores carry almond bark in the baking aisle. You'll find it near the chocolate chips, etc. (Even our little town of 8000) If you aren't able to find it though, substitute with white chocolate chips or vanilla melting wafers. Enjoy!!
Jean M says
I would not say this is creepy but it sure looks delicious! And to make it in a crockpot instead of standing over a stove really makes it delicious!
Debra Clark says
Haha, yes! These are so good and simple to make.