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When making Crockpot Candy Clusters, you need a mix of tasty ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture. Here’s a complete list: - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup milk chocolate chips - 1 cup white chocolate chips - 1 cup roasted peanuts (unsalted) - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1 cup mini marshmallows - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Choosing the right chocolate is key. Semi-sweet chocolate gives a rich taste. Milk chocolate adds creaminess. White chocolate brings a sweet finish. Mixing them creates a delightful blend. For nuts, roasted peanuts and pecans give crunch. They also add a nice nutty flavor. You can add dried cranberries for a fruity twist. They offer a sweet and tangy contrast. Mini marshmallows add fluffiness. They melt slightly, creating a soft texture. Vanilla extract enhances all the flavors. It's a small touch but makes a big difference. These ingredients combine for a sweet treat. You can easily customize them to suit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Melting the Chocolate Start by adding the semi-sweet, milk, and white chocolate chips to your crockpot. Set the temperature to low. Let the chocolate melt for about 30 minutes. Stir it every once in a while. This helps it melt evenly. - Adding Nuts and Fruits When the chocolate is mostly melted, add the roasted peanuts, chopped pecans, mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together well. This step brings the flavors together. Continue cooking on low for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir every 30 minutes to ensure all ingredients combine well. - Dropping Mixture onto Baking Sheet After cooking, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to drop the mixture in clusters onto the sheet. Make sure to space them out. Let the clusters cool at room temperature for at least an hour. They should be completely hardened before you enjoy them. - Avoiding Burnt Chocolate To melt chocolate without burning, use low heat. Heat your crockpot to low. This helps keep the chocolate smooth and creamy. Stir the chocolate every 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the heat even and helps prevent hot spots. If your chocolate starts to thicken too much, add a little oil. This will help keep it smooth. - Importance of Stirring Stirring is key for good candy clusters. Mix the chocolate often. This helps to combine all the ingredients well. When you add nuts and fruits, stir them in gently. Make sure everything is coated in chocolate. This will give you tasty bites in every cluster. Stirring also helps the chocolate melt evenly. - Making Uniform Clusters For even clusters, use a cookie scoop. This tool helps you get the same amount each time. Drop the mixture onto parchment paper. Space them out to give them room to set. If you want a fun touch, sprinkle extra nuts or cranberries on top. This makes your clusters look great and taste even better. Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality chocolate chips. They melt better and enhance the overall taste of your candy clusters. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap out the nuts for your favorites or add a mix of both salted and unsalted to create a more complex flavor. Experiment with Add-Ins: Get creative by adding different dried fruits, such as raisins or apricots, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty combination. Storage Tips: Keep your candy clusters in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness for a longer time. {{image_2}} You can change the nuts and fruits in your candy clusters. If you want, try almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Each nut adds a different taste. If you prefer no nuts, just skip them. You can replace nuts with more dried fruits like raisins or apricots. This keeps the sweet and chewy texture. Adding extracts can make your clusters even better. You can try almond extract for a nutty twist. Peppermint extract gives it a holiday feel. Just add a teaspoon to the melted chocolate for a new flavor. Always test a small amount first to get the taste you love. Making these clusters gluten-free is simple. All the main ingredients, like chocolate and nuts, are gluten-free. Just check the labels to be sure. If you want to make it dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate chips. This way, everyone can enjoy the treat! To keep your Crockpot candy clusters fresh, use an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out and preserves flavor. Choose a container that fits your clusters without squishing them. A simple plastic or glass container works great. If you plan to share, small boxes or bags are fun and easy for gifts. When stored properly, your candy clusters can last up to two weeks. After that, they may lose their taste and texture. Check for any signs of moisture or changes in smell before eating. If you see white spots, that could mean the chocolate has bloomed. While it’s safe to eat, the clusters won’t taste as good. If you want to warm your clusters, use the microwave. Place them on a plate and heat in short bursts of 10 seconds. This keeps the clusters soft without melting them completely. Watch closely to avoid overheating. Enjoying them warm can bring back that fresh taste. Yes, you can use different types of chocolate. Each kind adds a unique taste. You may choose dark chocolate for a richer flavor. White chocolate gives a sweet touch. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like. Just remember, the melting time might change slightly with different chocolates. You can store Crockpot Candy Clusters for up to two weeks. Ensure you keep them in an airtight container. This helps to keep them fresh and tasty. If you notice them getting soft, they may be past their prime. Always check for any changes in smell or texture before enjoying. Yes, you can freeze the candy clusters. Just make sure they are fully cooled first. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. You can also use a container, but leave some space for air. When you want to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps their texture nice. You’ve learned how to make delicious candy clusters using chocolate, nuts, and fruits. We covered the types of chocolate, added ingredients, and steps to create your treats. I shared tips for melting chocolate and the best ways to store your clusters. Remember, you can customize these candies to fit your taste or dietary needs. Have fun experimenting and sharing your creations. Happy cooking!

Crockpot Candy Clusters

A delicious mix of chocolates, nuts, and marshmallows made easily in a crockpot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup roasted peanuts (unsalted)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Begin by adding the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips into the crockpot. Set the temperature to low.
  • Allow the chocolate to melt for about 30 minutes. Don't forget to stir occasionally to ensure even melting.
  • Once the chocolate is mostly melted, add the roasted peanuts, chopped pecans, mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together well.
  • Continue to cook on low for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. This will ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • After the cooking time is complete, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop the mixture in clusters onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Allow the clusters to cool and set at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or until completely hardened.
  • Once set, you can enjoy the candy clusters or store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Keyword candy, chocolate, clusters, crockpot