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This Crockpot Christmas Crack is the ultimate festive treat for busy holiday schedules. It combines creamy chocolate, crunchy salted peanuts, and rich peanut butter chips, all melted to perfection in a slow cooker. The result is a sweet, nutty, and addictive delight that’s fantastic for family gatherings, gifting, or simply treating yourself to a bit of holiday magic.
I first made this on a hectic holiday weekend and was delighted how simple it was to pull off without any mess. Now it’s one of those treats everyone looks forward to every season.
Ingredients
- Salted peanuts: One bag to add that perfect crunchy texture and a salty balance to the sweetness, look for fresh peanuts without broken pieces
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Bring rich, smooth chocolate flavor as the foundation, choose good-quality chips for best melting
- White chocolate chips: Add creamy sweetness and a lovely contrast, pick brands known for smooth melting properties
- Peanut butter chips: Half a cup for nutty depth and nostalgic flavor, try to find ones made with creamy peanut butter for the best taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the salted peanuts evenly at the bottom, then layer the semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips on top. Do not stir so the ingredients melt evenly.
- Cook on Low Heat:
- Cover and let the mixture cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep the lid on without lifting it to maintain steady heat and prevent uneven melting.
- Mix Thoroughly:
- After cooking, gently stir the melted layers with a heat-resistant spoon until everything is smooth and fully blended.
- Portion the Treats:
- Using a spoon, drop dollops of the mixture onto sheets of wax or parchment paper. Try to keep the sizes uniform for easy serving or gifting.
- Cool and Harden:
- Leave the dollops at room temperature for about an hour until they are firm to the touch.
- Store:
- Once set, place treats in an airtight container where they keep well at room temperature for up to two weeks.
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The salted peanuts are my favorite ingredient because they balance the richness of the chocolate perfectly. I remember one Christmas when I gave these as gifts, and friends kept telling me how much they loved the sweet and salty combination. It really feels like a treat that brings everyone together.
Storage Tips
Keep your Christmas Crack in airtight containers at room temperature to avoid moisture softening the chocolate. If your kitchen is warm, use the fridge but layer with wax paper between batches to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months and thaw before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap salted peanuts for cashews or almonds for a different crunch and flavor profile. Dark chocolate chips work well if you prefer a less sweet treat. Mini marshmallows or crushed pretzels can add a fun texture twist, and holiday sprinkles can boost the festive look for parties.
Serving Suggestions
Display the Christmas Crack on decorative platters with crushed candy canes or edible glitter for a touch of holiday magic. It also shines as part of a dessert board alongside fudge and cookies or sprinkled on hot cocoa to elevate your winter drinks. Packaged in clear bags tied with ribbons or layered in tins, it makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
Cultural Context
Peanut butter and chocolate are iconic pairing elements that have long been loved in American holiday culture. Slow cookers have grown in popularity for holiday cooking by simplifying group-friendly treats like this one. This recipe adapts classic “Christmas Crack” to a slow-cooker method that’s perfect for those who want minimal hands-on time but maximum festive flavor.
Pro Tips
- Resist the temptation to lift the lid during cooking as it interrupts the low heat and can cause uneven melting
- Use a sturdy, heat-safe spoon for mixing to avoid any accidents with melted chocolate sticking or breaking your utensils
- For perfectly sized treats, use a cookie scoop to create even portions that look professional and make gifting simpler
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I double the ingredients for a larger batch?
Yes, using a bigger slow cooker works well. Keep the cooking time consistent and layer ingredients carefully to ensure even melting.
- → What if I want a less sweet version?
Swap semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sugary balance.
- → Is the slow cooker essential for this preparation?
While a slow cooker offers hands-off melting and even heat, you can melt ingredients slowly on a stovetop, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- → Why should I use salted peanuts instead of unsalted?
Salted peanuts provide a perfect balance, cutting through sweetness and enhancing overall flavor complexity.
- → How do I prevent the chocolate from burning or clumping?
Cook on the low setting without lifting the lid during melting, and avoid stirring until fully melted for the smoothest texture.
- → Can I add extra mix-ins?
Absolutely! Mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels, or festive sprinkles add texture and seasonal flair.