christmas crack slow cooker—if you’re like me, you just want something ridiculously easy that tastes like a million bucks but doesn’t hijack your entire day (especially around the holidays). Look, the shopping’s not done. There are a gazillion things on your list. The last thing you want is to lose your mind wrestling with candy thermometers or, honestly, the oven at all. That’s why this recipe for the easiest crock pot Christmas Crack is going to save your December… and probably your sanity, too. Honestly, my kids request it more than actual dinner. And with zero baking and super minimal cleanup? Count me in, friend. 
What is Christmas Crack?
So this stuff is, basically, holiday magic in snack form. You might see “Christmas Crack” pop up on Pinterest or Facebook pretty much every December. It’s sweet, salty, a little nutty, and—true fact—nobody can resist grabbing “just one more piece.” The original was made on a baking sheet, but folks like us? We need something simpler. Just dump, stir a couple times, and let your crock pot work its weird little magic. My Aunt Pat used to hide a tin of this from my uncle because, well, he’d eat half in a day flat.
Oh, don’t confuse this with hard toffee "crack" recipes. This is mostly melty chocolate, peanut buttery, nutty clusters. It’s a pile of joy, not a jaw-breaking nightmare. I will fight anyone who argues. There, I said it. 
”Hands down the easiest treat I make every Christmas. If I bring something else to the office, folks get mad! Crock pot Christmas Crack is just too good.” — Real user, Jen D.
Ingredients and Add-Ins
Let’s talk real-life ingredients. Half this stuff is already hiding in your pantry, probably. I pretty much never need extra grocery trips. Here’s your basic roster for the easiest crock pot Christmas Crack:
- Peanuts (one salted, one unsalted bag if you want “fancy”)
- Chocolate chips (I use both semi-sweet and milk—because life’s short)
- White almond bark (that big blocky stuff in the baking aisle)
- Peanut butter (smooth, go classic)
- Holiday sprinkles for flair
Now, don’t feel locked in. Hey, mini pretzels? Awesome. Swap peanut butter for cookie butter if you’re allergic. My neighbor even stirs in M&M’s (riotous, I know). Got health nuts in the house? Check out my take on healthy turkey chili in the slow cooker—not sweet, but hey, options.
Store brands or brand name, doesn’t matter. It’ll turn out five-star either way.
- If you love variety, toss in mini marshmallows or crushed pretzels.
- White chocolate chips in place of almond bark? Go for it.
- Add chopped dried cherries for a tangy punch.
- Use festive sprinkles for ultimate Christmas vibes.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Method
I bet you’re thinking—how is this so easy? Listen, I’m not fancy. Here’s how to do it:
Start by layering the peanuts first, then spill all your chocolate, almond bark, and peanut butter right on top. That’s it. Lid on. Set your slow cooker to low. If you’re like me and always distracted, don’t freak out! Just stir every 30 minutes or so. It gets silky and gooey in about 90 minutes. (Avoid high heat—burnt chocolate is just sadness.)
Once it’s all melty, stir it up super well. Then, drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper. I use two spoons because, frankly, my fingers are always sticky. Sprinkle holiday sprinkles before they harden, or your kids will riot.
Takes about 20 minutes to scoop it all. My tip? If it starts to set before you’re done, just re-stir it in the crock. Check out another great winter crowd-pleaser over at classic beef stew perfect in the slow cooker, if you wanna go the savory route.
Timing isn’t precious like baking—no one will know if you wing it a little. That’s the beauty.
How to Cool and Store
Okay, don’t just plop the goodies on any old plate. Lay them out on parchment or wax paper. Kitchen counters, tables, even the top of your dryer—whatever’s free.
If it’s cold, your treats set faster. My trick is putting trays in the garage when it’s December—I call it nature’s fridge. Leave ‘em alone for about 2 hours til they’re firm.
Then, gently peel and break apart any that stuck together (snack on the broken ones). Store in a sealed tin or Tupperware. If you don’t have that, zip-loc will work in a pinch. These babies stay good for, honestly, at least a week, maybe two if you hide them well enough.
Wanna know what else you can make ahead? Juiciest slow cooker turkey breast make ahead gravy—perfect sidekick to your Christmas candies.
Tips for Gifting or Sharing
The best part? Gifting. This stuff is made to be handed out to neighbors, cousins, anyone who knocks at your door. I mean, your mail carrier’s gonna love you.
- Scoop a few clusters into gift bags, mason jars, or even paper cups tied with a ribbon.
- Write a hand-drawn label—it makes folks smile.
- Pair with homemade cards for a real personal touch.
- Make several batches and swap the mix-ins for variety.
Wanna blow their minds even more? Package with a jar of slow cooker mulled cider warm up your holiday for the ultimate cozy gift.
You’re basically Santa after this.
Common Questions
Q: Do I really need a slow cooker for Christmas Crack?
A: Honestly, it’s the easiest way. You could melt stuff in the microwave, but you’ll have to babysit it. Crock pots are truly “set and forget.”
Q: Can I freeze Christmas Crack?
A: You sure can. Use a freezer bag, squeeze out the air, and stash it. Thaws quick, still tastes awesome.
Q: Can I use something other than peanuts?
A: Yup—almonds, cashews, even seeds if you’ve got allergy folks. Just keep the total amount about the same.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Pretty sure ours has never seen week two, but it’ll stay tasty in an airtight container for about 10 days.
Q: How messy is this really?
A: One slow cooker, one spoon, one sheet of parchment. So—you can call it a lazy-day win.
A Recipe So Easy, You’ll Make It Every Holiday
If you’re hunting for an easy crowd-pleaser, the easiest crock pot Christmas Crack is about to climb your favorites list (and maybe everyone else’s, too). Zero stress, no weird steps, just throw and go. If you want another holiday star, check out this Crock Pot Christmas Crack | Just A Pinch Recipes for more variations, or dig into savory comfort with slow cooker Southern cornbread dressing crock pot—seriously, dinner will match dessert this year. If you’re ready for Christmas joy with, let’s be honest, minimum effort, this is your golden ticket. You’ll be the snack hero. Your secret’s safe with me.
Crock Pot Christmas Crack
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A ridiculously easy and delicious treat made in a slow cooker, perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 bag salted peanuts
- 1 bag unsalted peanuts
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 block white almond bark
- 1 cup peanut butter
- Holiday sprinkles
- Optional add-ins: mini pretzels, M&M’s, mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels, chopped dried cherries
Instructions
- Layer the peanuts in the slow cooker.
- Add the chocolate chips, almond bark, and peanut butter on top of the peanuts.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat.
- Stir every 30 minutes until melted and gooey, about 90 minutes.
- Once melted, stir well and drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles before they harden.
- Allow to cool for about 2 hours until firm.
- Store in a sealed container once cooled.
Notes
Can be gifted in bags or jars, and is a great treat for neighbors and friends during the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
