If you’re hunting for a no-fuss, joyfully colorful treat that’s guaranteed to steal the show at your springtime gatherings, you absolutely need to try these Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters. Imagine bites of creamy chocolate and crunchy peanuts, all finished with a playful sprinkle of pastel M&M’s and shimmering sprinkles—these little gems are as irresistible as they are simple to make! The slow cooker does all the hard work, meaning less mess and more time to enjoy with loved ones. Whether you’re after a festive edible gift, a sweet addition to an Easter brunch, or just a delightful homemade snack, Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters are a surefire hit you’ll return to year after year.

Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters so magical? It’s the balance of just a handful of well-chosen ingredients, each bringing something essential—creamy, salty, crunchy, sweet, and oh-so-pretty. Here’s exactly what you need and why you’ll love each component:

White almond bark (16 oz, chopped or broken into chunks): This is the foundation of each cluster, offering creamy sweetness that melts beautifully and holds the candies together.
Semisweet chocolate chips (12 oz): They bring rich chocolate depth, balancing the sweet white chocolate and providing that classic, irresistible cocoa flavor.
White chocolate chips (12 oz): For a double dose of creamy sweetness, these chips meld with the almond bark and help form a perfectly smooth base.
Lightly salted dry roasted peanuts (16 oz): The signature crunch that keeps you coming back for more—the light saltiness is crucial for that addictive sweet-and-salty combination!
Pastel-colored Easter M&M’s (1 cup): These festive candies add cheerful color and an extra touch of crunch to every bite—perfect for that holiday feel.
Pastel sprinkles (1/2 cup, optional): Sprinkles make everything more fun! They add sparkle and a playful texture, letting you dress up the clusters your way.

How to Make Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters

Step 1: Layer the Chocolate and Peanuts

Grab your slow cooker—it’s about to become your favorite kitchen tool! Begin by layering the chopped almond bark, semisweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips right into the crockpot. Toss the peanuts on top, letting them rest above the chocolate so everything melts together evenly and easily.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crockpot to the low setting and cover. Now, patience is key! Let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, giving everything a gentle stir every 30 minutes. This makes sure the chocolate melts evenly and the peanuts are gradually coated in that luxurious, glossy mixture. Trust the process—the reward is worth the wait.

Step 3: Stir Until Silky Smooth

Once the chocolate is thoroughly melted and the peanuts are hugging every bit of that sweet mixture, stir really well to combine. You want each peanut cloaked in chocolate and everything looking silky and irresistible. Don’t rush this step! A good stir is crucial for perfect clusters.

Step 4: Spoon and Shape the Clusters

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and use a spoon to drop generous, rustic mounds of the warm mixture onto the sheet. Space them a little apart so they don’t stick together—the clusters should have a nice, freeform look.

Step 5: Decorate Before Chocolate Sets

Immediately after spooning, go wild with your pastel Easter M&M’s and sprinkles. Top each warm cluster quickly so everything adheres before the chocolate begins to firm up. This is the part where you can let your creativity shine—each one turns out unique!

Step 6: Let Them Cool Fully

Allow your Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters to cool at room temperature until they set up and the chocolate is firm, or pop the tray into the fridge if you’re in a hurry. Once they’re no longer sticky to the touch, they’re ready to eat or store.

How to Serve Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters

Garnishes

These clusters don’t need much, but an extra sprinkle of pastel confetti, white chocolate drizzle, or even edible glitter can turn them into the ultimate show-stoppers for your table. A small handful of crushed candy eggs on top adds more color and texture for an extra festive flourish.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters with a platter of fresh fruit, a tray of buttery shortbread cookies, or a bowl of mixed nuts to balance the sweetness. They also make a fabulous companion to coffee or a light, floral tea to round out an Easter dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For an unforgettable Easter basket, tuck clusters into colorful paper cupcake liners and arrange in a decorative tin or box. At a party, pile them high on whimsical cake stands, or wrap clusters in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for a homemade gift that always elicits a smile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep extra Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—they stay surprisingly fresh and keep their snap, thanks to the combo of almond bark and chocolate. If your kitchen is on the warmer side, storing them in the fridge is just fine and helps them hold their shape even longer.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these clusters! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag with layers of parchment between to prevent sticking. They’ll last up to two months and thaw beautifully at room temperature.

Reheating

No need for reheating—these treats are best enjoyed straight from the container. But if you love a melty twist, microwave a single cluster for just 5 to 8 seconds until slightly soft for a gooey, warm bite.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chips?

Absolutely! If you adore the richness of dark chocolate, simply swap in dark chocolate chips for the semisweet variety. This intensifies the cocoa flavor and adds a sophisticated edge to the Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters.

Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, for a nut-free version, substitute the peanuts with crispy rice cereal, pretzels, or even sunflower seeds. Just keep in mind the clusters will have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delightfully crunchy and chocolatey!

Do I need to grease the slow cooker?

Nope, thanks to the high fat content in the chocolate and almond bark, sticking isn’t an issue. However, if you’re worried, you can lightly spray the crockpot insert with nonstick spray for extra peace of mind.

Can I make these clusters in advance?

Yes! In fact, Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters are the perfect make-ahead treat. They hold well for days, making them ideal for prepping before a party, gifting, or stashing for spontaneous snacking.

What if I don’t have almond bark?

You can substitute almond bark with good-quality white chocolate melting wafers or chips, though the end result may be a little softer. Avoid using pure white chocolate bars, as they don’t set up quite as firmly as almond bark does in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cheerful, crowd-pleasing treat, these Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters have your name written all over them. They’re ridiculously easy, undeniably delicious, and never fail to bring a smile—give them a try this Easter and you might just find yourself making them for every celebration to come!

Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 36 clusters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Crockpot Easter Candy Clusters are a delightful treat perfect for Easter gatherings. Made with a mix of chocolate, peanuts, and festive M&M’s, these clusters are easy to make and great for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

16 oz white almond bark (chopped or broken into chunks)
12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
12 oz white chocolate chips
16 oz lightly salted dry roasted peanuts
1 cup pastel-colored Easter M&M’s
1/2 cup pastel sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

Layer Ingredients: In a large slow cooker, layer the almond bark, semisweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. Top with the peanuts.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until everything is melted and smooth.
Combine: Once melted, stir well to combine, ensuring the peanuts are evenly coated.
Form Clusters: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of the candy mixture onto the paper, spacing them slightly apart.
Add Toppings: Immediately top each cluster with Easter M&M’s and sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Cool: Allow to cool at room temperature until firm, or refrigerate for quicker setting. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Notes

You can use pastel candy-coated almonds or mini eggs instead of M&M’s.
If you prefer a saltier bite, use salted cocktail peanuts instead of dry roasted.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American