Nothing quite melts the stress away like a sweet treat with a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, and that’s exactly why this Crockpot Nutella Chocolate Candy Recipe is a keeper. It’s simple, hands-off, and fills your kitchen with the most irresistible chocolatey aroma while you wait. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t say enough how much this Crockpot Nutella Chocolate Candy Recipe has become my go-to when I want homemade candy without all the fuss. The slow cooker method gives everything plenty of time to meld together perfectly, plus it’s hands-off which means more time for you to do literally anything else!
- Effortless cooking: You toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the magic – no stirring every five minutes!
- Perfect texture: The combination of melted chocolate and crunchy pecans creates a delightful bite every time.
- Customizable: Whether you want to tweak the nuts, chocolate, or toppings, this recipe welcomes you to experiment.
- Great for gifting: These candies make stunning little homemade presents that show you care.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of the Crockpot Nutella Chocolate Candy Recipe is truly in the way these ingredients come together: nutty richness, smooth chocolate layers, and a touch of sweet saltiness. I recommend grabbing the best-quality ingredients you can find, especially the chocolate, since it really makes a difference.
- Pecan halves: They give crunchy texture and buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Chocolate almond bark: Melts smoothly to create that luscious coating for your candy.
- Bittersweet chocolate: Adds depth and a slight bitterness to balance the sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For creamy, consistent chocolate chunks throughout.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the chocolate’s flavor and cuts through the richness.
- Rolo candies: Caramel-filled Rolos provide gooey centers that make these candies next-level.
- Sea salt & sprinkles (optional): For that extra special finishing touch and festive flair.
Make It Your Way
I love making this Crockpot Nutella Chocolate Candy Recipe my own depending on the season or who I’m gifting to. It’s simple to swap ingredients or add festive goodies to suit your mood and taste buds.
- Variation: For Halloween, I added orange and black sprinkles — it made the candy feel perfectly festive and colorful. It’s fun to switch up colors and textures.
- Dairy-free tweak: You can swap out the almond bark with a dairy-free chocolate and still come out with a luscious candy.
- Nut-free option: Use crispy rice cereal instead of pecans for a crunchy twist that’s safe for nut allergies.
- Extra flavors: Toss in a handful of craisins or chopped dried cherries for bursts of chewy sweetness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Nutella Chocolate Candy Recipe
Step 1: Layer Ingredients Carefully
Start by adding the pecan halves, chocolate almond bark cubes, bittersweet chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and salt to your crockpot. Now, here’s a little trick I learned — don’t stir them together yet! Just layer them as is. This helps the chocolate melt evenly without clumping.
Step 2: Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic
Set your crockpot to low and cook for 1 hour. The slow, gentle heat allows everything to start melting and blending slowly — which is key for that silky texture. Resist the urge to stir early on; just let it be.
Step 3: Stir and Finish Melting
After the first hour, go ahead and give everything a good stir. You’ll see all that chocolate has started to melt into a rich, velvety pool. Cook for another 30 to 45 minutes on low, stirring once or twice more. When all the chocolate and bark are fully melted and luscious, turn off the crockpot.
Step 4: Arrange Your Candy Foundation
Lay out two long strips of wax paper on a flat clean surface. Place unwrapped Rolo candies about 3 inches apart on the paper — these will be the caramel centers of your candies.
Step 5: Spoon & Sprinkle the Magic
Using a tablespoon, scoop mounds of the melty chocolate-coated pecan mixture and dollop it right on top of each Rolo. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and some colorful sprinkles for that eye-catching touch. Then, let them set completely before you dig in or package up for gifting.
Top Tip
From my experience, patience is your best friend here. Rushing any step can lead to uneven melting or candy that doesn’t set well. Here's what I’ve learned:
- Low and slow is best: Cooking the candy mixture on low heat ensures smooth melting without scorching.
- Don’t stir too soon: Waiting a full hour before the first stir prevents chocolate chunks and ensures even melting.
- Wax paper is your friend: It keeps your candies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cool fully for neat shapes: Let your candies set at room temperature or in the fridge if you want firmer texture.
How to Serve Crockpot Nutella Chocolate Candy Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top — it adds that perfect contrast and makes the chocolate pop. Around the holidays, colorful sprinkles are my go-to for an extra festive look. Sometimes, I toss on crushed nuts or even edible gold dust if I’m feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
This candy stands out on its own, but if you want to pair it with something, try a cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte to balance the sweetness. A handful of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can round out the experience perfectly too.
Creative Ways to Present
I like to arrange the candies in mini cupcake liners inside gift boxes when sharing with friends—it keeps each piece neat and adds a touch of charm. For parties, setting up a candy buffet with various toppings and nut options lets guests customize their own treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store my leftover candies in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dark spot. They stay fresh and tasty for 2 to 3 weeks, which is plenty of time unless you’re really good at sharing!
Freezing
Freezing these candies works wonderfully. I separate layers with wax paper and pop them in a freezer-safe container. They keep for up to 6 months, so I often make a batch ahead for holiday gifting or last-minute desserts.
Reheating
If you want to soften the candies after chilling, just leave them out a few minutes at room temperature. You can also warm individual pieces gently for a few seconds in the microwave — just watch carefully to avoid melting too much.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and add a great buttery crunch, you can swap in walnuts, almonds, or even a nut-free option like crispy rice cereal if you have allergies.
No worries! Almond bark can be replaced with white chocolate or candy melts. Just add about 1 tablespoon of shortening or coconut oil to help it melt smoothly without seizing.
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, the candy stays fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months without losing flavor or texture.
You can melt the chocolate and nuts on the stove over low heat, stirring gently, but the crockpot method ensures an easy, hands-off process that melts everything evenly without burning.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Nutella Chocolate Candy Recipe has honestly become a little tradition for me—and I’m always excited to share it with friends and family. It feels like such a treat without all the usual fuss of candy-making, and every time I make it, I’m reminded that the best delights often come from simple things shared with love. Give it a try and enjoy making your own delicious memories!
Print
Crockpot Nutella Chocolate Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 75 candies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Turtle Crockpot Candy featuring pecans, a mix of chocolates, and Rolo candies, all melted and combined to create a sweet, nutty treat perfect for gifting or snacking.
Ingredients
Nut and Chocolate Mix
- 32 ounces pecan halves
- 32 ounces chocolate almond bark, cubed
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon salt
Toppings
- 75 Rolo candies
- sea salt (optional)
- sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: To a 4 or 6-quart crockpot, add the pecans, almond bark, bittersweet chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and salt without stirring them together.
- Cook First Phase: Cook on low for 1 hour in the crockpot, allowing the ingredients to begin melting and melding.
- Stir and Continue Cooking: After 1 hour, stir the mixture thoroughly and cook on low for an additional 45 minutes. Stir again. The chocolate and bark should be fully melted. Then, turn off the slow cooker.
- Prepare Candy Base: Place two long strips of wax paper on a clean and level surface. Arrange unwrapped Rolo candies about 3 inches apart on the wax paper.
- Assemble Candies: Use a tablespoon to scoop out mounds of the chocolate-coated pecan mixture and distribute them over the top of each Rolo candy.
- Add Toppings and Set: Sprinkle the candies with sea salt and sprinkles if desired. Allow the candies to fully set before enjoying or packaging.
Notes
- If almond bark is unavailable, substitute with white chocolate and add 1 tablespoon of shortening to achieve similar texture.
- Store Crockpot Candy in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 to 3 weeks or freeze up to 6 months.
- Use colored round sprinkles to add a festive look for holidays like Halloween or Christmas.
- Milk chocolate chips can be used instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Try using different nuts or cereals like Chex or Rice Krispies for variations without nuts.
- Adding a cup of craisins can provide extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Leave a Reply