The first time I made this Crockpot Christmas Crack in my own kitchen, I was completely captivated. The smell of melting chocolate and toasting peanuts filled the air with the most incredible, cozy holiday aroma. It felt like I’d bottled the essence of festive joy. I love this recipe because it transforms simple, affordable ingredients into an irresistible, shareable treat with almost zero effort. It’s the magic of a slow cooker doing all the work while you get to be the holiday hero. You’re going to adore how easy and rewarding this is.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) jar of salted dry-roasted peanuts
- 1 (16 oz) jar of unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
- 1 (12 oz) bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (12 oz) bag of milk chocolate chips
- 1 (10 oz) bag of peanut butter chips
- 2 (10 oz) packages of peanut butter-filled pretzel bites
- 3 (4 oz) bars of good quality white chocolate, broken into chunks
- 1 (1 lb) box of light brown sugar
Now, let’s talk ingredients. I know the peanut split (salted and unsalted) seems specific, but trust me, it creates the perfect salty-sweet balance. Don’t skip it! For the chocolate, I’ve tried generic brands, but a name-brand for the chocolate chips really does make a difference in smoothness and flavor. As for the white chocolate, using real chocolate bars instead of chips prevents seizing and gives a much creamier finish. This is one place where quality shines.
Equipment Needed
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Parchment paper
- Large rimmed baking sheet (half-sheet pan)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small heatproof bowl or saucepan
- Spatula for spreading
Your slow cooker is the star here—just ensure it’s large enough to hold everything without overflowing. I learned the hard way with a 4-quart; it was a very close call! The parchment paper is non-negotiable for easy removal. You can use aluminum foil in a pinch, but the crack will sometimes stick. For melting the white chocolate, I use a small bowl over a pot of simmering water, but a microwave in 20-second bursts works too, just be vigilant.
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