This is the week that the countdown begins. You know the drill….Halloween is Saturday. Then we fasten our seat belts and brace for the official beginning of the holiday seasoning. You will blink and friends and family will be gathered around the table enjoying turkey and counting blessings. Blink again and the baking and festivities surrounding Christmas begin. But I digress, let’s start at the beginning. Halloween is Saturday.
No doubt this week is filled with parties at school, scouts and all points in between.
This recipe will make you a rock star and takes just minutes to prepare with the help of your slow cooker. I wanted to share a candy recipe from our new book, Slow Cooker Desserts, Oh So Easy, Oh So Delicious! The beauty of this recipe is that it makes many servings with little effort. The end result truly is “oh so delicious”! Don’t forget to order a copy of our new book to ensure holiday baking is a breeze this year.
Most of us enjoy Halloween traditions. Our family always enjoys chili, chili dogs and a sweet treat for the adults. The kids don’t want to share their candy stash on the big night, that comes much later when they have tired of all things sweet. In order to satisfy young and old alike, why not give this a try?
Happy Halloween!
Crispy Peanut Butter Candy
Use a 5-quart or larger slow cooker
Makes about 8 dozen candies
Crispy Peanut Butter Candy
2 (24-ounce) packages vanilla-flavored candy coating
3 cups creamy peanut butter
1 (9-ounce) box toasted rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies®, about 9 cups
1 (10-ounce) bag miniature marshmallows
2 cups candy coated chocolate pieces (such as M&M’s®), divided
Spray an 18 x 12-inch baking sheet with nonstick spray. Spray a large slow cooker with nonstick spray.
Chop the white candy coating into 1 to 2-inch pieces. Place in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally until melted.
Unplug the slow cooker and add the peanut butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Add the cereal and stir to blend well. Fold in the marshmallows and 1½ cups candy pieces.
Spread evenly in prepared pan and press with spatula to compact mixture. Sprinkle evenly with remaining ½ cup candy pieces.
Allow to set up and cool completely, then cut into squares.
Tips:
Refrigerate to accelerate the set up process.
Use a cookie cutter and cut the candy into fun shapes or cut into diamond shapes.
The vanilla flavored candy coating may be known as almond bark. It is readily available at most grocery stores in the baking aisle. Break off the amount you need, then seal any remaining in a zip-top plastic bag or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and use within 2 years.
I usually enjoy your recipes. But these dessert recipes – especially this one – can be quickly accomplished using a microwave. I don’t understand how anyone would make it in a slow cooker that takes an hour.
We find that when you are melting such a large quantity of almond bark it is very easy to over microwave and harden the almond bark. This will not occur if you utilize your slow cooker.
We still recommend the slow cooker for this recipe to guarantee success.
Sure glad you made these, they are my favorite!