Can I make this candy without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can melt the candy coating in a double boiler or in the microwave (in 30-second intervals, stirring between each). Once melted, stir in the peanuts and continue with the recipe as written. However, the slow cooker method provides the most foolproof results.

Why did my M&Ms crack or bleed colors into the white coating?

This happens when the mixture is too hot when you add the M&Ms. Make sure to turn off the slow cooker and let the mixture cool slightly (about 5 minutes) before folding in the M&Ms. Reserve some for topping to maintain those perfect pops of color.

Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy coating?

While you can, candy coating is recommended because it sets more firmly at room temperature and doesn't require tempering. If using regular chocolate, you may need to add a tablespoon of shortening to help it set properly.

How can I prevent my candy from spreading too much when scooped?

If your mixture seems too runny, let it cool in the slow cooker (turned off) for 5-10 minutes before scooping. You can also place the mixture in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to slightly thicken before scooping.

Homemade Easter Candy Recipe

Description

These delightful Homemade Easter Candies are your go-to treat for any festive gathering. With crunchy honey-roasted peanuts, sweet vanilla-flavored candy coating, and colorful Holiday M&Ms, they hit the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Made easily in a crockpot, these candies are perfect for sharing with friends and family!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Candy Base

34.5 ounces honey roasted dry roasted peanuts (e.g., Planters)
48 ounces vanilla-flavored candy coating (e.g., Almond Bark or CandiQuik)

Add-Ins & Toppings

11.4 ounces Holiday M&Ms, divided
Seasonal sprinkles (e.g., jimmies or nonpareils, optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Crockpot
Layer the honey-roasted peanuts at the bottom of a 5-quart crockpot, and place the vanilla-flavored candy coating on top. Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 1 hour. Do not lift the lid during this time.
Stir and Cook Further
After 1 hour, remove the lid and gently stir the mixture to combine the melted coating with the peanuts. Cover again and continue cooking for another 1 hour, stirring every 15–20 minutes. By this point, the candy coating should be fully melted and smooth.
Prepare the Work Area
While the candy cooks, prepare 3 cookie sheets by lining them with Silpat mats or parchment paper. Alternatively, cover a large area of your countertop or table with parchment paper.
Add M&Ms
Turn off the crockpot after 2 hours of cooking. Reserve ½ cup of the Holiday M&Ms for garnishing. Add the remaining M&Ms into the crockpot and gently fold them into the mixture to distribute.
Portion Out the Candy
Using a 1-tablespoon scooper, quickly scoop portions of the candy mixture from the crockpot onto the prepared cookie sheets (or parchment paper). Make sure the candy clusters do not touch each other.
Decorate and Cool
Before the candies set, decorate each cluster with one reserved M&M and a sprinkle of colorful decorations (if desired). Allow the candies to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

Storage Tip: Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause condensation and affect the texture.
Melting Tip: If the candy coating doesn’t melt evenly, you may stir in a small amount of coconut oil to ensure smoothness.
Holiday Variation: Substitute the Holiday M&Ms with other seasonal candies or colors to suit different holidays or occasions (e.g., red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween).

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cluster
Calories: 120
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg