Crockpot Candy – A Weight Watchers-Friendly Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and easy treat that satisfies your sweet tooth but still fits into a healthier lifestyle, Crockpot Candy is the perfect solution. This Weight Watchers-friendly Crockpot Candy recipe provides a deliciously sweet combination of chocolate, nuts, and peanut butter while keeping things lighter in terms of points. Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe is a great option for anyone on the Weight Watchers plan or anyone looking to enjoy a tasty dessert without guilt.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (16 oz) of milk chocolate chips
- 1 bag (16 oz) of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups of salted peanuts
- 1 1/2 cups of dry roasted peanuts
- 1 cup of crunchy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup of chopped pretzels (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Weight Watchers SmartPoints Breakdown
- Total Recipe (16 servings):
- Points Per Serving: 6 points
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 4g
Instructions: How to Make Crockpot Candy
- Prepare the Crockpot: Begin by lining the base of your crockpot (slow cooker) with parchment paper or a non-stick spray to prevent the candy from sticking. This step ensures easy cleanup later.
- Layer the Chocolate: Add both the milk chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the crockpot. These two types of chocolate will give the candy a rich, balanced flavor, but you can adjust the ratio depending on your taste preferences. For a sweeter candy, use more milk chocolate chips.
- Add the Peanut Butter: Scoop in the peanut butter, ensuring it’s creamy and smooth. Crunchy peanut butter can be used if you prefer a bit of texture. The peanut butter adds flavor and a smooth texture that complements the chocolates and peanuts.
- Mix in the Peanuts: Add the salted peanuts and dry-roasted peanuts to the mixture. The combination of these two varieties of peanuts will give the candy a nice crunch and a salty, savory contrast to the sweet chocolate. If you prefer fewer peanuts, feel free to adjust this to your liking.
- Add the Vanilla Extract: Stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract for an additional layer of flavor. This ingredient ties all the flavors together, bringing out the richness of the chocolate.
- Stir the Ingredients: Once all the ingredients are in the crockpot, gently stir them together. You want to mix until the chocolate and peanut butter are completely melted and everything is well combined.
- Cook on Low: Set the crockpot to cook on low for about 1 to 1 ½ hours. During this time, check the mixture every 20 minutes, stirring each time to ensure the chocolate is melting evenly without burning.
- Final Stir: Once the chocolate and peanut butter are fully melted and smooth, give the mixture one final stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Shape the Candy: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Drop spoonfuls of the melted candy mixture onto the baking sheet, creating small clusters of candy. These will form the classic “candy clusters” we all love.
- Let the Candy Set: Allow the candy to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour or until the chocolate firms up. If you want to speed up this process, you can place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Store and Serve: Once the candy has set and hardened, it’s ready to serve. Store your Crockpot Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness.
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Candy
- Substitute for Healthier Options: For those looking to reduce calories or points, you can swap out regular chocolate chips for sugar-free options, or use unsweetened chocolate chips for a richer taste. You can also reduce the amount of peanut butter for a lighter version.
- Add Other Mix-ins: If you want to customize your Crockpot Candy even further, consider adding chopped pretzels, mini marshmallows, or dried fruit to the mixture for extra texture and flavor. Just remember, adding these ingredients can affect the total points.
- Control Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet candy, opt for dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. Dark chocolate has a lower sugar content and provides a deep, slightly bitter contrast to the salty peanuts.
- Use a Liner for Easy Cleanup: While this is optional, using a liner or parchment paper in your crockpot will make the cleanup process much easier, as the candy can sometimes stick to the sides.
- Try Other Nuts: If you’re not a fan of peanuts, you can substitute other nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts. Just keep in mind that different nuts will have different calorie counts and Weight Watchers points.
- Freezing for Future Use: If you find yourself with more Crockpot Candy than you can eat, freeze individual clusters on a baking sheet for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to a month.
- Portion Control: Since the candy is rich and packed with calories, it’s important to stick to reasonable portions. A single cluster is typically about 1 ounce, but you can adjust portions to suit your needs.
- Perfect for Parties: This Crockpot Candy recipe is ideal for holiday gatherings, office parties, or family celebrations. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and will impress your guests. You can also package it in gift bags for a thoughtful homemade treat.
- Nutritional Benefits of Peanuts: The peanuts in this recipe provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which are good for heart health and can help you feel full longer. While the chocolate adds calories, the peanuts balance it out with nutritional benefits.
- Understanding Weight Watchers SmartPoints: Weight Watchers has updated its SmartPoints system to help users make better food choices while maintaining flexibility. By tracking the SmartPoints of foods you eat, you can ensure you’re staying within your daily point allowance while still enjoying delicious treats like Crockpot Candy.
- Adjust for Dietary Restrictions: If you have specific dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance, ensure that the pretzels you use are gluten-free, or skip them altogether. The recipe is already dairy-based, but you can experiment with dairy-free chocolate and peanut butter for a vegan-friendly version.
- Customizing Sweetness Levels: If you have a preference for less sugar, you can reduce the amount of chocolate chips and substitute with sugar-free chocolate options. Alternatively, adjusting the peanut butter and nut mixture can reduce the overall sweetness of the candy.
- All About Portion Control: Since this candy is calorie-dense, controlling your portion sizes is key. You may find that 2 or 3 clusters are enough to satisfy your sweet craving without going overboard on the points.
- Elevating the Recipe with Flavors: For a unique twist, you can add flavor extracts like almond or hazelnut for a different taste profile. You can even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the candy once it has cooled to elevate the sweet-salty balance.
- Versatility in Serving: Serve the Crockpot Candy in decorative bowls, or use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or baked goods. It’s versatile enough to complement many other desserts or stand as the main treat on its own.
- Preparing in Advance: If you’re making Crockpot Candy for a special event, you can prepare it in advance. The candy keeps well in an airtight container for several days, so you don’t have to worry about making it the day of your gathering.
- Using the Crockpot for Convenience: The crockpot’s low and slow cooking method makes this a stress-free recipe. It allows you to focus on other preparations for your event, while the candy cooks without any babysitting.
- Flavor Variations: In addition to the basic chocolate and peanut combo, feel free to experiment with flavors like caramel, coconut, or even adding crushed toffee bits to the candy mixture. Just keep in mind that any additions will affect the nutritional information.
- Calories in Crockpot Candy: While Crockpot Candy isn’t low-calorie, it’s a healthier alternative to many traditional holiday candies. By making small changes in the ingredients and portion sizes, you can better align it with your Weight Watchers goals.
- A Simple but Decadent Dessert: Crockpot Candy offers a simple yet decadent way to satisfy your dessert cravings without breaking your weight management goals. Whether you’re following Weight Watchers or just seeking a healthier treat, this candy is a delightful option.
Final Thoughts on Crockpot Candy for Weight Watchers
Crockpot Candy is a fun and versatile recipe that allows you to indulge in something sweet while keeping your points in check. By following this simple recipe and being mindful of portion sizes, you can enjoy a little indulgence without compromising your goals. Plus, the ease of preparation in the crockpot makes it a go-to option for busy days when you need a quick, satisfying treat. With a few adjustments, you can personalize the candy to fit your specific dietary preferences and make it even lighter or more decadent.
Enjoy your Crockpot Candy as a delicious treat or share it with friends and family—either way, it’s bound to be a hit!