Introduction:
The holiday season is a time for indulging in sweet treats, but if you’re following the Weight Watchers (WW) program, finding a dessert that is both festive and aligned with your goals can be tricky. Thankfully, WW Crockpot Christmas Crack provides a perfect solution. This sweet, salty, and crunchy holiday snack is made using a slow cooker, making it easy to prepare while minimizing active cooking time. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or preparing gift-worthy treats, this recipe offers the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and WW-friendly points.
In this detailed guide, we will provide a complete, professional recipe that includes ingredient measurements, step-by-step instructions, tips for customization, nutritional information, and SmartPoints calculations. This Christmas Crack recipe can be made in a Crockpot (slow cooker), which reduces prep time and guarantees a perfect result every time. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for WW Crockpot Christmas Crack:
This simple yet delicious treat combines salty and sweet elements with a satisfying crunch. Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe:
- 2 cups of unsalted salted peanuts (or your preferred nut)
- 3 cups of pretzel sticks (broken into smaller pieces)
- 2 cups of popcorn (lightly salted, air-popped or microwave popcorn)
- 1 cup of dark chocolate chips (choose sugar-free or low-carb options for fewer SmartPoints)
- 1 cup of white chocolate chips (use sugar-free white chocolate chips for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar substitute (like Swerve or another WW-approved sugar substitute)
- 1/2 cup of powdered erythritol (a zero-carb sweetener that doesn’t affect blood sugar)
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract (for added flavor)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional, to enhance the sweet and salty flavor balance)
- Optional toppings: Sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or sea salt flakes for a festive touch
Equipment Needed:
Making Crockpot Christmas Crack is simple and requires just a few essential tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker) – A 4-6 quart Crockpot works best for this recipe.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – For stirring the mixture.
- Large mixing bowl – For combining the popcorn, peanuts, and pretzels before adding the sauce.
- Parchment paper or wax paper – To spread the finished Christmas Crack onto and allow it to cool.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by lining the inside of your Crockpot with parchment paper. This step is optional but helps with cleanup after the treat is ready. If you prefer, you can skip this step and lightly grease the Crockpot insert with cooking spray.
Step 2: Combine the Crunchy Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of salted peanuts, 3 cups of pretzel sticks (broken into smaller pieces), and 2 cups of lightly salted popcorn. Stir the mixture to ensure that the nuts, pretzels, and popcorn are evenly distributed. This combination of sweet and salty elements will provide the perfect crunchy base for your Christmas Crack.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Sweet Syrup Mixture
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted, add in 1/2 cup of brown sugar substitute and 1/2 cup of powdered erythritol. Stir continuously to dissolve the sweeteners into the butter and create a smooth mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.
Once the syrup has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt if desired. This will enhance the overall flavor profile of your Christmas Crack. Set the syrup mixture aside for a moment.
Step 4: Combine the Syrup and Crunchy Mixture
Pour the melted syrup mixture over the popcorn, pretzel, and peanut mixture that you prepared earlier. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly in the syrup. Make sure the syrup is well-distributed to prevent any clumps and ensure that each bite has that perfect sweet-salty taste.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Mixture
Now, transfer the entire mixture into the Crockpot and spread it out evenly. Cover with the Crockpot lid and cook on low for 2 hours. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture gently to prevent it from burning or sticking to the sides. The slow cooking process allows the syrup to soak into the crunchy ingredients, giving them a rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate Chips
While the mixture is cooking in the Crockpot, melt the 1 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1 cup of white chocolate chips separately. You can do this either in a microwave-safe bowl (heat for 30-second intervals, stirring in between) or by using a double boiler on the stove. Stir the chocolate until it is completely smooth and melted.
Step 7: Coat the Crunchy Mixture with Chocolate
After 2 hours, check the Crockpot mixture. Once it’s fully cooked and the syrup has thoroughly soaked into the crunchy elements, carefully pour the melted chocolate chips (both dark and white) over the mixture in the Crockpot. Stir gently to coat the entire mixture in chocolate.
Step 8: Set the Christmas Crack
Spread the coated mixture onto a large sheet of parchment or wax paper. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it into an even layer. If you like, sprinkle crushed peppermint or festive sprinkles over the top for added flair and holiday cheer.
Let the Christmas Crack sit for about 1-2 hours at room temperature, or place it in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process. Once the chocolate has firmed up, break the mixture into bite-sized pieces.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving – Approx. 1 Piece, 16 Servings):
The following nutritional information is for one piece of WW Crockpot Christmas Crack. This is based on using sugar-free chocolate chips, erythritol as the sweetener, and standard ingredients.
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 10g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Weight Watchers SmartPoints:
For those on the WW (Weight Watchers) program, the SmartPoints are calculated based on the ingredients used and the serving size. With sugar-free sweeteners and low-carb alternatives, this recipe is a guilt-free indulgence.
- SmartPoints (Green Plan): 5 points per serving (1 piece)
- SmartPoints (Blue Plan): 4 points per serving
- SmartPoints (Purple Plan): 3 points per serving
The SmartPoints calculation will vary depending on the exact brands of sweeteners, chocolate, and toppings you use. For the lowest SmartPoints, opt for sugar-free chocolate chips and the lowest-carb sweeteners possible.
Tips for Making the Best WW Crockpot Christmas Crack:
- Control the Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by experimenting with the sugar substitutes. Erythritol and monk fruit sweetener are both excellent choices, but you can increase or decrease the amounts based on your personal preference for sweetness.
- Flavor Variations: Customize the flavor by adding different extracts, such as peppermint extract for a minty twist or almond extract for a more nutty flavor. These small additions can make your Christmas Crack feel like a unique holiday treat.
- Add Crunchy Toppings: While the nuts, popcorn, and pretzels provide the base texture, you can also add other crunchy elements like crushed almonds, walnuts, or toffee bits for added texture.
- Holiday Sprinkles: To give your Christmas Crack a festive touch, sprinkle some crushed candy canes or holiday-themed sprinkles over the top before the chocolate sets. This will add color and a fun, seasonal flair.
- Serve or Gift: WW Crockpot Christmas Crack makes a great snack or gift. Package it in cute holiday tins or jars for easy gifting to friends and family. It also works perfectly as a sweet treat for parties or as part of a holiday dessert spread.
- Storage: Store the finished Christmas Crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge or freezer. The freezer can extend its shelf life for up to 3 months.
- Crockpot Tips: If you prefer a faster method, you can cook this recipe on high for 1 hour instead of low for 2 hours. Be sure to stir frequently to avoid burning.
Why WW Crockpot Christmas Crack is a Must-Make Holiday Treat:
WW Crockpot Christmas Crack is an incredible blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors. It’s the perfect snack for the holiday season, especially when you’re following the Weight Watchers program. Not only does it satisfy your cravings without breaking your SmartPoints bank, but it also brings the holiday cheer in a simple, easy-to-make treat.
This recipe gives you flexibility and customization options to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it nutty, extra chocolatey, or with a hint of mint, you can tailor this recipe to make it your own. And because it’s made in the Crockpot, you get the advantage of hands-off cooking, leaving you with more time to enjoy the festivities.
Conclusion:
With its perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy elements, WW Crockpot Christmas Crack is the ideal treat for the holiday season. This low-SmartPoints dessert satisfies your sweet tooth while staying in line with your Weight Watchers goals. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, gifting it to friends, or simply indulging in a festive snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Simple to make, customizable, and delicious, it’s everything you want in a holiday treat. Enjoy the magic of the season without any guilt—this Christmas Crack is a gift you’ll want to share!