Homemade Easter Candy: A Delicious Treat for the Holiday Season

Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats! If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to make your Easter celebrations even sweeter, look no further than this Homemade Easter Candy recipe. This irresistible treat is made with just three simple ingredients and is perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting to friends. Plus, we’ve included a step-by-step video to guide you through the process. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a holiday favorite!

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Easter Candy Recipe

This Homemade Easter Candy is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Only 3 Ingredients: With just honey-roasted peanuts, vanilla candy coating, and festive M&M’s, this recipe is simple yet incredibly satisfying.
• Perfect for Easter: The colorful M&M’s and optional sprinkles make this candy a festive addition to your Easter dessert table.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe makes 12 dozen candies, so it’s perfect for sharing at parties, Easter egg hunts, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Slow Cooker Magic: Using a crockpot makes this recipe fuss-free and ensures the candy coating melts perfectly every time.

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Ingredients for Homemade Easter Candy

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful treat:

• 34.5 ounces honey-roasted dry roasted peanuts (I used Planters)
• 48 ounces vanilla-flavored candy coating (Almond Bark or CandiQuik)
• 11.4 ounces Holiday M&M’s, divided
• Seasonal sprinkles (optional, but highly recommended for extra festive flair)

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Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (5-quart or larger)
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
• 1-tablespoon scooper for portioning the candy

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot

Start by layering the honey-roasted peanuts and vanilla candy coating in your slow cooker. Place the peanuts at the bottom, followed by the candy coating. Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on Low heat for 1 hour. Resist the urge to lift the lid during this time—patience is key!

Step 2: Stir and Continue Cooking

After the first hour, remove the lid and give the mixture a good stir. Cover the crockpot again and continue cooking on Low heat, stirring every 15-20 minutes, for another hour (a total of 2 hours). This ensures the candy coating melts evenly and coats the peanuts perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare Your Workstation

While the candy is cooking, line your cookie sheets or countertop with Silicone baking mats or parchment paper. This will make it easy to portion out the candy later.

Step 4: Add the M&M’s

Once the candy coating is fully melted and the peanuts are well-coated, turn off the crockpot. Reserve 1/2 cup of M&M’s for topping the candies later. Pour the remaining M&M’s into the crockpot and gently fold them into the mixture.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Candy

Working quickly, use a 1-tablespoon scooper to portion out the candy mixture onto the prepared baking mats or parchment paper. Make sure the candy clusters are not touching each other to allow them to set properly.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Before the candy cools, top each cluster with a reserved M&M and a sprinkle of your favorite seasonal sprinkles. This step adds a pop of color and makes the candies even more festive.

Step 7: Let the Candy Cool

Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature. Once set, the clusters will be firm and ready to enjoy!

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The History of Easter Candy

Easter and candy have been intertwined for centuries, with sweet treats playing a significant role in the holiday’s celebrations. The tradition of Easter candy dates back to ancient times when people would exchange eggs as symbols of new life and rebirth. Over time, these eggs evolved into chocolate eggs, which became a staple of Easter celebrations. In the 19th century, advancements in confectionery technology made it possible to produce chocolate eggs on a larger scale, and they quickly became a popular Easter treat.

The introduction of jelly beans in the late 1800s further cemented candy’s place in Easter traditions. These colorful, bean-shaped candies were often associated with the Easter Bunny, a symbol of fertility and new beginnings. By the early 20th century, candy manufacturers began producing a wide variety of Easter-themed sweets, including chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks, and candy-coated chocolates like M&M’s. Today, Easter is one of the biggest candy-selling holidays, second only to Halloween.

Homemade Easter candy, like the recipe featured here, brings a personal touch to this sweet tradition. Making candy at home allows you to customize flavors, colors, and ingredients to suit your preferences. It’s also a fun activity to do with family and friends, creating lasting memories while celebrating the holiday. Whether you’re making classic chocolate eggs or trying a modern twist like this crockpot candy, homemade treats add a special touch to your Easter festivities.

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 Why Slow Cooker Candy is a Game-Changer

Using a slow cooker to make candy might seem unconventional, but it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves homemade treats. The slow cooker method is incredibly easy and virtually foolproof, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. One of the biggest advantages of using a slow cooker is the even, gentle heat it provides. This ensures that the candy coating melts smoothly without burning, which can be a common issue when using a stovetop or microwave.

Another benefit of slow cooker candy is the hands-off approach. Once you’ve layered the ingredients and set the timer, you can walk away and focus on other tasks while the slow cooker does the work. This makes it an ideal recipe for busy holidays like Easter, when you’re likely juggling multiple dishes and activities. Plus, the slow cooker keeps the candy mixture warm, giving you plenty of time to scoop and shape the clusters without worrying about the mixture hardening too quickly.

The versatility of slow cooker candy is another reason to love this method. While this recipe uses honey-roasted peanuts and vanilla candy coating, you can easily adapt it to include different nuts, chocolates, or mix-ins. For example, you could use dark chocolate coating and add dried fruit for a richer flavor, or swap the peanuts for almonds or cashews. The possibilities are endless, making this a recipe you can return to again and again with new variations.

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 Creative Ways to Package and Gift Homemade Easter Candy

One of the best things about making homemade Easter candy is the opportunity to share it with others. Whether you’re gifting it to friends, family, or neighbors, a little creativity in packaging can make your treats even more special. Here are some fun and festive ideas for presenting your homemade Easter candy:

1. Easter-Themed Gift Bags: Fill colorful cellophane bags with your candy clusters and tie them with ribbon or twine. Add a personalized tag or a small Easter-themed ornament for an extra touch.
2. Mason Jar Treats: Layer the candy clusters in clear mason jars and decorate the lids with fabric or ribbon. This rustic presentation is perfect for Easter brunch or as a hostess gift.
3. Easter Egg Cartons: Repurpose empty egg cartons by filling each compartment with a candy cluster. Wrap the carton in festive paper or paint it in pastel colors for a charming presentation.
4. Basket of Goodies: Arrange the candy clusters in a small Easter basket lined with shredded paper or tissue. Add a few plastic eggs or a chocolate bunny to complete the look.
5. Personalized Boxes: Use small cardboard boxes or tins and decorate them with Easter-themed stickers, stamps, or hand-drawn designs. Fill the boxes with candy and include a handwritten note for a thoughtful touch.

Tips for Making the Perfect Homemade Easter Candy

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe has so few ingredients, it’s important to use high-quality peanuts and candy coating for the best flavor.
• Work Quickly: The candy coating will begin to set as it cools, so be sure to scoop and shape the clusters as soon as you add the M&M’s.
• Customize Your Candy: Feel free to swap out the M&M’s for other festive candies or use different types of nuts for a unique twist.
• Storage Tips: Store the finished candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

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Why This Recipe is Perfect for Easter

Easter is all about joy, celebration, and indulging in sweet treats. This Homemade Easter Candy is the perfect addition to your holiday festivities because:

• It’s Festive: The colorful M&M’s and sprinkles make this candy a visually appealing treat that’s perfect for Easter.
• It’s Shareable: With 12 dozen candies, this recipe is ideal for sharing with family, friends, or even as party favors.
• It’s Easy: Even if you’re not an experienced cook, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to master.

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Watch the Video Tutorial

If you’re a visual learner, we’ve got you covered! Check out our step-by-step video tutorial to see exactly how this Homemade Easter Candy is made. From layering the ingredients in the crockpot to adding the finishing touches, the video will guide you through every step of the process.

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Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (1 tablespoon candy):

• Calories: 105cal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 1mg
• Sodium: 32mg
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Calcium: 7mg
• Iron: 1mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Different Nuts?

Absolutely! While honey-roasted peanuts are used in this recipe, you can substitute them with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or even a mix of your favorites.

Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Vanilla Candy Coating?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate candy coating if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chocolate melts evenly.

How Long Does This Candy Last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this candy will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Can I Make This Recipe Without a Slow Cooker?

While the slow cooker method is incredibly convenient, you can also melt the candy coating in a double boiler on the stovetop. Just be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.

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Final Thoughts

This Homemade Easter Candy is a delightful treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and festive appearance, it’s sure to become a staple in your Easter celebrations. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, an Easter egg hunt, or as a thoughtful gift, this candy is guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.