This simple candy is so easy to throw together and perfect to bring to a holiday party or to use as gifts for friends and family! With only about 5 minutes hands-on time from start to finish, this recipe couldn't be easier. Just throw the ingredients in a crockpot, let it sit for 1 hour, scoop them out, sprinkle with some festive sprinkles, then allow to harden! So easy! This recipe is sugar-free, keto, and gluten free, but can also be made paleo and dairy free!
Crockpot MethodPlace cashews in an even layer in a small or medium crockpot**. Pour chocolate chips on top. Do not stir.
Place lid on top and set to low heat. Allow to sit for 1 hour.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
After 1 hour, remove lid and stir well. Chocolate should be melted but still a bit thick, not runny. Using a soup spoon, tablespoon measure, or small cookie scoop, quickly scoop out candy onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Each candy should be about 1 rounded Tbsp.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes then decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
Place in refrigerator and allow to harden for 45 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and enjoy!
Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 1 week***.
Double Boiler MethodLine a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Create a double boiler with about 1 inch of water in a medium-sized sauce pan and a large glass, metal, or ceramic bowl (I use glass). Bring water to a simmer.
Add cashews and chocolate to bowl and stir gently about once per minute until it's all smooth. Chocolate should be melted but still a bit thick, not runny. Be sure not to allow any water droplets to enter the bowl or the chocolate could seize up.
Carefully remove the bowl and place on towel or potholder on counter top. Try to move quickly so the steam doesn't touch the chocolate.
Using a soup spoon, tablespoon measure, or small cookie scoop, quickly scoop out candy onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Each candy should be about 1 rounded Tbsp.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes then decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
Place in refrigerator and allow to harden for 45 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and enjoy!
Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 1 week***.
Notes
Crockpot candy is a fun Christmas tradition that has been popular in the US for decades! I wanted to provide a healthier, keto version for those looking for something sugar-free! The crockpot is used to make this recipe super easy and it really only requires about 5 minutes hands-on time from start to finish. The only issue with this method is that you run the risk of burning the chocolate and wasting your ingredients. To avoid this, I really do recommend making this recipe using the double boiler method. But it's really up to you! I've tested the recipe both ways and the results are the same. I should note that if you use the double boiler method, it does require more hands-on time, but the total time is reduced by over half and it should only take about 20 minutes from start to finish.*This recipe has only been tested with Lily's brand chocolate chips. You can use all milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or half and half (which is how I like to make this candy!). For a dairy free and paleo version, you could try using Hu Kitchen Baking Gems. I have not tested this recipe with the Hu Kitchen Baking gems, so I cannot guarantee it will work in the crockpot. However, I do know it would work using the double boiler method. I recommend using the double boiler method for dairy free/paleo. **This recipe was tested with a medium-sized crockpot (3qt). If you have a larger crockpot you will want to place the ingredients in an oven-safe glass or ceramic dish within the crockpot to reduce the surface area. The goal is to layer the chocolate chips on top of the cashews so that they don't touch the bottom of the crockpot and get burned.***Visually, the texture of the chocolate is best the same day. After storing overnight the chocolate may not look as smooth. They still taste great though and really they look fine. I just wanted to mention this in case you are bringing these to a party and want them to look their best.