🍫 Crock Pot Candy ("Mr. Bud Candy")
Makes 30+ squares | Prep: 5 min | Cook: 1.5–2 hrs | Chill: 2+ hrs
🛒 Ingredients
1 (18 oz) package chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
1 (12 oz) jar peanut butter (creamy or crunchy — your choice!)
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
6 cups crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional — peanuts, pecans, or walnuts)
🥄 Pro Tip: Use full-fat peanut butter — low-fat versions can make the candy dry.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Combine & Melt
In a clean 4–6 quart slow cooker, add:
Chocolate chips
Peanut butter
Sweetened condensed milk
Stir gently to combine.
2️⃣ Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring once halfway through.
The mixture will be smooth, glossy, and fully melted.
🔥 Do not cook on HIGH — risk of scorching!
3️⃣ Stir in Cereal & Nuts
Turn off the crock pot.
Gently fold in:
Crispy rice cereal
Chopped nuts (if using)
Mix until evenly coated.
4️⃣ Press & Chill
Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper or foil.
Transfer mixture to the pan and press down firmly with a spatula or greased hands.
5️⃣ Set & Slice
Refrigerate at least 2 hours (or freeze 30–45 mins for faster setting).
Lift out using parchment and cut into squares.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
On dessert trays with other candies
Wrapped in holiday tins as gifts
Packed in lunchboxes
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🍫 Double Chocolate: Add ½ cup cocoa powder + extra chocolate chips
🌾 Gluten-Free? Use certified GF crispy rice cereal
🌱 Nut-Free? Skip nuts — still delicious!
🥥 Vegan Version: Use dairy-free chocolate, sunflower butter, and vegan condensed milk (like "Coconut Carnation")
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Keeps at room temp 1 week, fridge 2 weeks, or freeze for 3 months
🎀 Gift Idea: Cut small squares, wrap in cellophane, tie with ribbon, label “Mr. Bud Candy”
🧠 Why This Works So Well
Sweetened condensed milk = chewy texture without cooking sugar
Slow cooker melts everything evenly — no hot spots
Crispy rice adds lightness and crunch
Peanut butter + chocolate = timeless flavor combo
It’s not magic — it’s candy wisdom passed down with love. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Recipes Come From Kindness
You don’t need a fancy name or Instagram fame for a recipe to matter.
Sometimes, all it takes is:
An older man named Mr. Bud
A daughter who listens
A slow cooker full of chocolate
And suddenly…
A simple candy becomes a tradition.
So next time you want to make something meaningful…
Turn on the crock pot.
Share the sweetness.
And remember:
The best recipes aren’t just made —
They’re given. 💛