Easy Homemade Candy
These five homemade candy recipes make it simple to prepare a sweet batch without turning on the oven. Choose from chocolate clusters, peanut butter cups, old-fashioned coconut candy, turtle chocolates, or chilled Cool Whip centers.
Several of these candies can be made ahead for dessert trays, holiday gatherings, or gift boxes. Each recipe uses familiar ingredients and straightforward steps, so you can choose the one that fits your plans.
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1. Peanut Marshmallow Clusters Candy
No-bake · 20 min · 24 pieces
These Peanut Marshmallow Clusters combine semi-sweet and milk chocolate with chewy mini marshmallows and crunchy roasted peanuts. They are easy to make in one bowl and set without using the oven.
What you need
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1½ cups dry roasted cocktail peanuts
Best for: Easy homemade candy for gifting or dessert trays
2. Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cups
No-bake · 1 hr · Serves 8
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cups have a smooth chocolate shell, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a soft marshmallow layer. They are simple to assemble, chill quickly, and keep well in the refrigerator.
What you need
- 1¾ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1½ tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp marshmallow creme
Best for: Homemade candy trays and make-ahead treats
3. Martha Washington Vintage Candy
No-bake · 2 hr · Makes 8 servings
This old-fashioned candy pairs a buttery coconut, cherry, and pecan center with a smooth semi-sweet chocolate coating. It is a no-bake recipe that makes a generous batch for gifting and holiday dessert trays.
What you need
- 1 cups softened butter
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 14 oz shredded coconut
- 10 oz maraschino cherries
- 3 cups chopped pecans
- 6 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 tbsp shortening
Best for: Holiday candy trays and homemade gifts
4. Turtle Chocolates
Homemade candy · 35 min · 24
These classic turtle chocolates combine toasted pecans, creamy caramel, milk chocolate, and sea salt in easy homemade clusters. They are a practical make-ahead candy for dessert trays and gift boxes.
What you need
- 3 cups whole pecan halves
- 11 oz individually wrapped caramels
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 12 oz milk chocolate chips
- 1 to 2 tbsp sea salt
Best for: Holiday candy trays and homemade gifts
5. Cool Whip Candy
No-bake · 40 min · Serves 8
Cool Whip Candy turns semi-sweet chocolate and whipped topping into soft, chilled centers covered in chocolate almond bark. It is a simple no-bake candy for dessert trays, gifting, and make-ahead treats.
What you need
- 12 oz semi-sweet baking bars
- 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 24 oz chocolate almond bark
Best for: Holiday trays, edible gifts, and simple make-ahead desserts
How to Choose a Candy Recipe
For a quick cluster candy, try the Peanut Marshmallow Clusters or Turtle Chocolates. Both come together in simple portions and are easy to arrange on a tray or pack into a gift box.
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cups and Cool Whip Candy need time to chill and set, making them useful for preparing ahead. Martha Washington Vintage Candy makes a generous batch with a coconut, cherry, and pecan center.
Simple Preparation Tips
Read through the recipe before you begin, and set out the ingredients and any liners, trays, or molds you need. Plan for chilling or setting time when choosing a candy for the same day.
Final Thoughts
These homemade candy recipes give you several easy ways to make chocolate-covered treats at home. Pick one for a small dessert tray or make a larger batch to share with family and friends.
