This amazing Ragtag Candies recipe comes together in about 15 minutes and is no-bake for a easy treat that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients based on what you’ve got in the pantry or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those odds and ends! Seriously, it’s like a sweet escape to your childhood, filled with crunch and that oh-so-sweet flavor that kids (and adults) can’t resist!
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to create your batch of Ragtag Candies. Feel free to customize it based on your family’s preferences!
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups small marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed salty pretzels
- 1 cup mini butter cookies or graham cracker pieces
- ½ cup chopped peanuts or mixed nuts
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional but great for texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into the deliciousness!
How to Make Ragtag Candies
Get ready for fun because making these Ragtag Candies is super straightforward! I’m talking under 30 minutes from start to finish. Sounds good, right?
1. Melt the Chocolate Base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and peanut butter. Stir continuously until everything is fully melted and smooth. It will look decadent oh, and that smell? Absolutely divine! Remove from heat and stir in that lovely vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Just a little seasoning to enhance that chocolatey goodness!
2. Mix the “Ragtag” Ingredients
In a large heat-safe mixing bowl, combine the marshmallows, crushed pretzels, cookie pieces, chopped nuts, and coconut (if you’re using it). Just toss everything in there and give it a good mix! You want that colorful mash-up that screams sweetness.
3. Combine Everything
Now, pour your warm melted chocolate mixture over this glorious mix of goodies. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until each piece is coated in that irresistible chocolate goodness. Just think about how this will all come together, amazing, right?
4. Shape the Candies
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You can spoon small clusters (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the sheet for bite-sized treats. Alternatively, you can spread the entire mixture evenly into a lined 9×13-inch pan and cut it into squares once it’s set. Either way, it’s going to be delicious!
5. Chill Until Set
Pop the candies into the refrigerator and let them chill for about 1–2 hours, or until they’re completely firm. You’ll want them to solidify so you can dig in without any mess!
6. Serve or Store
Once hardened, remove from the sheet and either leave as clusters or cut them into squares if you opted for the pan method. Now, you can enjoy those decadent bites or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. But let’s be real, these might not last that long!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I’m craving something sweet but don’t have a lot of time. It’s pure comfort food that brings back memories of my childhood! Seriously, I’m a real sucker for anything that’s chocolatey and crunchy at the same time. Plus, the best part is you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, so there’s never a bad time to whip these up. Whether it’s for a last-minute treat or a sweet fix during the week, you can’t go wrong with Ragtag Candies!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Irish Potato Candy, my Shamrock Swirl Pie, or my Homemade Pop Rocks!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This comes together in under 30 minutes! No need for complicated steps just melt, mix, chill, and voilà!
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love it! Whether it’s a movie night, after-school snack, or just because, these candies are guaranteed to make everyone happy!
Customizable
You can use whatever ingredients you have! Got some extra candies lying around? Toss them in! Love nuts? Go nuts! This recipe is infinitely adjustable.
Comfort Food
It’s loaded with tons of flavor sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. It’s a delightful mix that feels like a warm hug…with chocolate.
Serving & Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
You can enjoy these Ragtag Candies solo or serve them alongside a scoop of ice cream for a real treat! They also make fantastic party platters.
Storage
In an airtight container, these candies keep well in the refrigerator for about one week. You can stack them between layers of parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating Instructions
No need to reheat, but if you feel like warming them slightly to change up the texture a bit, a few seconds in the microwave should do the trick. Just don’t go overboard; you don’t want them to melt.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, Ragtag Candies can be frozen! Just place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper and they’ll last about 3 months. Perfect for when you need an emergency sweet fix!
And hey, these Ragtag Candies are the perfect blend of sweet nostalgia and modern convenience. Trust me, once you whip up this quick and easy treat, it’ll quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation! Who says comfort food and busy lifestyles can’t go hand in hand? Enjoy! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Ragtag Candies
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and peanut butter. Stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- In a large heat-safe mixing bowl, combine the marshmallows, crushed pretzels, cookie pieces, chopped nuts, and coconut (if using). Mix well.
- Pour the warm melted chocolate mixture over the candy mix and gently fold until each piece is coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spoon small clusters (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the sheet or evenly spread the mixture into a lined 9×13-inch pan.
- Refrigerate for 1–2 hours or until the candies are completely firm.
- Once set, enjoy as clusters or cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.