These easy Ragtag Candies are made with rice cereal, pretzels, peanuts and white chocolate! A sweet and salty no-bake treat!
AN EASY NO-BAKE CANDY
No-bake treats are my favorite kind to make, especially when I need something quick or when it’s too hot to turn on the oven. These Ragtags are basically a sweet and salty candy bark that comes together in about 10 minutes of actual work. The combo of crunchy cereal, salty pretzels, and roasted peanuts all covered in white chocolate is addictive. I like to make a big batch and keep it in a container for snacking. Fair warning though – it disappears fast around here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What are Ragtag Candies?
They’re basically a candy bark made with rice cereal, pretzels, peanuts and white chocolate. The name comes from the “ragtag” mix of different ingredients all thrown together.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Sure! Milk chocolate or even dark chocolate would work great. I like white chocolate because it lets the salty flavors really shine through, but use whatever you prefer.
How small should I crush the pretzels?
You want them broken up into smaller pieces but not crushed into dust. I usually just put them in a ziplock bag and give them a few whacks with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely. Mini marshmallows, different nuts, M&Ms, or even dried cranberries would all be good. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins about the same.
How long does this take to set?
About 20 minutes on the counter. If you’re in a hurry, you can stick it in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
How do I store these?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week, if they last that long!
Can I use a different cereal?
Rice Krispies work best because they’re nice and crispy, but you could try Corn Flakes or another similar cereal if that’s what you have.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
- white chocolate chips – get a 12-ounce bag. You can use a candy melting chocolate if you prefer, but regular white chocolate chips work fine.
- rice krispie cereal – the original kind works best. Generic brands are fine too.
- pretzel sticks – you’ll break these up a bit before mixing them in. You can also use pretzel twists or rods, whatever you’ve got.
- roasted peanuts – salted or unsalted both work. I like salted for extra flavor. You can also use cashews or mixed nuts.
HOW TO MAKE RAGTAG CANDIES:
Get out a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Set that aside for now.
Take your pretzel sticks and put them in a ziplock bag. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a can to smash them up into smaller pieces. Don’t go crazy – you still want some crunch, just break them down a bit.
Grab a big bowl and dump in your rice cereal, crushed pretzels, and peanuts. Give it a quick stir to mix everything together.
Now for the chocolate. Put your white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Zap them for 30 seconds, then stir. Keep doing this – 30 seconds, then stir – until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This usually takes me about 2 minutes total, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Pour that melted white chocolate right over your cereal mixture. Use a spatula to stir everything around until all the cereal, pretzels, and peanuts are coated with chocolate.
Dump the whole thing onto your parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer. Don’t make it too thin or too thick – maybe about half an inch is good.
Now just walk away and let it sit. It takes about 20 minutes for the chocolate to harden up completely. If you’re impatient like me, stick it in the fridge for about 10 minutes instead.
Once it’s set, break it into chunks. I just use my hands to break it into bite-sized pieces. Store it in a container with a lid and try not to eat it all in one sitting!
Ragtag Candies
Ingredients
- 12 ounce bag white chocolate chips
- 4 cups rice krispie cereal
- 3 cups pretzel sticks slightly crushed
- 1 1/2 cups roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place 3 cups pretzel sticks in a ziplock bag and lightly crush with a rolling pin or heavy pan. You want smaller pieces but not completely crushed.
- In a large bowl, combine 4 cups rice krispie cereal, crushed pretzels, and 1 1/2 cups roasted peanuts. Stir to combine.
- Place 12 ounce bag white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate over the cereal mixture. Stir with a spatula until everything is evenly coated with chocolate.
- Spread mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer about 1/2 inch thick.
- Let sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes until chocolate has completely hardened. Or refrigerate for 10 minutes to speed up the process.
- Once set, break into bite-sized pieces.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Milk chocolate or dark chocolate can be used instead of white chocolate.
- Any type of nuts can be substituted for the peanuts – try cashews, almonds, or pecans.
- Add mini marshmallows, M&Ms, or dried cranberries for extra mix-ins if desired.
