Ragtag Candies (No-Bake Sweet & Salty Treat)

No-bake treats really are the unsung heroes of the dessert world. No oven, no stress, and ready in minutes—what’s not to love? These Ragtag Candies are everything you could want in an easy snack: sweet, salty, crunchy, and completely irresistible. With nothing more than cereal, pretzels, peanuts, and creamy white chocolate, this is one of those “set it and forget it” recipes everyone falls in love with.

Whether you’re preparing something simple for the kids, making a fun movie-night snack, or whipping up a holiday treat platter, these Ragtag Candies never fail. All you need is a bowl, a baking sheet, and about 10 minutes of your time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required — perfect for hot days or quick cravings.
• 4 simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Sweet + salty combo that’s always a crowd favorite.
• Great for gifting — bag them up for holidays or parties!
• Kid-friendly to make and fun to break into pieces.

Ingredients

• 1 (12 oz) bag white chocolate chips
• 4 cups Rice Krispie cereal
• 3 cups pretzel sticks, slightly crushed
• 1 ½ cups roasted peanuts (salted or unsalted)

🍽️ How to Make Ragtag Candies

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1. Prepare a baking sheet
      Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

1. 1. Combine the dry ingredients
      In a big mixing bowl, add the Rice Krispies, lightly crushed pretzel sticks, and roasted peanuts. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.

1. 1. Melt the white chocolate
      Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each round, until completely melted and smooth. Do not overheat.

1. 1. Mix everything together
      Pour the warm melted white chocolate over the cereal mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated in chocolate.

1. 1. Spread and set
      Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into an even, flat layer. You can make it thick or thin, depending on how you want the chunks to break.

1. 1. Allow to cool
      Let the mixture sit at room temperature until fully set. You can speed it up by placing the tray in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.

1. Break into pieces
   Once hardened, break the slab into bite-size clusters or rustic chunks.

Storage Instructions

Store your Ragtag Candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to maintain the perfect crunch and prevent melting.

Tips & Variations

• Add mini marshmallows for a chewy texture.
• Mix in M&Ms or holiday candies for seasonal color.
• Use almonds or cashews instead of peanuts.
• Swap white chocolate for milk, dark, or caramel chocolate.
• Add a drizzle of melted peanut butter on top before cooling.

Perfect For

• Birthday parties
• Movie nights
• Holiday dessert trays
• Gifting in goodie bags
• Easy make-ahead snacks

📖 Printable Recipe Card