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If you’ve ever yearned for a treat that’s delightfully crunchy, satisfyingly sweet, and just a little bit salty all at once, then you’re going to fall head over heels for the Ragtag Candies Recipe. This charming medley of white almond bark, pecans, marshmallows, pretzels, and rainbow candy-coated chocolates creates a playful texture party in every bite. Perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking a few yourself, these candies offer a nostalgic, homemade sweetness wrapped up in an irresistibly simple recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Ragtag Candies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to bring a unique flavor and texture to the final candy clusters. From creamy almond bark to salty pretzels, every element plays an essential role in crafting the perfect bite.
- 16 oz white almond bark, chopped: Provides a smooth, sweet base that’s easy to melt and coat the mix-ins perfectly.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture, helping the almond bark melt into a beautiful creamy coating.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A little aroma booster that brings warmth and depth to the sweetness.
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances every flavor by balancing sweetness with just a touch of savory.
- 1 cup salted pecan halves, coarsely chopped: Crunchy and nutty, these give heartiness and a pleasing bite.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: Soft, chewy bursts that contrast the crunch and melt delightfully in your mouth.
- 3/4 cup mini pretzel pieces: Infuse that essential salty crunch that keeps things exciting.
- 3/4 cup candy-coated chocolate candies: For pops of color and chocolatey fun in every bite.
How to Make Ragtag Candies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This step ensures your candies won’t stick and allows for easy cleanup later—such a simple prep move that makes a world of difference!
Step 2: Melt the Almond Bark and Butter
In a large microwave-safe bowl, place the chopped white almond bark along with the unsalted butter. Microwave at 50% power in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval. You’re aiming for a smooth, mostly melted mixture before giving it a final stir to complete the melting. This gradual heat helps avoid scorching and creates that velvety texture that coats the mix-ins beautifully.
Step 3: Flavor the Melted Mixture
Once the almond bark and butter have combined perfectly, stir in the vanilla extract and fine sea salt thoroughly. This little step takes the flavor from sweet to spectacular, making sure every bite has that perfect balance and warmth.
Step 4: Fold in the Crunch and Chew
Next, add in the coarsely chopped pecans, mini marshmallows, and mini pretzel pieces. Gently fold them into the almond bark mixture until every piece is evenly coated. This gentle folding ensures the marshmallows don’t melt and the pretzels remain crunchy, preserving the varied textures that make this recipe so joyful.
Step 5: Add the Colorful Candy-coated Chocolates
Sprinkle the candy-coated chocolates on top and fold once more with care. The trick here is to incorporate the candies without crushing them so that you get delightful bursts of chocolate and color in every candy cluster.
Step 6: Scoop and Chill
Using a small cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon, drop mounds of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheets—each about 2 tablespoons. You should end up with around 24 candies. If any mix-ins stick out, tuck them gently back into the top of each cluster. Pop the trays into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to let the candies firm up and lift cleanly from the parchment.
Step 7: Store and Enjoy
Once set, transfer your Ragtag Candies to an airtight container, layering with parchment paper if needed. Serve them slightly cool or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Ragtag Candies Recipe
Garnishes
While these candies are fantastic just as they are, you can always up their charm factor by sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on top right before serving. It highlights the salty-sweet vibe and adds a delicate crunch that’s positively addictive.
Side Dishes
Ragtag Candies Recipe pairs beautifully with a cozy hot beverage like a rich cup of coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or even a chilled glass of milk. The candies’ sweetness and texture contrast with these drinks, making every bite and sip even more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, arrange the candies on a festive platter with nuts and seasonal fruits scattered around. Wrapping individual clusters in colorful wax paper makes them delightful favors for parties or sweet gifts for friends. Their rustic, homemade look ensures they’ll charm everyone who sees and tastes them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Ragtag Candies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. This lets the almond bark stay firm without becoming too hard, and the marshmallows maintain their lovely chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, you can freeze the candies by layering them between sheets of parchment in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying to bring back their perfect chew and crunch.
Reheating
These candies are best enjoyed as is—no reheating needed! If you prefer them softer, simply let them sit at room temperature for a little while. Avoid microwaving, which can melt the delicate candy shell and affect texture.
FAQs
Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white almond bark?
Absolutely! Dark or milk chocolate will give the Ragtag Candies a richer, more chocolate-forward flavor. Just be mindful that melting times might vary slightly.
Are the candies gluten-free?
They can be if you use gluten-free pretzels and confirm that your candy-coated chocolates do not contain gluten ingredients. Always check the labels to be certain!
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?
Yes, feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts depending on your preference. Each will add its unique crunch and flavor profile.
Is it necessary to refrigerate these candies?
Refrigeration helps the candies set quickly and hold their shape, but once firm, they can be stored at room temperature for a few days as long as it’s not too warm.
How can I prevent the candies from sticking together during storage?
Layering the candies with parchment paper inside your storage container is the best way to keep them from sticking and preserve their texture.
Final Thoughts
The Ragtag Candies Recipe is one of those joyful concoctions that bring together simplicity and delight in every cluster. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a festive gathering or just craving a nostalgic sweet snack, these candies deliver that perfect mix of salty and sweet with crunchy and chewy textures. I can’t recommend trying this recipe enough—it’s a foolproof crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again!
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Ragtag Candies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 candies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ragtag Candies are a quick and delightful no-bake treat featuring a creamy white almond bark base mixed with crunchy pecans, mini marshmallows, pretzel pieces, and colorful candy-coated chocolates. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack, these candies set quickly in the fridge and offer a satisfying combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz white almond bark, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup salted pecan halves, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 3/4 cup mini pretzel pieces
- 3/4 cup candy-coated chocolate candies
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set them aside to prevent sticking.
- Melt Almond Bark and Butter: Place the chopped white almond bark and unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave to Melt: Microwave on 50% power in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the coating is mostly melted, then stir until completely smooth for an even mix.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and fine sea salt until fully combined to enhance the flavor.
- Mix in Pecans, Marshmallows, and Pretzels: Add the coarsely chopped pecans, mini marshmallows, and mini pretzel pieces to the bowl and gently fold until everything is evenly coated with the melted coating.
- Add Candy-Coated Chocolates: Sprinkle in the candy-coated chocolate candies and fold carefully, making sure not to crush them to keep their shape and color intact.
- Form Candies: Using a small cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon, drop mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 tablespoons each.
- Arrange Clusters: Continue scooping until you have about 24 candies, tucking any loose mix-ins back into the tops of the clusters for neatness.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the baking sheets for about 20 minutes, or until the candies are firm and lift cleanly from the parchment paper.
- Store and Serve: Transfer the Ragtag Candies to an airtight container, layering with parchment paper if necessary, and serve slightly cool or at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal of candies.
- Microwaving at 50% power prevents burning the white almond bark, which melts quickly.
- Be gentle when folding in the candy-coated chocolates to avoid breaking them.
- Store candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Feel free to swap out the candy-coated chocolates for other mix-ins like dried fruit or different nuts for variation.
