Description
Ragtag Candies are delightful no-bake treats combining creamy white almond bark, crunchy pecans, mini marshmallows, pretzel pieces, and colorful candy-coated chocolates. They’re easy to prepare using simple microwave melting techniques, resulting in sweet, salty, and crunchy clusters perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Base 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 for easy candy removal later.
- Melt almond bark and butter: Place the chopped white almond bark and unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each burst until the mixture is mostly melted; then stir thoroughly until completely smooth.
- Add flavoring: Stir in the vanilla extract and fine sea salt into the smooth mixture until fully combined for enhanced taste.
- Incorporate mix-ins: Add the chopped pecans, mini marshmallows, and mini pretzel pieces to the bowl. Gently fold to coat all ingredients evenly with the melted white almond bark mixture.
- Add candies: Sprinkle in the candy-coated chocolate candies and carefully fold again, taking care not to crush the candies to maintain their shape and texture.
- Form clusters: Using a small cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon, drop mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 tablespoons each, forming approximately 24 clusters. Tuck any loose mix-ins carefully on top of each cluster.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the baking sheets for about 20 minutes or until the candies become firm and can be lifted cleanly from the parchment paper.
- Store and serve: Transfer the set Ragtag Candies to an airtight container, layering with parchment paper if necessary, and serve slightly cool or at room temperature for best texture.
Notes
- Use silicone mats or parchment paper for easy removal of the candy clusters.
- To avoid overheating, melt the almond bark at 50% power and stir frequently.
- Be gentle when folding in the candy-coated chocolates to keep them intact.
- Store candies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
- These candies make perfect gifts and party treats during holidays or special occasions.
