The 4-Ingredient Pantry Miracle That’s Better Than Store-Bought
Crunchy. Salty-sweet. Deeply satisfying—this is dessert built for real life. Born from Depression-era thrift and polished in Midwest kitchens, Ragtag Candies transform forgotten pantry staples into something unexpectedly irresistible.

White chocolate melts into a glossy, sweet river.
Pretzels deliver snap and salt.
Peanuts add county-fair soul.
Rice cereal brings that airy crunch only childhood can explain.

No oven. No fuss. Just melt, mix, and break into jagged, joyful pieces.

✨ Best of all? Make-ahead, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to vanish first from any snack table.

“Melt, pour, and share joy in a jagged piece.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✓ Only 4 everyday ingredients—no special shopping
✓ 10 minutes hands-on—your energy stays intact
✓ Nostalgic flavor—crunchy cereal meets candy-shop sweetness
✓ Perfect for gifting—wrap in parchment, tie with twine, spread cheer
✓ Freezer-friendly—stash for months, snack on whimsy anytime

Perfect for:

• School bake sales & PTA events
• Holiday tins & teacher appreciation gifts
• After-school snacks & movie nights
• Filling your “No-Bake Sweets” recipe collection

Ingredients

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• 2 cups white chocolate chips (or white melting wafers)
• 1 cup mini pretzels, lightly crushed
• 1 cup roasted peanuts (salted or unsalted)
• 1 cup rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)

Optional but wonderful additions:
• ½ cup mini marshmallows
• ¼ cup sprinkles
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare your tray: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the chocolate: Warm white chocolate in the microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring until smooth and glossy.
3. Mix the magic: Stir in crushed pretzels, peanuts, and rice cereal until everything is coated.
4. Spread & shape: Pour mixture onto the parchment-lined tray. Spread into an even layer ½–¾ inch thick.
5. Chill: Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes or until fully set.
6. Break into pieces: Snap into rustic, uneven chunks—its signature “ragtag” look.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Room Temperature: Stores 1–2 weeks in an airtight jar.
Refrigerator: Keeps 3+ weeks with perfect crunch.
Freezer: Stays fresh for 2–3 months—your future self will thank you.

FAQ

Can I use milk or dark chocolate?
Yes! The flavor shifts from nostalgic-sweet to more classic candy bark.

Can I add dried fruit?
Absolutely—cranberries, chopped apricots, or raisins all work beautifully.

How big should the pretzel pieces be?
Roughly broken—think fingernail-size pieces for best crunch.

Conclusion

Ragtag Candies are proof that simple ingredients can become something extraordinary. A bowl, a spoon, a quick chill, and you have a treat that’s nostalgic, heartwarming, and undeniably addictive. They pack beautifully, freeze effortlessly, and deliver a perfect salty-sweet bite every time.