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Ragtag Candy Clusters

These no-bake Ragtag Candy Clusters are a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy bits held together by a rich chocolate-peanut butter base. Perfect for using up leftover snacks and creating a unique, crowd-pleasing treat!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Course: Confectionery, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, No-Bake
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Candy Base
  • 12 oz Dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup Creamy peanut butter ensure it's not natural/oily type
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
For the Ragtag Mix-ins
  • 1 cup Pretzels lightly crushed
  • 1 cup Mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup Roasted peanuts chopped, unsalted or lightly salted
  • 1/2 cup Dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries
  • 1/2 cup Graham crackers crushed, optional
Optional Drizzle
  • 1/4 cup White chocolate chips

Equipment

  • Large microwave-safe bowl
  • Rubber Spatula
  • 2 baking sheets
  • Parchment Paper
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

Prepare the Base
  1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Microwave on high for 60 seconds, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt into the melted chocolate mixture until fully incorporated.
Add the Ragtag Mix-ins
  1. Add the crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, chopped roasted peanuts, dried cranberries, and crushed graham crackers (if using) to the chocolate mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold all the mix-ins into the chocolate until they are evenly coated.
Form and Chill
  1. Drop spoonfuls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) of the ragtag candy mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets. You can make them as rustic or uniform as you like.
  2. Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator and chill for at least 60 minutes, or until the candies are firm to the touch.
Optional Drizzle (if using)
  1. If desired, melt the white chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the chilled ragtag candy clusters. Return to the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to set the drizzle.
  2. Once firm, peel the Ragtag Candy Clusters off the parchment paper and serve.

Notes

Store Ragtag Candy Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For best texture, let them come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if refrigerated. Feel free to customize your 'ragtag' mix-ins with other favorites like chopped cookies (Oreos, shortbread), seeds, different dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling.