I whip up these Candy Corn Pretzel Bites as a fun seasonal treat—sweet, salty, and just the right size for snacking. They’re easy to assemble and adorable for Halloween or fall parties.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because:
- The contrast of crunchy pretzel, soft marshmallow, and sweet candy corn makes each bite interesting.
- It’s super quick—no baking required—so I can put them together last minute.
- They’re cute and festive, perfect for themed parties, classroom treats, or holiday get-togethers.
- I can customize them with dipped chocolate or additional toppings if I want.
- They also store well and travel nicely, making them a great treat to share.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- mini pretzels (twists or squares)
- marshmallows (mini or regular, cut if needed)
- candy corn
- optional: chocolate chips or candy melts for dipping
- optional: sprinkles or crushed nuts
Directions
- Lay out your pretzels on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper (they’ll serve as the base).
- Place one marshmallow (or half a marshmallow, if large) on top of each pretzel.
- Top each marshmallow with one candy corn piece, pointed side up.
- If you want to help them stick more solidly, you can warm them:
- Microwave method: heat in microwave for ~5–10 seconds just until marshmallow softens (be careful, don’t melt it completely).
- Oven method: place on a baking sheet and bake at 300 °F (≈ 150 °C) for 2–3 minutes until marshmallows puff slightly.
- Let them cool or set for a few minutes so the candy corn adheres.
- (Optional) Dip the bottoms or tops in melted chocolate or candy melts, then add sprinkles or crushed nuts if desired.
- Allow dipped versions to set and harden before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 24–30 pretzel bites (depending on size).
- Prep time: ~ 5 minutes
- Optional heating time: ~ 2–3 minutes
- Total time: ~ 10 minutes (including setting)
Variations
- Chocolate-dipped version — dip the pretzel “legs” or the top in melted dark or white chocolate for added flavor.
- Drizzled topping — instead of full dip, drizzle melted chocolate over the candies once set.
- Nutty twist — sprinkle crushed peanuts, pecans, or almonds over the chocolate before it sets.
- Seasonal candy swap — use other small candies (e.g. M&Ms, Reese’s pieces) instead of candy corn for different occasions.
- Spiced marshmallow — toss marshmallows in a hint of cinnamon or pumpkin spice before assembling for extra flavor.
Storage / reheating
- Storage: Keep the pretzel bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay good for 2–3 days (or a bit longer if not dipped).
- Avoid humidity: Store in a cool, dry place to prevent the pretzels from getting soggy.
- Re-heating: These are best eaten as-is. If the marshmallow gets stale, you can briefly warm them (5–10 seconds in microwave) to soften again, but that may affect structure.
FAQs
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Yes — I often cut large marshmallows into halves or quarters so they fit neatly on the pretzel base without overhanging.
Will the candy corn stay stuck without heating?
It might, but it’s more secure if I soften the marshmallow slightly (via microwave or oven) so it becomes sticky. That helps the candy corn adhere better.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I don’t recommend assembling them too far in advance, especially if they’re dipped in chocolate. But I can prep components (pretzels, candy, melted chocolate) and assemble just before serving for best texture.
What if the pretzels get soggy?
To avoid sogginess, I make sure the container is airtight but not humid, and I try to assemble close to serving time. Keeping them away from moisture is key.
Are these gluten-free or allergen-friendly?
They can be adapted: use gluten-free pretzels and ensure marshmallows and candy corn are free from cross-contamination. Also choose chocolate or candy melts that suit any ingredient restrictions.
Conclusion
These Candy Corn Pretzel Bites are a fun, festive, and no-fuss treat that bring together sweet, salty, and crunchy into one bite. I love how quick they are to assemble and how customizable they become with chocolate or nut add-ons. They’re perfect for Halloween trays or party tables, and I hope you enjoy making (and snacking on) them as much as I do.
PrintCandy Corn Pretzel Bites
These no-bake Candy Corn Pretzel Bites are the perfect sweet-and-salty Halloween treat! With crunchy pretzels, soft marshmallows, and festive candy corn, they’re quick to assemble, easy to customize, and ideal for fall parties or classroom snacks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–3 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 bites
- Category: Snacks, No-Bake Treats, Holiday
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Mini pretzels (twists or squares)
- Mini marshmallows (or large marshmallows cut into smaller pieces)
- Candy corn
- Optional: chocolate chips or candy melts for dipping
- Optional: sprinkles or crushed nuts for topping
Instructions
- Arrange mini pretzels on a parchment-lined tray.
- Top each pretzel with one marshmallow or a marshmallow piece.
- Place one candy corn on top of each marshmallow, pointed side up.
- To adhere better:
- Microwave method: Heat for 5–10 seconds until marshmallows soften.
- Oven method: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes until marshmallows puff slightly.
- Let cool a few minutes to set.
- (Optional) Dip in melted chocolate or candy melts and decorate with sprinkles or crushed nuts.
- Let dipped treats set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Do not overheat marshmallows—they should just soften.
- Use flavored or colored candy melts for festive variations.
- Customize with drizzled chocolate, nuts, or other candies.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain pretzel crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg