Salty and Sweet Ruffles Marshmallow Treats: The Ultimate No-Bake Delight

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a dessert that perfectly marries two irresistible flavors: sweet and salty. This Ruffles Marshmallow Treats recipe takes a beloved classic and elevates it with an unexpected, yet utterly brilliant, ingredient – crunchy Ruffles potato chips. In just a few minutes and with only three core ingredients, you can create a unique, gooey, and satisfying snack that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Forget everything you thought you knew about marshmallow treats; this savory-sweet sensation is a game-changer.

The Unexpected Twist: Why Potato Chips Belong in Marshmallow Treats

My journey to discovering these incredible Ruffles Marshmallow Treats began with a healthy dose of skepticism. A dear friend, known for her adventurous culinary ideas, suggested adding potato chips to a classic Rice Krispie Treat base. My initial thought? She had surely lost her mind! As a big fan of traditional Rice Krispie Treats, the idea of incorporating salty, crunchy potato chips felt entirely unconventional.

However, her unwavering confidence in the “sweet and salty” combination eventually won me over. And oh, how glad I am that it did! The moment I took my first bite, I realized the genius of this creation. The unexpected fusion of textures and flavors was nothing short of perfect. The rich, buttery sweetness of the marshmallows combined with the satisfying crunch and distinct saltiness of the Ruffles chips created an addictive symphony. I found myself repeatedly reaching for another piece, each bite offering a delightful surprise that kept me coming back for more.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and its ability to transform humble ingredients into something extraordinary. While many have enjoyed sweet and salty combinations in things like chocolate-covered pretzels, applying it to a marshmallow treat offers a whole new level of gooey satisfaction. The ridges of the Ruffles chips are particularly effective, as they beautifully capture and hold the melted marshmallow mixture, ensuring every bite delivers that perfect balance.

This success has sparked my interest in exploring even more innovative marshmallow treat adaptations. We’ve previously experimented with fun recipes like crunch berry marshmallow treats, constantly finding new ways to put a fresh spin on classic Rice Krispie treats. If you’ve ventured into making any unique gooey marshmallow treats, I’d absolutely love to hear about them!

Essential Ingredients for Your Ruffles Marshmallow Treats

One of the most appealing aspects of this Salty and Sweet Ruffles Marshmallow Treats recipe is its incredibly short ingredient list. You only need three simple items to achieve this irresistible dessert. While exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below, here’s a brief overview of what you’ll need:

• Butter: This forms the rich, foundational flavor and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly. Both salted and unsalted butter work well, but salted butter can enhance the overall salty-sweet experience.
• Mini Marshmallows: Fresh, soft mini marshmallows are crucial for that perfectly gooey texture. They melt much faster and more evenly than larger marshmallows.
• Original Ruffles Chips: The star of the show! Original Ruffles provide the ideal balance of saltiness and that signature wavy crunch. Their sturdy texture holds up beautifully within the marshmallow mixture, delivering an unparalleled bite.

Recommended Equipment for Perfect Results

Gathering the right tools before you begin ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking process. Here’s the essential equipment you’ll need to make your Ruffles Marshmallow Treats:

• Rolling Pin: Essential for crushing the Ruffles potato chips into the perfect bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can use a food processor for a finer crumb, but a rolling pin gives a great texture.
• Large Pot: A medium to large non-stick pot is ideal for melting the butter and marshmallows. Its size allows for easy stirring and ensures the mixture doesn’t overflow.
• Wooden Spoon or Sturdy Spatula: Perfect for stirring the melted marshmallows and gently folding in the crushed chips. A sturdy utensil will handle the sticky mixture with ease.
• 9×9 Inch Baking Dish: This size ensures your treats have the ideal thickness. Lining it with parchment paper or greasing it thoroughly will make removal and cleanup much simpler.
• Parchment Paper or Wax Paper: Highly recommended for lining your baking dish. It prevents sticking and makes lifting the cooled treats out of the pan a breeze. It also helps when pressing the mixture into the pan without getting sticky hands.

Preparation and Storage Tips

These Ruffles Marshmallow Treats are wonderfully easy to make, and their simple preparation extends to storage as well, making them a fantastic option for parties, lunchboxes, or a quick snack.

Make Ahead

There’s absolutely no need for extensive planning with these treats! They come together incredibly quickly, typically requiring less than half an hour from start to finish. This makes them a perfect last-minute dessert or snack when you’re short on time but still want to impress.

Storage

For optimal freshness and texture, store any leftover Ruffles Marshmallow Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within three to four days. A common mistake is refrigerating them, which can cause them to become hard, tough, and less enjoyable to eat. If you’re planning for grab-and-go snacks, you can wrap individual treats in plastic wrap for convenient packing into lunches or for quick access.

Freezing

If you find yourself with an abundance of these delicious treats (which is unlikely!), you can freeze them for longer storage. Place cooled treats in an airtight, freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will maintain their quality for one to two months. When ready to enjoy, simply let them defrost at room temperature.

How to Reheat

Should your treats feel a bit too stiff after storage, a quick zap in the microwave can work wonders. Heat them for just a few seconds (5-10 seconds typically) until they regain some of their signature softness and gooeyness. For frozen portions, allow them to thaw completely at room temperature, then microwave briefly if desired, until they are soft enough to bite into comfortably.

Exciting Recipe Variations to Explore

While the original Salty and Sweet Ruffles Marshmallow Treat recipe is phenomenal on its own, it also serves as a fantastic base for creative experimentation. Feel free to adapt it to your preferences!

Substitutions

• Ruffles Flavors: While Original Ruffles are highly recommended for their classic saltiness, you can certainly experiment with other Ruffles flavors. Just be mindful of how their specific taste profile (e.g., Cheddar & Sour Cream, BBQ) will interact with the sweet marshmallow. The wavy texture of Ruffles is key, as it provides excellent structural integrity and traps the gooey marshmallow.
• Butter/Margarine: Either butter or a good quality margarine can be used. Butter generally offers a richer flavor, but margarine works in a pinch.
• Flavor Enhancers: For an extra layer of flavor and to balance the sweetness of the marshmallows, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted marshmallow mixture. You can also fold in chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) just before pressing into the pan, or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled treats for a decadent finish. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top can further enhance the sweet and salty dynamic.

Dietary Adaptations

• Vegetarian Option: To make this recipe suitable for vegetarians, simply use gelatin-free mini marshmallows. Many brands now offer plant-based marshmallows, making this an easy swap.
• Vegan Option: For a fully vegan version, combine plant-based marshmallows with a high-quality plant-based butter alternative. It’s also crucial to double-check your Ruffles chips. While Original Ruffles are often vegan, flavored varieties frequently contain milk-derived ingredients like buttermilk and whey. Ruffles Original is generally the safest bet, but always read the product labels carefully to ensure no animal products are present.
• Gluten-Free: Good news for those with gluten sensitivities! According to Frito-Lay, several Ruffles flavors are gluten-free, including Baked Cheddar & Sour Cream, Original, Baked Original, and Simply Sea Salted. Always confirm the most current information directly from the manufacturer’s website for the specific product you are using.
• Sugar-Free: If you’re monitoring your sugar intake, you can make these treats sugar-free by using sugar-free mini marshmallows. The original recipe contains approximately 8 grams of sugar per serving, with less than 1 gram coming from Ruffles Original chips.

Scaling and Spice

• Smaller Serving Size: The base recipe yields about 16 servings. It’s incredibly flexible and can be easily scaled down by using the slider typically found in online recipe cards or simply halving the ingredients.
• Larger Group/More Servings: This recipe doubles and triples beautifully. Just ensure you have appropriately sized baking pans to accommodate the larger batch and a large enough pot to melt the increased volume of marshmallows.
• Make It Spicy: For a delightful warming kick, consider adding sweet spices. We’ve seen recipes that incorporate cinnamon or cinnamon sugar, which would create a fantastic churro-like flavor profile. Chai or pumpkin spice blends would also be absolutely delicious, particularly if you’re making these treats during the fall season. A very small pinch of cayenne pepper could also provide an interesting, subtle heat.

Tips for the Best Salty and Sweet Ruffles Marshmallow Treats

• Fresh Marshmallows Are Key: Always use fresh, soft marshmallows. Stale marshmallows can be difficult to melt smoothly and may result in tough treats.
• Don’t Overcook the Marshmallows: Melt the marshmallows over medium-low heat and stir constantly. Overcooking can make them hard and chewy once cooled. The goal is just to melt them until smooth and fully combined with the butter.
• Crush Chips to the Right Consistency: You want a mix of small pieces and some slightly larger ones for texture. Avoid crushing them into a fine powder, as you’ll lose that satisfying crunch.
• Gentle Mixing: Once the marshmallows are melted, remove them from the heat immediately before folding in the crushed Ruffles. Mix gently but quickly to ensure the chips are evenly coated without becoming soggy.
• Don’t Over-Compress: When pressing the mixture into the baking pan, use greased hands or a piece of greased parchment paper. Press just enough to evenly distribute the mixture. Over-compressing can make the treats too dense and hard.
• Patience is a Virtue: Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature before cutting them. This ensures they set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.
• Buttered Knife for Cutting: For perfectly clean slices, lightly butter your knife before cutting the treats. This prevents sticking and makes the process much easier.
• Nutritional Information Disclaimer: Please remember that any nutritional information provided is an estimate. It can vary significantly based on the specific brands and products you use.

What to Serve with Salty and Sweet Ruffles Marshmallow Treats

These Ruffles Marshmallow Treats are a delightful standalone snack, especially when you’re caught between a craving for something sweet or something salty. However, they also fit perfectly into various meal plans or gatherings. Here are some ideas for pairing them with comforting homemade dishes:

Sides

• Broccoli Casserole
• Apple Stuffing
• Carrot Soufflé
• BLT Pasta Salad
• Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
• Air Fryer Baked Potato
• Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams
• Southern Style Green Beans
• CrockPot Bourbon Baked Beans

Main Dishes

• Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken
• Stovetop Meatloaf
• Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers
• CrockPot Rosemary Pork
• Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings
• CrockPot Macaroni & Cheese with Ham
• CrockPot Salisbury Steak
• CrockPot Ham & Cheese Grits

Desserts (if you’re having a dessert bar!)

• Ooey-Gooey Butter Cake
• Lemon Bars
• Classic Chocolate Brownies from Scratch
• Bisquick Blueberry Cobbler
• Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding
• Bisquick Apple Cobbler
• Bisquick Peach Cobbler
• Molasses Cookies
• Banana Bread
• Buckeye Bars
• Cherry Bars

Drinks

• Coke Slushie
• Red Robin Freckled Lemonade
• CopyCat McDonald’s Sweet Tea

When to Serve These Treats

• Lunchbox Surprise: A fun and unexpected addition to any lunch.
• After-Dinner Treat: The perfect sweet and salty ending to any meal.
• Decadent Snack: When you need a little pick-me-up or something special.
• Potlucks & Gatherings: Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser that sparks conversation.
• Cookouts & Picnics: A no-bake option that holds up well.
• Movie Nights: Better than popcorn for a cozy night in.
• Game Day Parties: A unique snack that will stand out.

Great Recipe Collections to Explore

If you loved the simplicity and unique flavor of these Ruffles Marshmallow Treats, you’ll definitely want to check out these other fantastic recipe collections:

3 Ingredient Recipes – Discover an array of incredibly easy appetizers, entrees, and desserts that taste amazing, all made with just a handful of ingredients.

5 Ingredient or Less Dessert Recipes – Explore epic desserts that prove you don’t need a complex ingredient list to create something truly spectacular.

Potluck Recipes – Find simple yet delicious recipes perfect for any gathering, from work parties and holiday events to church picnics. These ideas are designed to feed a crowd of any size.

Peanut Butter Recipes – Indulge in everything peanut butter, from cookies and cakes to drinks, savory peanut sauces, and much more.

Apple Dessert Recipes – Dive into a collection of fun and flavorful desserts featuring everyone’s favorite fruit, the apple!

For even more culinary inspiration, make sure to browse our extensive collections of copycat recipes, delightful dessert recipes, and convenient CrockPot Recipes. And don’t forget to follow Tammilee Tips on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our latest recipe posts and updates!

Ruffles Marshmallow Treats Recipe Card

Ruffles Marshmallow Treats

The perfect combination of salty and sweet! These Ruffles Marshmallow Treats are so good.

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Servings:
16

Calories:
236 kcal

Author:
Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons Butter
• 4 ½ cups Mini Marshmallows
• 6 cups crushed Original Ruffles Chips

Instructions

1. Crush the Ruffles into bite-size pieces using a rolling pin or by hand.
2. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
3. Remove the pot from heat. Add the crushed Ruffles and stir gently until they are evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
4. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan, lined with parchment paper for easier removal. Avoid over-compressing.
5. Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!

Kitchen Tools

• 9×9 Baking Pan
• Rolling Pin
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Parchment Paper (optional, but recommended)

Notes

Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used. For best results, use fresh marshmallows and avoid over-compressing the mixture in the pan.

Recipe originally shared April 2014, updated January 2020