Pin it
Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks are my answer for satisfying that sweet—salty chocolate craving without any baking fuss. There is something joyfully nostalgic and a little bit mischievous about shaping a handful of crunchy noodles and gooey candy into a treat that always gets devoured by a crowd.
I started making these with my grandmother when I was little and now they remind me of every holiday and snow day spent together in her kitchen. Now my kids actually fight over who gets to do the stirring.
Ingredients
- Chocolate chips: bring classic richness and sweetness. Look for good—quality semisweet or dark chocolate for best flavor
- Butterscotch chips: add a unique warm buttery note. Use a fresh bag so the chips melt smoothly
- Creamy peanut butter: provides deep nuttiness and helps everything stick. Choose a no—stir variety for creamier haystacks
- Chow mein noodles: make the iconic crunchy texture. Try to find the freshest noodles to avoid any stale taste
- Salted peanuts: amp up the crunch and bring the sweet—salty balance. Use roasted peanuts for even deeper flavor
Instructions
- Line the Tray:
- Line a large baking tray with wax paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is easy
- Melt Butterscotch and Peanut Butter:
- Place the butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a microwave—safe bowl. Heat in microwave in thirty second bursts. Stir well after each burst until totally smooth and combined. Be patient and do not overheat
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a separate microwave—safe bowl melt the chocolate chips as you did before. Stir until glossy and fluid so it pours easily
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl toss together chow mein noodles and salted peanuts. This helps the coating reach every noodle
- Coat and Stir:
- Pour both the melted peanut butter mixture and the warm chocolate over the noodles and peanuts. Use a large spatula or spoon to carefully mix so every bit is coated but no noodles are broken
- Shape the Haystacks:
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the waxed paper. Shape into rough piles using the back of your spoon for those signature haystack shapes. If desired drizzle over any extra melted chocolate
- Let Set:
- Leave the tray in a cool place for thirty minutes to one hour until the haystacks are firm to the touch and easy to pick up
Peanut butter is always my heart ingredient in this recipe. I still remember the time my daughter accidentally dropped the peanut butter jar and it went everywhere yet we laughed so hard and kept stirring anyway. It made the best batch.
Storage Tips
Keep haystacks in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage pop them in the refrigerator. If stacking them use wax paper between layers to keep them neat and prevent sticking.
Ingredient Substitutions
For nut—free haystacks try sunflower seed butter and roasted soy nuts. If you are out of butterscotch chips simply double up on chocolate or swap in white chocolate chips for a twist. Whole grain chow mein noodles can add a rustic touch if you find them.
Serving Suggestions
Bring a plate of these to any potluck or birthday party and watch them disappear. I love giving them as edible gifts during the holidays stacked in a decorated tin. For a cool summer treat store them in the fridge then serve directly from there.
Cultural and Historical Context
Haystacks like these have been a classic American no—bake confection since at least the 1950s when convenience foods became popular. The marriage of sweet chocolate and peanut butter along with the novelty of crunchy noodles made this recipe a favorite at church socials and bake sales.
Seasonal Adaptations
Dress them up with pastel sprinkles for spring celebrations. Add red and green candy pieces for a holiday version. Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate in summer and top with crushed freeze—dried berries.
Success Stories
Almost every family has a haystack story or a big batch at a reunion. My aunt once made these gluten—free so everyone could enjoy them and did not tell anyone until the tray was empty. It proved just how addictive these little treats can be.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Yes haystacks freeze well. Lay them in a single layer until solid then pack into a freezer bag or container. Thaw at room temperature for twenty minutes before serving and they will taste perfectly fresh.
Haystacks come together fast and bring smiles to anyone who tries them. Make a double batch if you want any left for yourself.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips?
Yes, dark chocolate adds a richer flavor and less sweetness. Adjust to your preference.
- → What can I substitute for butterscotch chips?
You can use white chocolate or extra peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
- → Are chow mein noodles necessary for this snack?
Chow mein noodles provide the signature crunch, but pretzel sticks or cornflakes also work well.
- → How should I store finished haystacks?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → Can these be made nut-free?
Yes, omit the peanuts and try sunflower butter in place of peanut butter for a nut-free version.