Irresistible Butterscotch Haystacks Recipe for Sweet Snackers

Sweet treats have a magical way of bringing joy to any gathering, and these delightful butterscotch haystacks recipe offer a perfect blend of crunch and sweetness.

Crisp chow mein noodles dance with rich butterscotch chips, creating an irresistible no-bake dessert that melts in your mouth.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms ordinary snacking into an extraordinary experience.

Each bite delivers a delicate balance of texture and flavor that speaks to childhood memories and comfort.

Clusters of golden, glossy haystacks come together in mere minutes, making them an ideal treat for busy bakers.

The recipe promises a delectable adventure that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Prepare to be amazed by these addictive, golden-hued clusters that are sure to become a family favorite.

Butterscotch Haystacks Why They’re a Sweet Tradition

• Whip up delightful butterscotch haystacks with minimal kitchen skills needed, perfect for beginners wanting to impress.
• Play with peanut sizes and quantities to create your unique texture, making each batch a personalized snack adventure.
• Enjoy a sweet treat without turning on the oven, saving energy and keeping your kitchen cool during any season.
• Ideal for potlucks, movie nights, and gatherings where everyone craves something sweet and satisfying with minimal preparation.

Butterscotch Haystack Ingredients Checklist

• Butterscotch Chips: Provides the sweet and rich foundational flavor for the haystacks.
• Peanut Butter: Adds creamy texture and enhances the overall nutty taste.
• Salt: Balances and deepens the sweetness of the candy.

• Peanuts, Chow Mein Noodles: Create a delightful crunch and textural contrast in the haystacks.

• Wax Paper, Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking of the haystacks during setting.

Equipment for Making Butterscotch Haystacks

• Microwave-safe bowl: Large container for melting butterscotch chips and peanut butter.
• Baking sheets: Flat surfaces lined with wax or parchment paper for forming haystacks.
• Sharp knife: For coarsely chopping peanuts.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring tablespoons: For portioning haystacks consistently.
• Cutting board: Surface for chopping peanuts safely.

Simple Steps to Sweet Butterscotch Haystacks

Step 1: Line Baking Sheets

Grab your favorite baking sheets and cover them completely with wax paper or parchment paper to create a non-stick surface for your sweet treats.

Step 2: Chop Nutty Crunch

Take peanuts and roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces that will add texture and flavor to your haystacks.

Step 3: Melt Creamy Base

Place butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and a tiny pinch of salt into a microwave-safe bowl, preparing for a delicious transformation.

• Butterscotch chips
• Peanut butter
• Salt

Step 4: Create Smooth Mixture

Microwave the ingredients for 2 minutes total, pausing halfway to stir and ensure even melting.

Gently mix to create a silky smooth consistency.

Step 5: Perfect the Texture

If the mixture isn’t completely smooth, continue heating in short 20-second bursts, stirring between each interval until you achieve a glossy, uniform texture.

Step 6: Combine Crunchy Elements

Fold in the chopped peanuts and crispy chow mein noodles, ensuring every morsel gets coated in the luscious butterscotch mixture.

• Chopped peanuts
• Chow mein noodles

Step 7: Shape Delightful Clusters

Using a spoon, drop generous heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheets, creating rustic haystack shapes.

Step 8: Allow Natural Setting

Let the haystacks sit at room temperature for about 40 minutes, allowing them to naturally firm up and develop their signature texture.

Step 9: Quick Chill Option

For those who can’t wait, pop the baking sheets in the refrigerator for a quick 20-minute chill to speed up the setting process.

Tips for Crunchy and Chewy Haystacks

• Line baking sheets with wax or parchment paper to ensure easy removal of haystacks and avoid messy cleanup.
• Coarsely chop peanuts to add satisfying crunch and distribute nutty flavor throughout the sweet treat.
• Microwave butterscotch chips and peanut butter in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve silky consistency.
• Let haystacks set at room temperature for 40 minutes or speed up the process by refrigerating for 20 minutes until firm.
• Add a pinch of salt to enhance the butterscotch and peanut butter flavors, creating a more complex and rich taste profile.

Fun Haystack Mix-Ins and Flavors

• Chocolate Haystack Delight: Replace butterscotch chips with milk chocolate chips for a classic chocolate version, maintaining the same creamy texture and crunchy noodle base.
• Almond Crunch Variation: Swap peanuts with sliced almonds and use almond butter instead of peanut butter, creating a nutty alternative with delicate crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chow mein noodles and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Haystack Creation: Substitute butterscotch chips with vegan butterscotch-style chips, use coconut oil instead of peanut butter, and select plant-based chow mein noodles for a dairy-free treat.

How to Present Butterscotch Haystacks at Parties

• Sweet Chilled Dessert Platter: Arrange haystacks alongside fresh berries and mint leaves for a colorful summer treat.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve alongside hot tea or coffee, creating a delightful crunch with every sip.
• Party Snack Station: Display haystacks on a rustic wooden board with small decorative picks for easy grabbing during gatherings.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package haystacks in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a homemade edible present that looks professionally crafted.

Storing Haystacks for Long-Lasting Sweetness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining crisp texture and fresh taste.
• Wrap individual haystacks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months without losing quality or flavor.
• Keep at room temperature in sealed container for 2-3 days. Ensure low humidity environment to prevent softening of noodles and chips.
• Let refrigerated or frozen haystacks sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore original crunchiness and prevent condensation.

FAQs

• What are chow mein noodles?

Thin, crispy, golden noodles often used in Asian-inspired recipes and popular in no-bake desserts like haystacks.

• Can I use different nuts instead of peanuts?

Yes, you can substitute with almonds, cashews, or pecans for a different flavor profile while maintaining the crunchy texture.

• How do I know when the butterscotch mixture is smooth?

The mixture should look completely melted with no lumps and have a glossy, uniform appearance without any unmelted chips visible.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! With simple microwave steps and no baking required, children can help drop haystack mixture onto baking sheets and learn basic cooking skills.

Butterscotch Haystacks Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Butterscotch haystacks bring together crisp chow mein noodles and sweet butterscotch chips in a quick no-bake dessert. Crunchy clusters offer irresistible sweetness you can enjoy without turning on the oven.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 11 ounces (311 grams) butterscotch chips
• 12 ounces (340 grams) fried chow mein noodles
• 1/2 cup (128 grams) creamy peanut butter

Supporting Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (108 grams) dry-roasted salted peanuts

Seasoning:

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Arrange two baking sheets with wax or parchment paper for easy haystack placement.
2. Roughly chop peanuts into smaller, uneven pieces to create textural variety.
3. Combine butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl, ensuring even distribution.
4. Microwave the mixture at 50% power for 2 minutes, pausing midway to stir and prevent scorching.
5. Continue heating in 15-20 second increments, stirring until ingredients melt into a smooth, glossy consistency.
6. Fold chopped peanuts and crispy chow mein noodles into the melted mixture, ensuring complete and even coating.
7. Using a spoon, dollop generous clusters onto prepared baking sheets, creating rustic, irregular shapes.
8. Allow haystacks to solidify at room temperature for approximately 40-45 minutes until they maintain their structure.
9. For faster setting, place baking sheets in refrigerator for 20-25 minutes until completely firm and chilled.

Notes

• Customize peanut sizes by chopping coarsely or finely to match personal texture preference.
• Select gluten-free chow mein noodles to transform recipe for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Use alternative nut butters like almond or sunflower seed butter for different flavor profiles and allergy accommodations.
• Prevent scorching butterscotch chips by microwaving slowly and stirring frequently to maintain smooth consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 246
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 128 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg