1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Butterscotch Haystacks

Easy No-Bake Haystacks

Need a quick treat? These butterscotch haystacks combine sweet and salty flavors with a satisfying crunch. Just melt, mix, and let set - no baking needed!

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:29:32 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A close-up of a pile of golden, crunchy noodles garnished with roasted peanuts on a parchment-lined tray. Pin it
A close-up of a pile of golden, crunchy noodles garnished with roasted peanuts on a parchment-lined tray. | zestplate.com

Got 30 minutes? Let me share my easy no-bake haystacks recipe that'll become your go-to treat! These homemade no-bake haystacks mix crunchy noodles and salty peanuts with creamy butterscotch and peanut butter. My no-bake haystacks disappear faster than I can make them!

What Makes These Special

When I say this easy no-bake haystacks recipe is simple, I mean it! Four ingredients, no oven, and barely any cleanup. These homemade no-bake haystacks are perfect for busy days or when it's too hot to bake. My kids love helping make these no-bake haystacks - though lots of "sampling" happens!

Grab These Ingredients

  • Noodles: Crispy chow mein noodles make our easy no-bake haystacks crunchy.
  • Peanuts: Salted ones give these homemade no-bake haystacks that perfect salty kick.
  • Peanut Butter: The creamy kind works best in this no-bake haystacks recipe.
  • Butterscotch Chips: They make everything taste amazing.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to make flavors pop.

Kitchen Magic Time

Melt The Good Stuff
For perfect easy no-bake haystacks, start by melting your butterscotch chips and peanut butter together. I use the microwave - quick 30-second zaps, stirring between.
Mix And Coat
This is where our homemade no-bake haystacks come together! Dump those noodles and peanuts in a bowl, pour over your melted mixture, and give everything a gentle toss.
Shape Those Stacks
Working quick is key for this no-bake haystacks recipe. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper - they don't have to look perfect!
Chill Time
Pop your easy no-bake haystacks in the fridge for about 30 minutes. They'll firm up nicely.

My Best Tips

Want perfect homemade no-bake haystacks every time? Skip natural peanut butter - it can get grainy. When making this easy no-bake haystacks recipe, work fast once everything's mixed. A sprinkle of sea salt on top makes these no-bake haystacks extra special.

Keep 'Em Fresh

Your homemade no-bake haystacks will stay crunchy in an airtight container in the fridge for a week. This easy no-bake haystacks recipe freezes great too - up to six months! When you're ready to enjoy your no-bake haystacks, just let them come to room temp.

Perfect For Sharing

These easy no-bake haystacks are my go-to for parties - they're always the first to disappear! My homemade no-bake haystacks recipe works great for holiday gifts too. Package these no-bake haystacks in pretty boxes and watch faces light up when you share them.

A pile of light brown, shaped candy pieces is displayed on white parchment paper, with a bowl of similar candy in the background. Pin it
A pile of light brown, shaped candy pieces is displayed on white parchment paper, with a bowl of similar candy in the background. | zestplate.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why can't I use natural peanut butter?

Regular peanut butter like Skippy or Jif has stabilizers that help the haystacks set properly. Natural peanut butter might make them too soft.

→ How should I store these haystacks?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for up to two weeks.

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of butterscotch?

Yes, chocolate chips work great as a substitute for butterscotch chips if you prefer.

→ Why are my haystacks not setting?

Make sure you're not overheating the mixture. Stop microwaving when mostly melted with a few lumps and stir until smooth.

→ Can I freeze these haystacks?

Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Butterscotch Haystacks

Sweet and crunchy treats made with butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and chow mein noodles. No baking required - just melt, mix, and set.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
3 Minutes
Total Time
28 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 3/4 cup dry-roasted salted peanuts.
02 1 (11-ounce) bag butterscotch chips.
03 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (Skippy or Jif).
04 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
05 1 (12-ounce) bag fried chow mein noodles.

Instructions

Step 01

Line 2 baking sheets with wax or parchment paper.

Step 02

Coarsely chop the peanuts.

Step 03

Put butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and salt in large microwave-safe bowl.

Step 04

Microwave 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Step 05

If needed, heat more in 20-second bursts until mostly melted.

Step 06

Add peanuts and chow mein noodles.

Step 07

Mix everything well until combined.

Step 08

Drop by 2 heaping tablespoons onto lined sheets.

Step 09

Let sit 40 minutes at room temp or 20 minutes in fridge until set.

Notes

  1. Don't use natural peanut butter.
  2. Can use double boiler instead of microwave.
  3. Makes about 36 haystacks.
  4. Store in airtight container.
  5. Can freeze up to 3 months.
  6. Great for holidays or parties.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheets.
  • Microwave-safe bowl.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Peanuts.
  • Soy (possible in butterscotch chips).
  • Wheat (chow mein noodles).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 3 g