If you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, salty, and oh-so-simple, Chocolate Haystacks are the answer! Just five easy ingredients—no oven required—and you’ll have a batch of irresistible clusters packed with gooey chocolate, creamy butterscotch, nutty peanuts, and crispy noodles. Every bite is pure nostalgia with a modern twist, making this treat a favorite for holidays, parties, or any time you need dessert in a hurry. Get ready to fall in love with these delightfully quirky little bites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chocolate Haystacks come together with a short and sweet list of ingredients that each play an important role in making these clusters totally addictive. Don’t be tempted to swap them out without trying the original—each one adds just the right flavor or crunch!
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: These create the rich, smooth base for the haystacks, balancing sweetness and chocolate flavor perfectly.
- 1 cup butterscotch chips: Butterscotch chips add a buttery, caramel-like depth that sets these haystacks apart from ordinary chocolate treats.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional): This makes the chocolate extra silky and glossy, especially handy if you love a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- 3 cups crispy chow mein noodles: The secret weapon—these noodles deliver the signature crunch and a playful texture you’ll crave in every bite.
- 1 cup salted peanuts: Roasted, salted peanuts sneak in bold, nutty flavor and a hit of salt to balance the sweetness. (Swap with other nuts if you like!)
How to Make Chocolate Haystacks
Step 1: Melt the Chocolates
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Microwave the mixture in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each, until everything is melted and glossy. If you’d like extra-smooth haystacks, stir in the coconut oil or shortening—it makes a subtle but lovely difference!
Step 2: Mix in Noodles and Peanuts
Add the crispy chow mein noodles and salted peanuts to the melted chocolate-butterscotch mixture. Gently fold everything together so the noodles and nuts are thoroughly coated—be patient and stir from the bottom so you don’t miss any chocolate hiding below!
Step 3: Form the Haystacks
Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Using two spoons, drop generous spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared tray. Don’t worry about shaping them perfectly—Chocolate Haystacks are meant to look rustic and charming!
Step 4: Let Them Set
Let your trays of Chocolate Haystacks cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours. If you’re in a rush, pop them in the refrigerator—they’ll set beautifully in about 30 minutes. Once firm, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Chocolate Haystacks
Garnishes
If you want to jazz up your Chocolate Haystacks, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top. A few festive sprinkles make them perfect for parties and holidays!
Side Dishes
For a simple dessert spread, pair your haystacks with fresh fruit like strawberries or wedges of orange—the bright, juicy flavors are a great contrast to the sweet crunch. Serving them alongside coffee or an espresso makes them the perfect after-dinner treat, too.
Creative Ways to Present
You can pile your Chocolate Haystacks onto a vintage platter, layer them in glass jars for edible gifts, or arrange them in colorful cupcake liners for shareable party snacks. For holidays, consider tucking a haystack into mini gift bags for a delightful edible favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chocolate Haystacks will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just keep them in a cool, dry place so the chocolate remains firm and perfectly snappy.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later (or make a double batch!), these freeze like a dream. Layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to two months. Let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying.
Reheating
No reheating required! If your Chocolate Haystacks have been in the fridge or freezer, simply let them warm up to room temperature to regain their perfect texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Chocolate Haystacks without nuts?
Absolutely! If you need a nut-free version, simply leave out the peanuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Do chocolate haystacks need to be refrigerated?
They don’t have to be, but refrigerating will help them set faster, especially if your kitchen is warm. Otherwise, room temperature works just fine for storing and serving.
Can I use white or milk chocolate instead?
Yes! Feel free to swap in white or milk chocolate chips for a different twist, or mix them with the butterscotch. Just know the character of your haystacks will change, but they’ll still be delicious.
What kind of chow mein noodles should I buy?
Look for crispy, dry chow mein noodles in the international section of most grocery stores. Avoid the soft, cooked kind—only the crunchy variety provides that classic haystack texture.
How far ahead can I prepare these for a party?
Chocolate Haystacks keep their crunch and flavor for several days, so you can easily make them three to five days ahead. Just store in a cool, sealed container until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about making (and sharing) a big batch of Chocolate Haystacks—they’re effortless, nostalgic, and guaranteed to disappear from any dessert table. Give them a try and watch your friends and family light up with every crunchy, chocolatey bite!
Print
Chocolate Haystacks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 24 haystacks 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Haystacks are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of chocolate and butterscotch with the crunch of chow mein noodles and peanuts. Easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
For Chocolate Haystacks:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother texture)
- 3 cups crispy chow mein noodles
- 1 cup salted peanuts
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate and Butterscotch: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Stir in the coconut oil if using.
- Add Noodles and Peanuts: Once fully melted, fold in the chow mein noodles and salted peanuts until everything is evenly coated.
- Form Haystacks: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared sheet.
- Chill: Let the haystacks cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or refrigerate for 30 minutes until set.
Notes
- You can swap peanuts for almonds or cashews, or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- These store well in an airtight container for up to a week and freeze beautifully for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 haystack
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
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