Butterscotch Haystacks

Featured in Indulgent Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth.

Craving something sweet but quick? These no-bake haystacks feature a blend of salty and sugary flavors with irresistible crunch. Just mix together and let them set—easy as that!

A man wearing a white shirt and suspenders holding a piece of paper.
Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:55:35 GMT
Zoomed-in view of crispy golden noodles and salted peanuts neatly arranged on parchment paper. Pin it
Zoomed-in view of crispy golden noodles and salted peanuts neatly arranged on parchment paper. | chefmelt.com

Need just half an hour? Check out my simple butterscotch stack treats that'll become your family favorite! These tasty goodies combine crunchy noodles and roasted peanuts with smooth butterscotch and creamy peanut butter. My stacks vanish from the plate before I've finished making them!

Why You'll Love These Treats

When I tell you this butterscotch stack method is straightforward, I'm not kidding! Just four items, no baking required, and minimal washing up afterward. These homemade treats are ideal for hectic schedules or scorching summer days. My little ones enjoy helping me put these together - though plenty of "taste testing" always happens!

What You'll Need

  • Noodles: Crunchy chow mein strands give our treats that essential texture.
  • Peanuts: Go for the salted variety to add that yummy savory touch.
  • Peanut Butter: Stick with smooth type for the best results in these stacks.
  • Butterscotch Chips: The secret to making everything taste fantastic.
  • Salt: A tiny amount to boost all the flavors.

Let's Get Making

Get Everything Melty
For fantastic treats, begin by warming up those butterscotch chips with peanut butter. I pop mine in the microwave for quick 30-second bursts, giving it a stir each time.
Throw It All Together
Now comes the fun part! Toss those noodles and peanuts into a big bowl, pour your warm mixture over them, and gently mix until everything's coated.
Create Your Piles
You'll need to move fast here. Scoop spoonfuls onto some parchment paper - don't worry about making them look fancy!
Cool Them Down
Stick your stacks in the refrigerator for around 30 minutes. They'll harden up just right.

Handy Secrets

Want amazing stacks every single time? Don't use the natural kind of peanut butter - it tends to separate weirdly. Once you've mixed everything, you'll need to work quickly. Try adding a tiny bit of sea salt on top for an extra flavor kick.

Storage Tricks

Your tasty stacks will stay nice and crunchy in a sealed container in your fridge for up to seven days. They can even be frozen for about six months! When you're ready to eat your stored treats, just let them warm up to room temperature first.

Sharing Is Caring

These quick treats are what I always bring to gatherings - they're usually the first thing to get gobbled up! My homemade stack method works wonderfully for holiday presents too. Just put them in cute containers and watch people smile when they receive 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. | chefmelt.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is natural peanut butter not recommended here?

Stick to brands like Dakatine or a typical supermarket peanut butter. They have added stabilizers that help hold everything together. Natural ones may result in a softer texture.

→ What’s the best way to keep these fresh?

Pop them in an airtight container. If they’ll be eaten quickly, leave them at room temperature for up to seven days. Or, store them in the fridge for about two weeks.

→ Could I swap butterscotch for milk chocolate?

Absolutely! If chocolate is more your thing, melt some milk chocolate chips and use them instead of butterscotch chips.

→ What’s going wrong if my haystacks won’t firm up?

You’re probably overheating the mix. Melt just until most chips are soft, stir to smooth out the rest, and avoid microwaving too much.

→ Is it okay to freeze these treats?

Definitely! Throw them in a freezer-safe container and they’ll last for about 3 months. Pull them out and let thaw before munching.

Butterscotch Haystacks

Crunchy, sweet snacks made from creamy peanut butter, noodle crunch, and butterscotch. No oven needed—just mix and chill.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
3 Minutes
Total Time
28 Minutes

Category: Dessert Recipes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Put parchment or wax paper on two baking trays.

Step 02

Roughly chop your roasted peanuts into smaller pieces.

Step 03

Place peanut butter, salt, and butterscotch chips in a big bowl that’s safe for the microwave.

Step 04

Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes, giving it a stir halfway through.

Step 05

If it's not melted enough, pop it back in for 20-second intervals until it’s mostly smooth.

Step 06

Throw in the peanuts and chow mein noodles.

Step 07

Stir everything so it all comes together nicely.

Step 08

Scoop about 2 big spoonfuls of the mix onto the prepared trays.

Step 09

Let them sit for 40 minutes at room temp or pop them in the fridge for 20 minutes, so they can firm up.

Notes

  1. Avoid using natural-style peanut butter for this.
  2. You can melt everything in a double boiler if you don't want to use a microwave.
  3. You’ll end up with about 36 haystacks.
  4. Store them in a container with a good seal to keep them fresh.
  5. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  6. Perfect for family get-togethers or festive occasions.

Tools You'll Need

  • Microwave-safe mixing bowl.
  • Two baking trays.
  • A roll of parchment paper for lining.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Peanuts are part of the recipe.
  • Butterscotch chips might contain soy.
  • Wheat can be in the fried 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