Haystack Treats

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Sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy all at once — Haystack Treats are the no-bake wonder your dessert table has been craving. These delightful clusters come together with just a few pantry staples, creating a nostalgic bite that’s perfect for gifting, parties, or sneaky midnight snacks.

They look fancy, but they couldn’t be easier. Melted chocolate hugs crispy chow mein noodles and nutty peanut butter to form these irresistible stacks. Whether you’re making them for a holiday tray or a simple weeknight craving, Haystack Treats bring the joy of homemade candy with zero fuss.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

You can use milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate depending on your flavor preference. Milk chocolate creates a creamy, sweet finish that’s closest to the traditional taste. Want to get fancy? A mix of milk and butterscotch chips adds a richer dimension.

Ingredients for the Haystack Treats

Chow Mein Noodles: These provide the signature crunch and “haystack” look. You can find them in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores.

Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter binds the chocolate and noodles together with a rich, nutty undertone. You can substitute with almond or sunflower butter for dietary needs.

Milk Chocolate Chips: These give the treats their luscious, sweet coating. Make sure to melt gently to prevent scorching.

Butterscotch Chips (optional): Adding these offers a hint of caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.

Sea Salt (optional): A light sprinkle over the top adds contrast and elevates the flavors.

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How To Make the Haystack Treats

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips (and butterscotch chips if using) with peanut butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth.

Step 2: Fold in the Noodles

Once the chocolate mixture is melted and creamy, gently fold in the chow mein noodles until fully coated. Be careful not to crush them—you want nice, whole sticks for that haystack look.

Step 3: Scoop and Shape

Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop clusters onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Try to keep them bite-sized and stacked like little hay piles.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the treats for about 30 minutes or until firm. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy or store away for later.

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How to Serve and Store These Treats

Haystack Treats are best served chilled, straight from the fridge. Their cool crunch and smooth chocolate are especially satisfying when cold. For parties or platters, let them sit out for a few minutes before serving so they don’t snap when bitten.

To store, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

What to Serve With Haystack Treats?

Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

For a chocolate-heavy dessert spread, this creamy pie complements haystacks perfectly.

Nutella French Toast Casserole

Pair rich and crunchy haystacks with a soft, indulgent brunch bake.

Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies

Another nostalgic treat with a playful twist and a peanut buttery connection.

Twix Cookie Cups

Keep the chocolate and caramel theme going with these gooey, bite-sized cookie cups.

Streusel Coffee Cake

For a cozier pairing, coffee cake offers a warm cinnamon note next to these crisp candies.

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

This creamy dessert adds texture contrast and festive flavor.

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Want More No-Bake Treat Ideas?

If you love these Haystack Treats, you’ll want to try these next:

• Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie for layers of chocolate and fruit goodness.
• Nutella French Toast Casserole — a warm brunch recipe that feels like dessert.
• Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies for a chewy, festive bite.
• Twix Cookie Cups filled with caramel and topped with chocolate.
• Streusel Coffee Cake for crumbly, buttery bites that balance sweet stacks.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add butterscotch? Maybe a sprinkle of sea salt? Did your kids help shape them?

I love seeing how these no-bake bites become part of your traditions. Got questions? Ask away—let’s make sweet magic together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and creative dessert spins on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes Pinterest and discover your new go-to for joyful snacking!

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