Peanut Butter Haystacks

Peanut Butter Haystacks Recipe: A Simple, Sweet, and No-Bake Treat

Looking for an easy-to-make dessert that is both delicious and quick? Peanut Butter Haystacks are the perfect solution! These delightful little treats are made with a combination of creamy peanut butter, butterscotch chips, crispy chow mein noodles, and marshmallows, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Not only are they incredibly simple to make, but they also require no baking, making them a fantastic option for when you need a fast dessert for a party, potluck, or just a treat for yourself and your family.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Haystacks Recipe

This Peanut Butter Haystacks recipe is both nostalgic and modern, offering a fun treat that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s a no-bake dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The combination of peanut butter and butterscotch chips creates a smooth, rich texture that coats the crispy chow mein noodles perfectly. Add in marshmallows for a delightful chew and chopped peanuts for some extra crunch, and you’ve got a dessert that is sure to be a hit!

Here are some reasons why this recipe will become your go-to for quick and easy treats:

• Simple Ingredients: Only a handful of ingredients are required—most of which you likely already have in your pantry.
• No-Bake Recipe: This is a great recipe for when you don’t have time to bake or want to avoid turning on the oven.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences—add more or less marshmallow, peanuts, or even drizzle some chocolate over the top.
• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for making with kids. The steps are simple, and it’s fun to shape the haystacks with your hands.
• Quick Prep Time: You can have a batch of these delicious haystacks ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Haystacks

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple, yet delicious treat:

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter – Peanut butter is the star of this recipe, adding both flavor and texture. Use smooth peanut butter for a creamy consistency.
• 1 cup butterscotch chips – The butterscotch chips add a rich, sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter. If you prefer, you can substitute them with white chocolate or milk chocolate chips.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Butter helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness to the flavor. Be sure to use unsalted butter to control the level of sodium.
• 3 cups crispy chow mein noodles – These noodles provide the “haystack” crunch. You can find them in most grocery stores, typically in the Asian food aisle.
• 1 cup mini marshmallows – These are optional, but they add a soft, chewy texture and extra sweetness to the haystacks. You can omit them if you prefer a less sweet version.
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts – If you enjoy an extra crunch, chopped peanuts are the perfect addition. They also bring a savory note that complements the sweetness of the peanut butter and butterscotch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Peanut Butter Haystacks

1. Melt the Peanut Butter, Butterscotch Chips, and Butter:
   In a medium saucepan, add the 1 cup of smooth peanut butter, 1 cup of butterscotch chips, and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the mixture, so keep stirring to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pan.
2. Prepare the Chow Mein Noodles:
   While the peanut butter mixture is melting, place the 3 cups of crispy chow mein noodles into a large mixing bowl. You can break the noodles into smaller pieces if you prefer, but this step is optional. The crunchy texture of the noodles adds the characteristic “haystack” look and feel.
3. Add Mini Marshmallows:
   If you’re using 1 cup of mini marshmallows, add them to the bowl with the chow mein noodles. The marshmallows will soften as you mix in the warm peanut butter-butterscotch mixture, giving the haystacks a chewy and sweet bite.
4. Combine the Mixture:
   Once the peanut butter, butterscotch, and butter have melted and formed a smooth, glossy sauce, pour this mixture over the noodles and marshmallows in the mixing bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure that all the noodles are coated with the peanut butter-butterscotch mixture.
5. Add Chopped Peanuts (Optional):
   If you like a bit of extra crunch, add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts into the bowl and mix them in. The peanuts bring both texture and a bit of salty flavor to balance out the sweetness of the peanut butter and butterscotch.
6. Shape the Haystacks:
   Once everything is well-coated, use a spoon to scoop the mixture and place small mounds (about 1 to 2 tablespoons each) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. These mounds will naturally form the “haystack” shape, but you can also use your fingers to gently shape them into small nests or clusters.
7. Let the Haystacks Set:
   After shaping all the haystacks, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes to let the mixture set and harden. This will give the haystacks a firm texture so they can be easily handled.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the haystacks have set and are firm to the touch, they’re ready to serve. Enjoy them right away, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The following nutritional values are based on one Peanut Butter Haystack serving, assuming the recipe makes about 12 haystacks. Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of peanut butter or the amount of marshmallows.

• Calories: 190 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 4% DV
• Calcium: 1% DV
• Iron: 2% DV

Weight Watchers Points Breakdown

For those following the  Weight Watchers program, these Peanut Butter Haystacks are a delicious treat that won’t break your points bank. The following are approximate WW points per serving (1 haystack):

• Green Plan: 6 points per serving
• Blue Plan: 5 points per serving
• Purple Plan: 5 points per serving

These points are based on using standard ingredients such as smooth peanut butter, butterscotch chips, and marshmallows. Adjustments to the recipe (like using sugar-free butterscotch chips or eliminating the marshmallows) can affect the points value.