This recipe is the ultimate combination of flavor and convenience. No baking, no fancy tools, and minimal cleanup make these haystacks an easy win. They’re rich, sweet, and full of texture with the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter. Plus, they’re great for making in large batches and can be customized with a variety of add-ins to suit your taste or the occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
Creamy peanut butter
Chow mein noodles or quick oats
Butterscotch chips (optional)
Vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt (optional)
Directions
In a medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if using.
Gently fold in the chow mein noodles or oats, mixing until they are fully coated with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping into mounds.
Let the haystacks sit at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator until firm, about 30–45 minutes.
Once set, store in an airtight container.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 20–24 haystacks. Prep time: 10 minutes Chill time: 30–45 minutes Total time: 40–55 minutes
Variations
Add-ins: Mix in chopped peanuts, mini marshmallows, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
Butterscotch twist: Add butterscotch chips for a caramel-like flavor.
Holiday version: Decorate with colored sprinkles or candy melts for festive flair.
Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter instead of peanut butter.
Healthier: Use dark chocolate and natural peanut butter with no added sugar.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks if you prefer a firmer texture. Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheating: No reheating needed—just let frozen haystacks thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds extra texture.
Do I have to use chow mein noodles?
No, you can substitute with quick oats, pretzel sticks, or even cornflakes.
Can I make these without chocolate chips?
You can use melting chocolate, chocolate bars, or baking chocolate as an alternative.
Are these gluten-free?
They can be if you use gluten-free oats or gluten-free chow mein noodles and chocolate.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Absolutely. This is a great kid-friendly recipe since it’s no-bake and easy to assemble.
Can I use white chocolate?
Yes, but white chocolate tends to be sweeter, so consider reducing other sweet elements or adding a pinch of salt.
Why are my haystacks not setting?
Make sure you use enough chocolate and peanut butter to coat and bind the dry ingredients. Refrigerating helps them firm up faster.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger bowl or saucepan to mix and adjust the cooling time if needed.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate?
You can melt it in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
Refrigeration is optional but recommended if your kitchen is warm or you want them to set quickly.
Conclusion
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks are a quick and easy treat that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With their rich chocolatey coating, creamy peanut butter flavor, and delightful crunch, these no-fuss haystacks are perfect for anytime snacking, gifting, or holiday sharing. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your no-bake dessert collection.
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks are chewy, crunchy, chocolatey clusters made with simple ingredients like chow mein noodles or oats, chocolate chips, and peanut butter. These quick, no-fuss treats are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups chow mein noodles or quick oats
1/2 cup butterscotch chips (optional)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together over low heat or in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring until smooth.
Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if using.
Gently fold in the chow mein noodles or oats until evenly coated with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping into small mounds.
Let the haystacks set at room temperature or refrigerate for 30–45 minutes until firm.
Store in an airtight container once set.
Notes
Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.Chow mein noodles give a crisp texture, but oats, cornflakes, or pretzels can be used as alternatives.Customize with chopped nuts, marshmallows, or shredded coconut.Decorate with sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate for festive versions.For a healthier twist, use dark chocolate and natural peanut butter.
