Chocolate Peanut Butter Chow Mein Haystacks Recipe
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks are a quick and delightful no-bake treat combining the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter with the satisfying crunch of chow mein noodles and optional nuts. Perfect for an easy dessert or snack, they require minimal ingredients and come together in minutes with no baking required.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 20 small haystacks 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, if preferred)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups chow mein noodles (crunchy, from a can)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup butterscotch chips (optional, for sweeter flavor)
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate & peanut butter: Place chocolate chips and butterscotch chips, if using, in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted. Then stir in the creamy peanut butter until fully combined with the chocolate.
- Add the crunch: Gently fold in the crunchy chow mein noodles and salted peanuts, ensuring all pieces are well coated with the chocolate and peanut butter mixture without breaking the noodles.
- Shape the haystacks: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the sheet and shape them into small haystack mounds typical of the treat’s name.
- Chill to set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the haystacks have firmed up completely.
- Serve & store: Once set, enjoy the haystacks immediately or transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- If you prefer milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet, it will make the haystacks sweeter and creamier.
- Adding butterscotch chips brings a delightful caramel flavor that pairs well with peanut butter.
- For a nut-free version, omit the salted peanuts.
- Make sure to gently fold the noodles to keep them crunchy.
- Store leftovers in the fridge to prevent melting and keep texture crisp.
Keywords: chocolate peanut butter haystacks, no bake dessert, easy chocolate treats, peanut butter snacks, crunchy haystacks
