Four ingredients and just 10 minutes are all you’ll need to make this Easy Vintage Haystacks Candy recipe. Crunchy chow mein noodles, butterscotch, and peanut butter combine in this no-bake treat for the holiday season or any time of year. It’s an easy to make vintage candy recipe that’s a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy!
‘Tis the season for holiday baking and candy making! And though I do enjoy a leisurely day in the kitchen making Christmas candies, I also appreciate recipes that can be whipped up in just a few minutes.
This vintage recipe for No-Bake Butterscotch Haystacks Candy is one of the quickest and simplest recipes I know. It takes about 10 minutes from getting the ingredients out of the pantry to dropping them onto the paper to cool.
This retro haystacks recipe has been in my files forever. Since high school, as a matter of fact. I distinctly remember being introduced to it by my childhood friend, Sandra, when we were in about the tenth grade. It’s a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, and makes a lovely addition to your assortment of more traditional Christmas candies.
— This post was originally published on December 11, 2012. It has been updated with new photographs and additional information.
Recipe Snapshot
Cuisine: Southern, Vintage
Cooking Method: Microwave
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Servings: 24
Primary Ingredient(s): Chow mein noodles, peanut butter, butterscotch chips, peanuts
Skill Level: Easy
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Yum, I haven’t made these in years! Thanks for bringing these back to my thoughts and I think I will whip up a batch for Christmas and maybe bring back some pleasant (and tasty) memories for my kids.”
— Lenoria
Ingredient Notes
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- Peanuts — I like to use the small, red-skinned Spanish peanuts for this, but dry roasted also work.
- Butterscotch Chips — Purchase a good quality brand. I typically use Nestle.
- Peanut Butter — You’ll want smooth peanut butter for this recipe.
- Chow Mein Noodles — I recommend La Choy brand, unflavored, chow mein noodles. Look for these in the aisle with the Asian cooking ingredients.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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How to Make Easy Vintage Haystacks
- In a large bowl, microwave the butterscotch chips and peanut butter on 50% power for 3 to 5 minutes or until the chips have melted, stirring after each one-minute increment.
Pro Tip
It’s important to use 50% power on the microwave, or you’ll wind up with butterscotch chips that have seized or burned. Stir the mixture every minute. Alternatively, you can melt the chips and peanut butter in the top of a double boiler.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the peanuts and chow mein noodles. Stir gently until everything is coated very well. Take care not to break the noodles too much.
- Drop the mixture by teaspoonfuls onto waxed or parchment paper. Let it sit at room temperature until completely cooled and firm. It may take several hours for the candy to become firm, depending on the humidity that day.
Storage and Make Ahead Information
- Make Ahead: It goes without saying that these can and should be made in advance.
- Storage: Best stored at room temperature. Refrigerating the haystacks tends to make them too firm. Place the finished candy in an airtight container and keep for 5 to 7 days (they would be fine for longer, but the noodles tend to become stale after a while).
- Freezing: Not recommended.
Variations
- Swap out the peanuts with slivered almonds, chopped pecans, cashews, or walnuts.
- Use milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or white chocolate chips in place of the butterscotch.
- Add sprinkles for a pop of color and interest.
- Drizzle the finished haystacks with melted milk chocolate.
- For an Easter theme, shape the haystacks into the form of a nest and add a few egg-shaped candies in the center.
Questions About Haystacks Candy
These candies are called haystacks because they resemble an old-fashioned stack of hay.
The chow mein noodles you’ll use in this recipe are the crispy, quick-cooked noodles available in most U.S. grocery stores. The most popular brand (and the one used for this recipe) is La Choy.
More Homemade Candy Recipes
Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Bark
Easy 5-Minute Microwave Fudge
Homemade Southern Pecan Pralines
Saltine Cracker Toffee
Have a question or thought to share?
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Recipe
Easy Vintage Haystacks Candy
Ingredients
- 1 cup butterscotch chips (recommend: Nestle Toll House brand)
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup salted peanuts
- 2 cups chow mein noodles (La Choy brand recommended)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, microwave the butterscotch chips and peanut butter on 50% power for 3 to 5 minutes or until the chips have melted, stirring after each one minute increment.1 cup butterscotch chips, ½ cup peanut butter
- Remove from the microwave and stir in the peanuts and chow mein noodles.½ cup salted peanuts, 2 cups chow mein noodles
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed or parchment paper. Let sit until completely cooled and firm. It may take several hours for the candy to become firm.
Notes
- It’s important to use 50% power on the microwave or you’ll wind up with butterscotch chips that have seized or burned. Stir the mixture every minute. Alternately, you can melt the chips and peanut butter in the top of a double boiler.
- Storage: Best stored at room temperature. Refrigerating the haystacks tends to make them too firm. Place the finished candy in an airtight container and keep for 5 to 7 days (they would be fine for longer but the noodles tend to become stale after a while).
- Freezing: Not recommended.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
So easy, but sooo delicious!