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Crunchy Peanut Butter Haystacks Recipe

Crunchy Peanut Butter Haystacks Recipe


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4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Irresistible peanut butter haystacks offer a delightful blend of crispy noodles and sweet chocolate. Home cooks can quickly craft this nostalgic no-bake dessert that delights friends and family with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 11 oz (311 g) butterscotch chips
  • 1 cup (240 mL) creamy peanut butter
  • 5 oz (142 g) crispy chow mein noodles
  • ½ cup (75 g) salted peanuts

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Arrange parchment paper on a baking sheet and gather all ingredients for seamless preparation.
  2. Melting Phase: Using low heat, gently melt peanut butter and butterscotch chips in a saucepan, stirring continuously until achieving a smooth, golden liquid consistency without any chip remnants.
  3. Texture Building: In a large mixing bowl, combine crispy chow mein noodles and salted peanuts, creating a crunchy foundation for the haystacks.
  4. Incorporation: Pour the warm, glossy melted mixture over dry ingredients, thoroughly folding to ensure complete and even coating of noodles and peanuts.
  5. Forming Haystacks: Carefully spoon clustered mounds onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining rustic, irregular shapes characteristic of traditional haystacks.
  6. Setting and Cooling: Allow haystacks to rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, or expedite the process by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator until completely firm.
  7. Serving and Storage: Delicately transfer set haystacks from parchment paper, serving immediately or preserving in an airtight container to maintain optimal crispness.

Notes

  • Control Melting Temperature: Use extremely low heat when melting butterscotch chips and peanut butter to prevent burning and maintain smooth consistency.
  • Prevent Ingredient Separation: Stir continuously during melting process to ensure uniform texture and prevent ingredients from splitting or becoming grainy.
  • Achieve Perfect Coating: Fold mixture gently but thoroughly, ensuring every noodle and peanut gets completely covered for maximum flavor distribution.
  • Optimize Cooling Strategy: Choose between room temperature setting (30-45 minutes) or refrigeration for faster firming, depending on time constraints and desired texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 218
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg