Haystack Candy Tower

Featured in: All-American Desserts

This treat features a crunchy base of chow mein noodles mixed with melted butterscotch and peanut butter. A middle layer of pretzels, semisweet chocolate, and mini marshmallows adds texture and sweetness, topped with white chocolate, toasted coconut, and chopped peanuts for extra flavor. No baking required and simple to prepare, it's a fun, layered confection perfect for sharing and festive occasions.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 12:52:00 GMT
Golden-brown Haystack Candy Tower, stacked high, ready to share, with crunchy noodles and melted butterscotch. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Haystack Candy Tower, stacked high, ready to share, with crunchy noodles and melted butterscotch. | krispyrecipes.com

A whimsical and delicious tower of crunchy, sweet haystack candies layered and stacked for a fun, shareable treat.

This recipe has become a favorite at family gatherings because it combines simple ingredients into a delightful treat everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

  • Base Layer: 2 cups chow mein noodles (crispy, dry), 1 cup butterscotch chips, 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy)
  • Middle Layer: 2 cups pretzel sticks, broken into thirds, 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
  • Top Layer: 1 cup white chocolate chips, 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut, 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts

Instructions

Step 1:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter together in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
Step 3:
Add chow mein noodles to the butterscotch mixture and stir gently to coat. Drop heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet to form the base layer. Let set for 5 minutes.
Step 4:
In another bowl, melt semisweet chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Add pretzel sticks and mini marshmallows; mix gently. Spoon smaller mounds on top of each butterscotch base to create the middle layer. Allow to set for 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Melt white chocolate chips in a clean bowl. Stir in toasted coconut and chopped peanuts. Spoon a small dollop atop each candy tower to finish.
Step 6:
Let the towers set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 minutes until firm. Serve stacked on a platter for a dramatic presentation.
A delicious, decadent Haystack Candy Tower, featuring pretzels, marshmallows, and rich chocolate on a silver platter. Save to Pinterest
A delicious, decadent Haystack Candy Tower, featuring pretzels, marshmallows, and rich chocolate on a silver platter. | krispyrecipes.com

This recipe always brings smiles at dessert time with everyone eager to share the tasty haystack towers.

Required Tools

Microwave-safe mixing bowls, parchment paper, baking sheet, mixing spoons

Allergen Information

Contains peanuts, milk, soy, and wheat (in chow mein noodles and pretzels). May contain gluten. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 215, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 4 g per serving

This impressive Haystack Candy Tower offers layers of crunchy, sweet, and nutty textures for your dessert table. Save to Pinterest
This impressive Haystack Candy Tower offers layers of crunchy, sweet, and nutty textures for your dessert table. | krispyrecipes.com

Enjoy these delightful haystack candy towers as a quick and crowd-pleasing dessert that requires no baking.

Common Recipe Questions

What gives the base its crunch?

Crunchy chow mein noodles combined with melted butterscotch and peanut butter form the crisp foundation.

Can I substitute ingredients for allergies?

Yes, sunflower seed butter can replace peanut butter and omit peanuts for a nut-free version.

How do the layers set without baking?

The mixture sets at room temperature or in the fridge, letting the melted chocolates firm up naturally.

What textures can I expect in this treat?

A mix of crunchy noodles and pretzels, gooey melted chips, soft marshmallows, and toasted coconut creates a variety of textures.

Are there tips for enhancing flavor?

Try swapping butterscotch or semisweet chips for dark chocolate or adding colorful sprinkles on top for extra flair.

Haystack Candy Tower

Crunchy layers of butterscotch, chocolate, and toasted coconut create a sweet, shareable tower.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
0
Overall Time
20 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type All-American Desserts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Total Portions 12 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations Veggie-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Base Layer

01 2 cups dry chow mein noodles
02 1 cup butterscotch chips
03 ½ cup creamy peanut butter

Middle Layer

01 2 cups pretzel sticks, broken into thirds
02 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
03 ½ cup mini marshmallows

Top Layer

01 1 cup white chocolate chips
02 ½ cup toasted shredded coconut
03 ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare the base layer: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the butterscotch chips and peanut butter together in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in chow mein noodles until evenly coated. Drop heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared sheet to form the base layer and let set for 5 minutes.

Step 02

Assemble the middle layer: Melt semisweet chocolate chips in a clean bowl using short microwave bursts until smooth. Gently mix in broken pretzel sticks and mini marshmallows. Spoon smaller mounds atop each base layer portion and allow to set for 5 minutes.

Step 03

Finish with the top layer: Melt white chocolate chips in a separate bowl. Stir in toasted shredded coconut and chopped roasted peanuts. Place a small dollop over each layered candy tower.

Step 04

Set and serve: Allow the formed towers to set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 minutes until firm. Serve stacked on a platter for a festive presentation.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Microwave-safe mixing bowls
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing spoons

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains peanuts, milk, soy, and wheat. May contain gluten. Verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 215
  • Total Fat: 12 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 24 grams
  • Protein Content: 4 grams