Save A whimsical and delicious tower of crunchy, sweet haystack candies layered and stacked for a fun, shareable treat.
This recipe reminds me of the joy of creating colorful treats with family during holidays.
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.
Save Sharing these candy towers with my family always brightens our celebrations and brings smiles all around.
Notes
Swap butterscotch or chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Add colorful sprinkles to the top for a festive touch. For a nut-free version use sunflower seed butter and omit peanuts.
Required Tools
Microwave-safe mixing bowls, Parchment paper, Baking sheet, Mixing spoons
Nutritional Information
Calories: 215, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 4 g per serving
Save Enjoy this crunchy sweet treat fresh or chilled for a fun snack anytime.
Cooking Questions
- → What gives the base layer its crunch?
The base layer's crunch comes from crispy chow mein noodles mixed with melted butterscotch and creamy peanut butter.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in the topping?
Yes, to avoid nuts, use sunflower seed butter and omit chopped peanuts in the topping.
- → How do I ensure the layers set properly?
Let each layer set for about 5 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate the assembled tower for 15 minutes until firm.
- → What adds flavor to the middle layer?
The middle layer blends semisweet chocolate chips with pretzel sticks and mini marshmallows for a mix of sweet and salty textures.
- → Can I customize the sweetness level?
Switching butterscotch or semisweet chocolate chips to dark chocolate chips will create a richer, less sweet flavor.