Haystack Candy Tower Delight

Featured in: Cozy Baking Ideas

This crunchy haystack candy tower blends layers of butterscotch-coated chow mein noodles, pretzels with melted chocolate and mini marshmallows, and a topping of white chocolate mixed with toasted coconut and chopped peanuts. Quick to prepare with no baking required, it offers a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. Perfect for sharing and easy to customize with richer chocolates or nut-free alternatives.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:30:00 GMT
Crispy Haystack Candy Tower, a delightful dessert with layers of sweet and crunchy treats. Save
Crispy Haystack Candy Tower, a delightful dessert with layers of sweet and crunchy treats. | birchplate.com

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

I love making these haystack candy towers because they bring back memories of festive family get-togethers where everyone pitched in to build their own sweet creation.

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.
Enjoy a close-up of the finished Haystack Candy Tower, perfect for sharing and satisfying cravings. Save
Enjoy a close-up of the finished Haystack Candy Tower, perfect for sharing and satisfying cravings. | birchplate.com

This recipe always brings the family together, with everyone eager to add their own twist to the candy tower creation process.

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

Allergen Information

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

Homemade Haystack Candy Tower, featuring layers of chocolate, peanuts, and coconut for a festive treat. Save
Homemade Haystack Candy Tower, featuring layers of chocolate, peanuts, and coconut for a festive treat. | birchplate.com

This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion and easy enough to whip up in under 30 minutes.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What is the best way to melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips?

Use a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to achieve a smooth melt without burning.

Can I substitute the peanuts for a nut-free option?

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

How long does it take for the candy tower to set?

Let the layers set at room temperature for about 5 minutes each, then chill for 15 minutes for firmness.

Are there any allergens present in this treat?

This contains peanuts, milk, soy, and wheat from noodles and pretzels; always check ingredient labels if concerned.

Can I add any festive touches to the tower?

Yes, colorful sprinkles on top add a fun, festive appearance to the candy tower.

Haystack Candy Tower Delight

A crunchy, layered sweet tower blending butterscotch, pretzels, chocolate, marshmallows, and toasted coconut.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
0
Overall Time
20 minutes
Created by Elena Hart


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings produced 12 Serving Size

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Base Layer

01 2 cups crispy chow mein noodles
02 1 cup butterscotch chips
03 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Middle Layer

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

Top Layer

01 1 cup white chocolate chips
02 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut
03 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare Work Surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Melt Base Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butterscotch chips with peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Step 03

Form Base Layer: Gently fold chow mein noodles into the butterscotch mixture to coat evenly. Drop heaping spoonfuls onto the lined baking sheet to form the base layer and let set for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Prepare Middle Layer: Melt semisweet chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl, stirring smooth. Add pretzel sticks and mini marshmallows, mixing gently. Spoon smaller mounds atop each base to create the middle layer and allow to set for 5 minutes.

Step 05

Finish with Top Layer: Melt white chocolate chips in a clean bowl. Stir in toasted shredded coconut and chopped peanuts. Spoon a small dollop onto each tower to complete the topping.

Step 06

Set and Serve: Allow the assembled towers to set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 minutes until firm. Serve stacked on a platter for an eye-catching presentation.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains peanuts, milk, soy, and wheat.
  • May contain gluten.
  • Check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 215
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Proteins: 4 g