If you love quick no-bake treats that still bring the wow factor, Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks are about to become your new obsession. With just a handful of pantry staples, these sweet-and-salty clusters deliver a creamy peanut butter flavor balanced by rich chocolate and a satisfying crunch. They’re nostalgic, fun to make, and even more fun to eat.

Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute holiday platter or just need something delightful to munch on during a movie night, these haystacks check every box. Plus, no oven required! They’re the kind of treat both kids and adults reach for again and again.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

You can use semisweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips depending on how rich you want the flavor. Semisweet is a classic go-to, but dark chocolate pairs especially well with the peanut butter. Feel free to mix and match if you’re feeling creative!

Ingredients for the Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups chow mein noodles (dry)
1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Pinch of sea salt (optional, for topping)

How To Make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.

Step 2: Mix in the Noodles

Gently fold the chow mein noodles into the chocolate-peanut butter mixture until evenly coated. If you’re adding chopped peanuts for extra crunch, stir them in now.

Step 3: Shape the Haystacks

Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop clusters of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can shape them loosely for a more rustic look or compact them for a tidy finish.

Step 4: Let Them Set

Allow the haystacks to set at room temperature or chill them in the refrigerator for faster results. Once firm, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt if desired.

How to Serve and Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks

These haystacks are perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy evenings with tea. Stack them on a platter or in paper cupcake liners for easy sharing. They store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge if your kitchen runs warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds even more texture and pairs wonderfully with the noodles.

Do they freeze well?

Yes, you can freeze haystacks in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I swap the noodles with something else?

If you don’t have chow mein noodles, try cornflakes, pretzel sticks, or even broken graham crackers.

Are these gluten-free?

Check your chow mein noodles to confirm. Some are gluten-free, but many contain wheat.

How can I make them sweeter?

Use milk chocolate chips or add a drizzle of white chocolate on top.

Can I double the batch?

Yes, this recipe doubles (or even triples) easily with no changes needed!

Want More No-Bake Dessert Ideas?

If you love these Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies for a crunchy twist.
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars layered with cinnamon sugar.
Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a rich, creamy finish.
3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies when you’re craving a grab-and-go sweet.
Cinnamon Donut Bread that tastes like a cozy hug.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with dark or milk chocolate? Add any fun toppings?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Drop your questions too—let’s make dessert easy and delicious together.

More sweet inspiration over on my Pinterest @NinaDishes!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 12 haystacks
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These no-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks are the perfect quick treat. Creamy peanut butter and melted chocolate coat crunchy chow mein noodles in sweet, salty clusters that are great for holidays, parties, or a snack any day.

Ingredients

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

2 cups chow mein noodles (dry)

1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Pinch sea salt (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.

2. Gently fold the chow mein noodles into the chocolate-peanut butter mixture until evenly coated. If you’re adding chopped peanuts for extra crunch, stir them in now.

3. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop clusters of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape them loosely or compactly as desired.

4. Allow the haystacks to set at room temperature or chill them in the refrigerator until firm. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.