Haystack Candy Tower Delight

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

This tower features crunchy chow mein noodles coated in melted butterscotch and peanut butter as the base, topped with a layer of semisweet chocolate, pretzels, and mini marshmallows, then finished with white chocolate, toasted coconut, and roasted peanuts. No baking is required, making it a quick, easy, and fun dessert to assemble for gatherings or casual treats. Variations include swapping in dark chocolate or adding sprinkles for extra flair.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 08:40:00 GMT
Haystack Candy Tower, a whimsical treat, stacked high with crunchy noodles and melted butterscotch. Save
Haystack Candy Tower, a whimsical treat, stacked high with crunchy noodles and melted butterscotch. | olivebriar.com

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

I enjoy making these candy towers with family because layering the different textures brings everyone together.

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.
Sweet Haystack Candy Tower, featuring layers of chocolate, pretzels, and toasted coconut; delicious! Pin it
Sweet Haystack Candy Tower, featuring layers of chocolate, pretzels, and toasted coconut; delicious! | olivebriar.com

This recipe always brings smiles during our family gatherings as everyone enjoys picking apart their favorite candy layers.

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

Enjoy a delicious Haystack Candy Tower: a homemade dessert with layers of sweet and salty goodness. Pin it
Enjoy a delicious Haystack Candy Tower: a homemade dessert with layers of sweet and salty goodness. | olivebriar.com

Enjoy this sweet and crunchy treat fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gives the tower its crunchy texture?

The base uses crispy chow mein noodles and pretzel sticks in the middle layer, providing a satisfying crunch.

Can I prepare the layers ahead of time?

Yes, each layer can be assembled and set separately before stacking to make assembly easier.

Are there nut-free options for this treat?

Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit chopped peanuts to make it nut-free.

How should the candy tower be stored?

Keep it at room temperature or refrigerate to help the layers firm up and maintain texture.

What is the best way to melt the chips and peanut butter?

Use short microwave bursts of about 30 seconds, stirring in between to ensure smooth melting without burning.

Haystack Candy Tower Delight

Crunchy layers of butterscotch, pretzels, and toasted coconut form a whimsical sweet tower.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
1 Minutes
Total Time
21 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Base Layer

01 2 cups chow mein noodles (crispy, dry)
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

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Melt Butterscotch and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat butterscotch chips and creamy peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Step 03

Form Base Layer: Gently fold chow mein noodles into the melted mixture to coat evenly. Drop heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared sheet and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Create Middle Layer: Melt semisweet chocolate chips in a separate bowl until smooth. Stir in broken pretzel sticks and mini marshmallows. Spoon smaller mounds atop each base portion and allow to set for 5 minutes.

Step 05

Finish with Top Layer: Melt white chocolate chips in a clean container. Combine with toasted coconut and chopped roasted peanuts, then dollop a small amount on each stack.

Step 06

Set and Serve: Allow candy towers to set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 minutes until firm. Present stacked on a serving platter.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains peanuts, milk, soy, and wheat (present in chow mein noodles and pretzels).
  • May contain gluten; verify ingredient labels accordingly.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 215
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 4 g