Here’s a super easy, no-bake chocolate haystacks recipe you can make today with just a few basic ingredients.
If you’re using the stove or microwave, ask an adult to help with the hot parts, especially when melting chocolate or handling hot bowls.
Simple No-Bake Chocolate Haystacks
What are “haystacks”?
They’re crunchy little clusters made from chow mein noodles or cornflakes (or oats/coconut), mixed with melted chocolate and peanut butter. They look like tiny hay piles and taste like crunchy candy bars.
Ingredients (Makes about 18–24 haystacks)
You can mix and match a bit, but here’s a classic version:
Base:
2 cups (about 100 g) crispy chow mein noodles
or 2 cups cornflakes (crushed slightly)
(You can also add ½ cup oats or shredded coconut if you like.)
Chocolate coating:
1 cup (175–200 g) chocolate chips
– semi-sweet or milk chocolate both work
¼ cup (60 g) peanut butter (creamy works best)
(Use sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread if needed.)
Optional add-ins:
¼ cup shredded coconut
¼ cup chopped peanuts, almonds, or walnuts
2–3 tbsp mini marshmallows
Sprinkles or a pinch of sea salt on top
Equipment
Medium microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
Mixing spoon or spatula
Baking sheet or large plate
Parchment paper or wax paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep your tray
Line a baking sheet (or large plate) with parchment or wax paper.
Set it aside—this is where your haystacks will set.
2. Measure the crunchy stuff
Add 2 cups of chow mein noodles or slightly crushed cornflakes to a large bowl.
If you’re using extras like coconut, oats, or nuts, add them now and gently toss to combine.
3. Melt the chocolate + peanut butter
You can use microwave or stovetop:
Microwave method (easiest)
In a microwave-safe bowl, add:
1 cup chocolate chips
¼ cup peanut butter
Heat in 15–20 second bursts, stirring after each burst.
Stop when the mixture is smooth and fully melted—don’t overheat it or it can burn or go grainy.
Stovetop method
Add chocolate chips and peanut butter to a small saucepan.
Heat on very low, stirring constantly, until smooth and melted.
Take off the heat as soon as it’s melted.
4. Combine everything
Pour the melted chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the noodles/cornflakes in the big bowl.
Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until all the crunchy bits are coated.
Try not to crush the noodles/flakes too much—you want them to stay chunky and haystack-y.
5. Shape the haystacks
Use a spoon to drop small mounds of the mixture onto the lined tray, about 1–2 tablespoons each.
If you want them to look extra “haystack-ish,” use the spoon to rough up the tops a bit.
Optional:
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt, sprinkles, or extra coconut on top of each haystack while the chocolate is still soft.
6. Let them set
You’ve got two options:
Room temperature:
Let them sit on the counter for about 1–2 hours, until firm.
Fridge (faster):
Put the tray in the fridge for 20–30 minutes or until the haystacks are solid.
Once set, peel them off the paper and they’re ready to eat!
Flavour Variations to Try
Once you’ve done the basic recipe, you can customise it a ton:
1. White chocolate haystacks
Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips.
Add coconut and maybe freeze-dried raspberries or coloured sprinkles.
2. S’mores haystacks
Use cornflakes as your base.
Stir in mini marshmallows and a few crushed graham crackers.
Keep the chocolate/peanut butter coating as usual.
3. Peanut-free version
Use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter instead of peanut butter.
Make sure chocolate chips are from a peanut-free brand if that’s important for allergies.
4. Extra crunchy
Mix chow mein noodles and cornflakes together.
Add chopped nuts if you can have them.
Storage Tips
To keep your haystacks tasty:
Store in an airtight container.
Keep at room temperature if your kitchen isn’t too warm, or in the fridge if it’s hot or you like them extra firm.
They usually stay good for about 5–7 days (if they last that long 👀).
Quick Safety & Success Tips
Let the bowl cool a bit after melting chocolate so it’s not too hot to handle.
If the mixture seems too dry and won’t stick together, melt a tiny bit more chocolate/peanut butter and stir it in.
If it’s too runny, add a handful more noodles, cornflakes, or oats.