Haystack Candy

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A crunchy, sweet and salty treat combining butterscotch, peanut butter, and crispy shoestring potatoes, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 12 oz. butterscotch morsels
  • 1 cup shoestring potatoes
  • 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Melt the butterscotch morsels and peanut butter together in a saucepan over low heat.
  2. Remove from heat once melted and smooth.
  3. Add the shoestring potatoes and pecans or walnuts to the melted mixture.
  4. Mix well until all ingredients are coated.
  5. Drop spoonfuls onto waxed paper and let cool until set.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, ensure the butterscotch and peanut butter are fully melted before mixing. If you prefer a different nut, almonds or cashews can be used instead of pecans or walnuts. Consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. For a fun twist, try incorporating mini marshmallows or dried fruits. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.

Serving Suggestions

These haystack candies make a delightful treat for parties or holiday gatherings. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun dessert platter, combine them with slices of Excellent Moist Chocolate Flat Pan Cake or some Old Fashion Cheese Cake. Kids love them, making them a great addition to lunchboxes or as after-school snacks.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover haystack candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the consistency of the chocolate and candy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Haystack Candy contains roughly 829 calories, with 12g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), potassium (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

829 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.5g 23% DV
Total Fat 60.9g 78% DV
Carbs 66g 24% DV
Fiber 11g 39% DV
Sugar 2.6g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 6.8mg
Potassium 1729.3mg 37% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.8mcg
Vitamin C 22.5mg 25% DV
Calcium 59.9mg 5% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Peanut Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this recipe more festive for the holidays?

To make your haystack candies more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations on top before they set. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished haystacks for a beautiful contrast and extra sweetness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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