Butterscotch haystack nests are a sweet no-bake candy that's perfect for spring and Easter. Crunchy chow mein noodles are coated in butterscotch and peanut butter and topped with robin's egg candies.
Why you'll love this recipe
Flavor: Salty & sweet, nutty.
Easy and no-bake. Make a batch in about 20 minutes, no baking needed.
Few ingredients. All you need are crunchy chow mein noodles, shredded coconut, butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and robin's egg candies.
Yield: 24 nests
Great for: Filling Easter baskets, baby showers, spring parties, gift giving.
Similar to: Chocolate Turtle Easter Eggs and Chocolate Pretzel Clusters
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Ingredients and substitutions
- Chow mein noodles - Can be found in the international section of your local grocery store. They are hard, crunchy, salty sticks that are often used like a crouton on salads. For this recipe, you'll need one 5-ounce can. If you can't find chow mein noodles locally, you can always buy them on Amazon: La Choy CHOW MEIN NOODLES Asian Cuisine 5oz (2 pack). Chow mein noodles can be substituted with crushed pretzel pieces, potato sticks, corn flakes, chex cereal, or rice krispies cereal. Keep in mind that some of these alternatives may be harder to form into nests. You'll need about 3 ½ cups of your chow mein noodle substitute.
- Butterscotch chips - Adds sweetness and butterscotch flavor. Butterscotch chips also give your nests their light brown color. Butterscotch chips could be substituted with chocolate chips if desired, but keep in mind your nests will turn out darker in color. The baking chips can't be omitted because they act as a glue to hold the nests together after they've dried.
- Unsweetened coconut flakes - Can be substituted with chopped peanuts if you don't care for coconut.
- Robin's egg candies - Can be found seasonally around Easter. Any small egg-shaped candies will work, like jelly beans or peanut M&M's.
- Peanut butter - Can be substituted with your favorite nut or seed butter, like almond butter or sun butter.
How to make haystack nests
- In a large bowl, add chow mein noodles and coconut. In a separate, microwave-safe bowl, add butterscotch chips and peanut butter.
- Microwave in 30 second increments and stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour over chow mein mixture and toss until coated.
- Spoon noodles onto a lined baking sheet and form into nests. Top with robin's egg candies before chocolate has set.
Tips and tricks
Line baking sheets with parchment - Haystacks will stick to an unlined baking sheet, so I highly recommend using parchment paper or wax paper.
Work quickly - The nest mixture cools and hardens fairly quickly, so you only have a few minutes to assemble your nests. Acquire the help of a second person to add the eggs to your nests while you continue on.
Don't worry about perfection - You're forming birds nests after all, so they won't look perfect. Take a few seconds to form each nest and move on before the mixture hardens.
Use spoons to form nests - Try using two spoons to form your nests, or a spoon and a gloved hand.
Make ahead
Your nests can be assembled and stored at room temperature for up to two weeks. They're easy to make a few days ahead of time to package and add to Easter baskets.
Frequently asked questions
Butterscotch haystack nests will keep for about 2 weeks in a tightly sealed container at room temperature. They're great for making ahead of time before a holiday or party.
Yes, this recipe can be made with almond butter or other nut and seed butters if desired.
Unless your home reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter, there's no need to refrigerate your haystacks. I don't recommend displaying your haystacks in direct sunlight or in a hot car because they will melt.
Recommended
📖 Recipe
Butterscotch Haystack Nests
Ingredients
- 12 ounces butterscotch chips
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
- 5 ounces chow mein noodles
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 5 ounces mini robin's egg candies, about 72 eggs
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl, add butterscotch chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring until melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler on the stove top.
- In a separate bowl, toss to combine chow mein noodles and coconut flakes. Add butterscotch mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Working quickly, spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of mixture into heaping mounds on your prepared baking sheets. Form each mound into a round shape and hollow out the center to make space for the eggs eggs. Top each mound with 2 to 3 eggs while butterscotch is still wet.
- Allow to dry for 1 hour at room temperature, or transfer to the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow candies to set.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- Work quickly: Once mixed, the candy mixture will harden quickly - it is important to have your working surface prepared before beginning. If possible, acquire a second person to add robin's eggs while you continue to form nests.
- Storage: Candies will keep for up to two weeks in a sealed container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
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