This retro-addicting 1960s candy is made with simple ingredients on the stovetop and is still popular today in many kitchens cooked quickly on your stovetop in just 3 minutes.
The candy resembles haystacks dropped by tablespoons or by using a cookie scoop and then air-dried and set up just like a fudge.
If you're a coconut and pecan fan, these haystacks will be totally hooked on this candy treat, and make one of the most delicious candy gifts for any occasion!
We also have a few suggestions and tips below while you scroll to the recipe card and also just hit print to avoid ads.
Steps for Making No-Bake Coconut Pecan Haystacks
- Note: The complete recipe with measurements is at the bottom of this post in a printable recipe card
- prepare 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside
- have all your ingredients measured out and ready to be added to your pan
- place the ingredients listed in the recipe and stir the mixture until it comes to a rapid boil
- let boil for 3 minutes ( do not overcook or undercook so set your timer!)
- remove from heat
- stir in the rest of the ingredients listed in the recipe below
- drop by tablespoons full onto parchment-lined baking sheets (or use a cookie scoop
- let rest at room temperature or for a quick set place them in the fridge for a quick set
- scroll to the bottom of this post and hit print for measurements and exact recipe instructions
What's in our Coconut-Pecan Haystacks Shopping List
- butter: salted butter is used in this recipe
- sugar: white granulated sugar is used in this recipe
- evaporated milk: canned evaporated milk shaken well is used in this recipe
- corn syrup: this is a clear syrup and very sweet is used in this recipe
- coconut: shredded coconut is used in this recipe
- coarsely chopped pecans ( or use another nut you prefer coarsely chopped)
- vanilla extract: (maples, pecan or rum can be substituted for extracts)
- Note: The complete recipe with measurements is at the bottom of this post in a printable recipe card
Quick Tips for Making Coconut Pecan Haystacks
- you will need a medium-sized saucepan
- melt the butter first then add all the ingredients and bring to a rolling boil
- decorate the top while still warm with colorful sprinkles to match a party theme
- sprinkle the tops with holiday-themed candies or mini chocolate chips
- let them dry completely before removing them to store
- maple flavoring is a nice addition for a different flavor
- only use evaporated milk NOT sweetened condensed milk or whole milk
- store at room temperature
- if you're not a coconut fan using quick-cooking oats
- place in festive paper liners for the holiday or any occasion for gift-giving and serving
Pin for Later
Yield: 35
No Bake Coconut Pecan Haystacks
Coconut Pecan Haystacks are made on the stovetop in just 3 minutes and set up just like fudge and so addicting!
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 3 MinTotal time: 13 Min
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups of sugar
- 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or another extract you prefer (maple, orange, rum, pecan etc)
- 2 cups of coarsely chopped pecans (or another nut you prefer IE:macadamia, pistachios, walnuts, almonds etc)
- 2 cups of shredded coconut
Instructions
- Place the coconut and pecans together in a bowl and set them aside.
- Note: the vanilla goes in last with the coconut and pecans.
- In a heavy-duty saucepan, add the butter and melt it on low heat do not scorch the butter.
- Add the evaporated milk, sugar, and corn syrup and stir it to blend evenly.
- Bring this mixture to a rapid rolling boil then set the timer to 3 minutes exactly.
- Remove from the stovetop, add the coconut and pecans with the vanilla, and stir rapidly for 4 minutes. (do not miss that step).
- Drop by tablespoons or by using a cookie scoop (whatever size you want these) onto the parchment paper.
- At this point, you need to work quickly if adding sprinkles on top as they dry quickly or other candies.
- For quick set place in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes.
- These need to be stored and stay at room temperature in a covered container.
Notes
Quick Tips for Making Coconut Pecan Haystacks
- you will need a medium-sized saucepan
- melt the butter first then add all the ingredients and bring to a rolling boil
- decorate the top while warm with colorful sprinkles to match a party theme
- sprinkle the tops with holiday-themed candies or mini chocolate chips
- let them dry completely before removing them to store
- maple flavoring is a nice addition for a different flavor
- only use evaporated milk NOT sweetened condensed milk or whole milk
- store at room temperature
- if you're not a coconut fan using quick-cooking oats
- place in festive paper liners for the holiday or any occasion for gift-giving and serving
Nutrition Facts
Calories
156Fat (grams)
9 gSat. Fat (grams)
4 gCarbs (grams)
20 gFiber (grams)
1 gNet carbs
19 gSugar (grams)
19 gProtein (grams)
1 gSodium (milligrams)
29 mgCholesterol (grams)
8 mgThe default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.
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Festive Holiday No Bake Coconut Haystack Pin for Later
Try Some Of Our Other Favorite Holiday Recipes
Peanut Brittle
Baked Caramel Corn
Irish Potato Candy
No-Bake Rum Balls
Easy Fudge Recipe
Salted Caramel Bites
