This homemade version of the classic Payday candy bar features roasted peanuts, creamy peanut butter, marshmallows, and a sweet caramelized coating. It’s a quick and easy treat that captures the nostalgic flavors of the original in a fun, homemade way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Payday Candy Bars are a peanut lover’s dream! With a rich combination of roasted peanuts, creamy peanut butter, and mini marshmallows, this treat is both chewy and crunchy in every bite. The sweet caramelized coating adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s an easy-to-make candy that’s just as delicious as the store-bought version, but with the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or as a homemade dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 cups roasted or honey roasted peanuts
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 package peanut butter chips (about 10 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 package mini marshmallows
Directions
- Prepare the Base:
- Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted peanuts and mini marshmallows.
- Melt the Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the peanut butter, peanut butter chips, and sweetened condensed milk.
- Stir constantly until everything is completely melted and smooth.
- Combine:
- Pour the melted peanut butter mixture over the peanuts and marshmallows, stirring until everything is well-coated.
- Press and Chill:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Press down firmly to compact the mixture.
- Chill the Bars:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.
- Serve:
- Once set, cut into squares and enjoy these homemade Payday candy bars!
Servings and timing
Servings: 16 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Calories per serving (1 square): Approximately 250 kcal
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars before chilling for an added layer of flavor.
- Crunchy Twist: Add some crushed pretzels or nuts for extra crunch.
- Sweet and Salty: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty combination.
- Mini Bars: Use a smaller pan (8×8-inch) to make smaller, bite-sized candy bars.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter, coconut milk, and vegan peanut butter chips for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
Store the Payday bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
They can also be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks if you prefer a firmer texture.
Freezing is not recommended, as it may affect the texture of the marshmallows.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Yes, cashews or almonds would work well as alternatives to peanuts in this recipe.
Can I make these without marshmallows?
You can omit the marshmallows, but they add a chewy texture that is characteristic of the Payday bar. You could substitute them with shredded coconut or leave them out entirely.
How do I get the bars to set properly?
Make sure to refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to firm up properly before slicing.
Can I use honey roasted peanuts?
Yes, honey roasted peanuts will add an extra layer of sweetness to the bars, making them even more delicious!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger pan (e.g., 9×13-inch) to make a bigger batch. Adjust the chilling time as needed.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter will give the bars extra texture, but smooth peanut butter works best for the smooth, creamy filling.
Conclusion
Homemade Payday Candy Bars are a perfect treat for peanut butter lovers! These bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and chewiness, making them a delicious homemade alternative to the store-bought version. With just a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, these bars are perfect for snacking, gifting, or enjoying anytime you need a sweet indulgence.
Payday Candy Bar
A homemade version of the classic Payday candy bar made with roasted peanuts, creamy peanut butter, mini marshmallows, and a sweet caramelized coating. A delicious treat that’s easy to make and full of rich peanut flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Candy, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups roasted or honey roasted peanuts
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 package peanut butter chips (about 10 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 package mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted peanuts and mini marshmallows.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add peanut butter, peanut butter chips, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until everything is completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted peanut butter mixture over the peanuts and marshmallows. Stir to combine until everything is well-coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and pressing down firmly to compact the mixture.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are set and firm.
- Once set, cut into squares and serve the homemade Payday candy bars.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the top before chilling.
- Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- If you prefer, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the bars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg