Homemade Payday Candy Bars
These Homemade Payday Candy Bars are a delightful combination of salty peanuts and sweet, creamy caramel. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these no-bake treats are easy to make and taste just like the store-bought favorite. Whether for a party, a gift, or just a fun kitchen project, these candy bars will quickly become a household favorite!
Payday candy bars have always been a favorite snack in my family, so I decided to recreate them at home. The first batch disappeared in minutes! My husband loved the sweet and salty combo, and my daughter couldn’t believe how much they tasted like the real thing. Now, making these homemade candy bars is a fun family tradition that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Payday Candy Bars
•Sweet and Salty Perfection: A delicious balance of flavors.
•Easy to Make: No baking required!
•Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties, holidays, or gifting.
•Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or add extra ingredients like chocolate.
Ingredients Notes For Homemade Payday Candy Bars
•Peanuts: Dry-roasted salted peanuts for the classic salty crunch.
•Caramel: Soft caramels or caramel bits for the chewy, sweet layer.
•Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds richness and sweetness to the caramel.
•Butter: For a smooth, creamy caramel consistency.
•Mini Marshmallows: Help bind the caramel mixture and add a soft texture.
Recipe Steps
1.Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the lining.
2.Layer Peanuts: Spread half of the peanuts evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
3.Make Caramel Mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, combine unwrapped caramels, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
4.Pour Caramel Over Peanuts: Carefully pour the caramel mixture over the peanut layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5.Add Top Layer of Peanuts: Sprinkle the remaining peanuts evenly over the caramel, pressing gently to help them stick.
6.Chill: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the candy is firm and set.
7.Cut into Bars: Remove the candy from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bar shapes or bite-sized pieces.
8.Serve and Enjoy: Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer shelf life.
Storage Options
•Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
•Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for a firmer texture.
•Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
•Add a layer of melted chocolate for a Payday-Chocolate combo.
•Use honey-roasted peanuts for an extra touch of sweetness.
•Substitute caramels with homemade caramel sauce for a fully from-scratch version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsalted peanuts? Yes, but add a pinch of salt to the caramel mixture for the salty-sweet balance.
What’s the best way to cut the bars? Use a sharp knife sprayed with cooking spray for clean cuts.
Can I make these dairy-free? Substitute butter and condensed milk with vegan alternatives like coconut condensed milk and plant-based butter.
These Homemade Payday Candy Bars are the perfect blend of salty and sweet, with a chewy, crunchy texture that’s utterly satisfying. Simple to make and impossible to resist, they’re a treat the whole family will love!
Homemade Payday Candy Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups salted peanuts divided
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. Spread 1 cup of salted peanuts evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- Melt the Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the miniature marshmallows, peanut butter chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Pour Over Peanuts: Carefully pour the melted mixture over the layer of peanuts in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Top with Remaining Peanuts: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of salted peanuts over the top, pressing them gently into the mixture to ensure they stick.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dish for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and set.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the bars from the dish using the parchment paper as handles. Slice into 12 bars or your desired size.
