Quick & Tasty Homemade Payday Candy Bars Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Chocolate and peanuts dance together in these homemade payday candy bars that capture the essence of sweet nostalgia.

Sweet memories flood back with every bite of this classic treat.

Crafting these bars at home brings a special kind of joy to snack time.

The combination of salty peanuts and creamy marshmallow creates a texture that sings with deliciousness.

Each layer adds depth and richness to the beloved candy bar.

These bars are simple to make yet feel like a gourmet indulgence.

Unleash your inner confectioner and create a treat that will have everyone begging for more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 12

What Goes Into Payday Candy Bars

• Salted Roasted Peanuts: Provides a crunchy foundation with a rich, salty kick; choose freshly roasted nuts for maximum flavor and crisp texture.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth consistency; use unsalted butter for better control of overall saltiness.
• Marshmallow Fluff: Creates silky, stretchy texture that holds ingredients together; select fresh, smooth fluff for best results.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Contributes creamy sweetness and helps bind ingredients; opt for high-quality brand for superior taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, complex notes; pure extract delivers more authentic taste than artificial versions.

• Soft Caramels: Delivers rich, golden sweetness; select individually wrapped varieties for easier melting.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create smooth, glossy caramel texture; use full-fat cream for best results.

Tools to Build That Classic Sweet Snack

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect candy bar size and shape.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars.
• Saucepan: Needed for melting and mixing the nougat ingredients smoothly.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting caramel with minimal fuss.
• Spatula: Helps spread layers evenly and create a professional-looking treat.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for cutting clean, precise candy bars.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.

Make Homemade Candy Bars in Just a Few Steps

• Craft the Canvas

Line a baking dish with parchment paper, creating easy lift-out handles for your sweet creation. This will help you remove the candy bars smoothly later.

• Create the Nutty Foundation

Scatter a generous layer of salty roasted peanuts across the bottom of your prepared pan, forming a crunchy base that will give your candy bars incredible texture.

• Build the Fluffy Nougat

Melt butter in a saucepan and blend in marshmallow fluff, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla until silky smooth. Pour this dreamy mixture over the peanuts, spreading it evenly to create a pillowy layer.

• Pour the Liquid Gold

Combine soft caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring between each interval, until the mixture transforms into a golden, glossy river. Drizzle this caramel goodness over the nougat layer, ensuring complete coverage.

• Shower with Peanuts

Rain the remaining peanuts across the caramel layer, gently pressing them down so they nestle into the sticky surface.

• Chill and Slice

Refrigerate your creation for at least two hours until completely set. Lift out the candy using parchment handles and slice into mouthwatering bars.

• Preserve and Savor

Store your homemade Payday-style bars in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious at room temperature for five days or chilled for two weeks.

Tips for Salted Nut

• Stir the nougat mixture constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Use soft caramels for easier melting, and microwave in short bursts to avoid scorching, maintaining that perfect golden consistency.
• Replace regular peanuts with raw or unsalted nuts for a lower-sodium version, or try almonds and cashews for a unique flavor twist.
• Confirm all ingredients are gluten-free, making this treat safe for those with gluten sensitivities by checking marshmallow fluff and caramel labels.
• Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut condensed milk, vegan marshmallow fluff, and dairy-free caramel for a plant-based friendly recreation of this classic candy bar.

How to Serve These as Crowd Favorites

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a stunning dessert board with these homemade Payday bars alongside other chocolate and nutty treats for a decadent display.
• Sweet Gift Packaging: Wrap individual bars in wax paper or cellophane, tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that looks professionally crafted.
• Movie Night Snack Station: Cut bars into bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter with popcorn and other classic movie theater candies for a delightful cinema-style treat.
• Dessert Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or rich espresso to complement the sweet and salty flavor profile of the candy bars.

Wrap and Store for a Quick Grab-and-Go

• Chill the homemade Payday bars in the refrigerator for 2 hours to help them set perfectly and maintain their ideal texture.
• Keep bars in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for long-term enjoyment up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Store candy bars away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent caramel from melting and maintaining the classic Payday bar crunch.

FAQs

• Are the peanuts crucial to the recipe?

Yes, salted roasted peanuts are essential for creating the authentic Payday candy bar texture and flavor. They provide a crunchy base and topping that mimics the original candy.

• Can I use different types of nuts?

While peanuts are traditional, you could substitute with roasted almonds or cashews. However, this will change the classic Payday candy bar taste and texture significantly.

• Is a candy thermometer necessary for this recipe?

No, this recipe doesn’t require a candy thermometer. The microwave and stovetop methods make it easy to melt ingredients without precise temperature control.

• How do I prevent the layers from mixing together?

Allow each layer to cool slightly before adding the next, and pour them gently. Using a spatula to spread evenly helps maintain distinct layers without blending them unintentionally.

Incredible Homemade Payday Candy Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade Payday candy bars blend salty peanuts with sweet caramel in a nostalgic treat. Peanut lovers will savor this classic American confection that combines simple ingredients for maximum deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (300 g / 10.6 oz) salted roasted peanuts
• 1 cup (250 g / 8.8 oz) marshmallow fluff
• 1 (14 oz / 400 g) bag of soft caramels
• ¼ cup (60 g / 2 oz) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, allowing edges to overhang for easy removal.
2. Base Layer: Spread the first portion of salted roasted peanuts evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Nougat Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, blend with marshmallow fluff, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, glossy texture. Pour this luscious mixture over the peanut base, smoothing with a spatula to create an even layer.
4. Caramel Infusion: Combine soft caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in brief intervals, stirring until the mixture becomes completely fluid. Drizzle the molten caramel over the nougat, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
5. Peanut Topping: Sprinkle the remaining salted peanuts across the caramel layer, gently pressing to secure them in place.
6. Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the confection for a minimum of two hours to achieve complete solidification.
7. Finishing Touch: Remove the candy from the pan using parchment paper edges, then slice into individual bars of desired size.
8. Storage: Preserve the homemade candy bars in an airtight container, maintaining freshness at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerated for two weeks.

Notes

• Control Peanut Distribution: Ensure even peanut spreading across layers for consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
• Master Nougat Consistency: Stir marshmallow mixture gently and consistently to prevent burning or uneven texture, watching for smooth, glossy appearance.
• Caramel Melting Technique: Use short microwave intervals and frequent stirring to prevent scorching, achieving a silky-smooth caramel without separation.
• Chilling Optimization: Allow sufficient refrigeration time to help layers set properly, creating firm bars that hold their shape when cut.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 261
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 204 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg