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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, allowing edges to overhang for easy removal.
- Base Layer: Spread the first portion of salted roasted peanuts evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
- 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.
- 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.
- Peanut Topping: Sprinkle the remaining salted peanuts across the caramel layer, gently pressing to secure them in place.
- Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the confection for a minimum of two hours to achieve complete solidification.
- Finishing Touch: Remove the candy from the pan using parchment paper edges, then slice into individual bars of desired size.
- 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