If you’ve ever craved the crunch of a Payday candy bar but wanted to try making it yourself, this homemade Payday Candy Bars recipe is perfect for you. Packed with layers of salted peanuts and a creamy peanut butter mixture, these bars are a delightful treat that brings the classic candy bar right into your kitchen.
Ingredients:
3 cups salted peanuts
2 cups peanut butter chips
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Melt and Mix: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter chips until smooth. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and mini marshmallows until fully combined and smooth.
Prepare the Pan: Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper.
Layer the Peanuts: Spread half of the salted peanuts evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.
Add the Mixture: Pour the creamy peanut butter mixture over the peanuts, spreading it evenly.
Top and Chill: Sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top of the mixture. Refrigerate or let the dish stand at room temperature until fully set.
Cut and Serve: Once set, cut into bars and enjoy the sweet, nutty goodness!
Serving Tips:
Cutting: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and lightly grease the blade. Allow the bars to set fully before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
Presentation: Arrange the bars on a serving platter or in a gift box for an appealing presentation. They make great snacks for parties, picnics, or as a homemade gift.
Pairing: Enjoy these bars with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or tea. Their rich, sweet flavor pairs well with a variety of beverages.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will keep them soft and fresh.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks and can help them stay firm.
Freezing: If you want to keep them for an extended period, you can freeze the bars. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Avoid Humidity: Keep the bars away from humid environments to prevent them from becoming sticky or soggy.
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FAQs:
Can I substitute the peanut butter chips with another type of chocolate or candy?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter chips with milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or white chocolate chips if you prefer. Just melt the substitute in the same way and follow the rest of the recipe as directed. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the bars will change depending on your choice of chips.
How can I make these bars less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can use unsweetened peanut butter chips or decrease the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly. Another option is to use a mix of salted and unsalted peanuts to balance out the sweetness.
Can I add other mix-ins to the bars?
Absolutely! You can customize your bars by adding ingredients like chocolate chunks, pretzel pieces, or dried fruit. Just stir in your desired mix-ins after combining the melted mixture and before spreading it in the pan.
How do I know when the bars are fully set?
The bars are fully set when they are firm to the touch and no longer sticky. If you refrigerate them, they should be ready to cut after about 1 hour. If you let them set at room temperature, they might need a bit more time. You can test by gently pressing the center to ensure it’s firm and not too soft.
Conclusion:
Enjoy these homemade Payday Candy Bars as a delicious treat for yourself or a sweet gift for friends and family. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a candy classic right in your own kitchen!
📖 Recipe:
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Homemade Payday Candy Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the homemade version of your favorite classic candy bar with these Homemade Payday Candy Bars. Featuring layers of crunchy salted peanuts and a creamy, peanut butter mixture, these bars are a sweet treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Perfect for parties, gifts, or just a special snack, these bars capture all the deliciousness of the original Payday candy bar.
Ingredients
3 cups salted peanuts
2 cups peanut butter chips
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt the Mixture: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter chips until smooth. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and mini marshmallows until fully combined and smooth.
- Prepare the Pan: Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper.
- Layer the Peanuts: Spread half of the salted peanuts evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Add the Mixture: Pour the creamy peanut butter mixture over the peanuts, spreading it evenly.
- Top and Chill: Sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top of the mixture. Refrigerate or let the dish stand at room temperature until fully set.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
For a cleaner cut, lightly grease the knife before cutting the bars.
To make the bars less sweet, consider using unsweetened peanut butter chips or reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk.
Customize by adding mix-ins like chocolate chunks or dried fruit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 bars
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per serving
