If you’re a fan of the classic Payday candy bar, this homemade version will surely become a new favorite. These bars offer the perfect balance of salty peanuts and sweet, chewy nougat that you can make right in your kitchen. Not only is this recipe simple to follow, but it’s also adaptable to various dietary needs, such as vegan-friendly or lower salt versions. Let’s dive into every detail of making these delightful candy bars from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: Combining salted peanuts with a creamy, sweet nougat made from marshmallows and peanut butter baking chips creates a classic sweet-salty contrast.
- Easily Adaptable: This recipe allows for substitutions to fit dietary needs. You can make it vegan, reduce the salt, or add mix-ins like chocolate or dried fruit.
- No Special Equipment Needed: No candy thermometer is required—just basic ingredients, a baking dish, and a few common kitchen tools.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Main Ingredients
- Salted Dry Roasted Peanuts (24 oz / 680 g): These provide the classic salty crunch. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use unsalted peanuts or lightly salted ones and add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Mini Marshmallows (3 cups / 250 g): Key for creating the nougat texture, but vegan marshmallows can be used if preferred.
- Peanut Butter Baking Chips (10 oz / 283 g): These add rich, nutty flavor and sweetness. You can substitute with dairy-free peanut butter chips if needed.
- Butter or Margarine (4 tbsp / 56 g): Provides a creamy base. For a vegan option, use plant-based butter.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz / 397 g): Essential for a smooth, creamy texture. Coconut condensed milk or a vegan alternative can be used.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Line and Grease: Line an 8×12-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. This will make it easier to remove and cut the bars once set.
- Layer the Peanuts: Spread a layer of salted dry roasted peanuts evenly on the bottom of the prepared dish. This will be the foundation layer, providing texture and a salty base.
Step 2: Create the Nougat Mixture
- Melt the Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the peanut butter baking chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir frequently to avoid scorching.
- Add Marshmallows: Once the mixture is smooth, add the mini marshmallows and continue stirring until they’re fully melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Tip: If you prefer using a microwave, combine the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Pour the Nougat Mixture: Carefully pour the warm nougat mixture over the peanut layer in the baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly spread.
- Top with Additional Peanuts: Sprinkle another layer of salted dry roasted peanuts on top of the nougat mixture, pressing them gently to adhere.
Step 4: Cool and Set
- Room Temperature Setting: Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least an hour. This helps them firm up gradually and prevents condensation.
- Refrigerate for Faster Setting: Once cooled, place the dish in the refrigerator for an additional hour or until completely set.
Cutting and Serving the Bars
- Lift from the Dish: Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the entire block of candy out of the baking dish and onto a cutting board.
- Cut into Bars: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even portions. For an extra touch, you can roll the edges of each bar in chopped peanuts to enhance texture and add a professional finish.
- Serve: These bars are best enjoyed slightly chilled, offering a perfect balance of crunchy peanuts and soft, chewy nougat.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store your Payday bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Be sure to separate each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freezing Option: If you want to keep the bars longer, freeze them. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use unsalted peanuts?
- Absolutely. If you prefer less salt, unsalted peanuts work well. However, you might consider adding a pinch of salt to the marshmallow mixture to achieve a balanced flavor.
2. How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
- To make these bars vegan, replace butter with plant-based alternatives, use vegan marshmallows, and find a vegan sweetened condensed milk substitute. Ensure any peanut butter chips used are also vegan.
3. Can I add extra ingredients like chocolate or dried fruit?
- Yes! Add-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped dates can be stirred into the marshmallow mixture before pouring it over the peanuts. It’s a fun way to personalize the recipe.
4. What if the bars turn out too sticky?
- If the bars are too sticky, try reducing the amount of peanut butter chips and marshmallows. You can also refrigerate or freeze them, which can help them firm up.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 112 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 219 mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
Recipe Tips and Variations
- For a More Chewy Texture: Increase the marshmallows by an additional half cup. This adjustment creates a slightly softer nougat center.
- Spice It Up: For an exciting twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the nougat mixture. This adds warmth and depth without overpowering the sweetness.
- Double the Recipe for Larger Batches: This recipe can be doubled easily. Use a larger baking dish and extend the cooling time slightly to ensure it sets evenly.
- Try It as a Layered Treat: For a fun variation, create multiple thin layers of peanuts and nougat mixture, alternating until you fill the dish. This can give a layered look to each cut bar, enhancing the presentation.
Additional Tips for Success
- Low and Slow: When melting the nougat mixture, keep the heat low and stir constantly. This prevents the peanut butter chips and marshmallows from burning.
- Chilling is Key: Letting the bars cool at room temperature before refrigerating helps maintain their chewy texture and prevents excess moisture.
- Perfect Portions: If you’re making these bars for a party, consider cutting them into small bite-sized squares for easier serving.
Conclusion
These Homemade Payday Candy Bars are a delicious take on a classic candy. Their combination of salty and sweet flavors, chewy nougat, and crunchy peanuts make them an irresistible treat for all ages. Perfect for parties, homemade gifts, or satisfying a sweet craving, these bars are sure to impress. With options to customize and adapt, you can make this recipe truly your own while keeping that signature Payday flavor.
Homemade Payday Candy Bars
I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite candy bar recipes – homemade Payday bars. These sweet and salty delights are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Let’s dive right into the recipe!
Can I use unsalted peanuts instead of salted dry roasted peanuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use unsalted peanuts, but keep in mind that the saltiness from the salted peanuts adds to the flavor balance in the Payday candy bars. If you prefer less salt, you may want to add a pinch of salt to the marshmallow mixture to bring out the flavors.
Is it possible to make these bars vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan-friendly, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use vegan marshmallows, and find a vegan sweetened condensed milk substitute. Also, ensure that your peanut butter baking chips are vegan.
Can I use a microwave instead of a saucepan to melt the marshmallow mixture?
Yes, you can use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the ingredients. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. However, be cautious not to overheat the mixture, as it may burn or become too thick.
How long do homemade Payday candy bars last, and how should I store them?
Homemade Payday candy bars can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
My homemade Payday candy bars turned out too sticky. How can I fix this?
If your bars are too sticky, you can try reducing the amount of peanut butter baking chips and marshmallows in the recipe. Alternatively, you can also try refrigerating or freezing the bars to help them set better and become less sticky.
Can I add other ingredients to my homemade Payday candy bars, like chocolate or dried fruits?
Of course! Feel free to get creative and add ingredients like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped dates to the recipe. Just make sure to mix them into the marshmallow mixture evenly before pouring it over the peanuts.
Ingredients:
24 oz (680 g) salted dry roasted peanuts
3 cups (250 g) mini marshmallows
10 oz (283 g) peanut butter baking chips
4 tbsp (56 g) butter or margarine
14 oz (397 g) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
Prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. I used an 8×12-inch baking dish, but you can also use a 9×13-inch dish if you prefer.
Spread a layer of salted dry roasted peanuts on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure the layer is even, and set aside.
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter baking chips, butter or margarine, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. (Source: Ineskohl.info)
Add the mini marshmallows to the saucepan and continue to cook, stirring frequently until the marshmallows are completely melted and incorporated into the mixture.
Carefully pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the layer of peanuts in the baking dish. Make sure it is evenly distributed.
Top the marshmallow mixture with another layer of salted dry roasted peanuts, pressing them gently into the mixture.
Allow the Payday bars to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, you can place them in the refrigerator to set faster.
When the bars have set, lift the parchment paper from the baking dish and transfer it onto a cutting board. Cut the bars into desired sizes.
If desired, you can roll the edges of the bars in additional chopped peanuts to add texture and a more professional look.
Serve and enjoy your homemade Payday candy bars! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Conclusion: These homemade Payday candy bars are a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, perfect for satisfying your cravings. While they may be a bit sticky, they are certainly delicious! Feel free to tweak the recipe as needed to achieve your desired consistency.