Payday Candy Bars

Payday candy bars are the perfect treat for when you need a little something sweet. This easy recipe only requires a few ingredients, and it comes together in just a few minutes.

The key to this recipe is to use good-quality chocolate. I like to use dark chocolate, but you can use milk or white chocolate if you prefer.

Filled with Caramel, peanuts, and peanut butter-flavored nougat gives you a homemade version of the ever-popular PayDay candy bar. Did you know that Frank Carrano invented the PayDay candy bar in 1932? Yes, and he also created the Baby Ruth Bar and Butterfinger candy bars! My kind of guy!

These candy bars are really easy to make at home so when you’re craving something sweet and crunchy, go ahead and whip these PayDay candy bars together.

Best of all, the recipe is so easy that anyone can do it, which means this quick payday candy bars recipe will likely become a family favorite.

Be sure to try this recipe out for yourself and let us know how it goes! We want to hear from your family members and friends who you shared it with too! 

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why You’ll Love This Best Payday Candy Bars Recipe 

You will love this recipe for a variety of reasons, mostly the fact that the recipe is so easy and quick to make, it tastes just like candy bars you buy uptown. These easy-to-make candy bars can also be covered in chocolate if you prefer. Other reasons to love this treat include:

• They are quick to make.
• You can substitute ingredients for personal preference and taste.
• The recipe for the homemade PayDay candy bars can be doubled easily. Simply use two 9×13 pans. 
• It is easy to take to events, parties and gatherings. 

Ingredients:

• Salted peanuts
• Butter unsalted
• Peanut butter chips
• Mini marshmallows
• Vanilla extract
• Sweetened condensed milk

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

The following are some common substitutions you can make to alter the taste of this simple payday candy bars meal to your taste:

• Salted Peanuts: You can alter this to unsalted. It depends on your preference. These candy bars are good with both salted and unsalted peanuts. 

• Peanut Butter Chips: You can use peanut butter instead. However, the taste may be slightly different, but you can definitely switch out the peanut butter for the peanut butter chips. You could also use almond butter or another nut butter. 

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: The best alternative for this is mixing evaporated milk with sugar (about 1 cup to 1 cup). You can also use heavy cream and sugar (1 cup cream to ¼ cup sugar). 

How to Make It, Pay Day Candy Bars:

Step 1. Place 3 tbsp of butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stove.

Then, add 2 ¼ cups of peanut butter chips. Cook, stirring often until the butter and chips have melted.

Step 2. Stir in 1 can of sweetened condensed milk and stir until smooth.

Step 3. Add in 2 cups of mini marshmallows.

Step 4. Then, add 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

Step 5. Stir until completely melted and well combined.

Step 4. Layer ½ of the peanuts in the bottom of a well-greased 9×13 baking dish. (set the other half aside for later). Remember, you can double these family friendly payday candy bars and keep some and share some! Just use 2 dishes.

Step 5. Pour the peanut butter chip mixture over the top of the peanuts in the baking dish, and smooth into an even layer.

Step 6. Top the mixture with the rest of the peanuts you set aside earlier.

Step 7. Chill until the mixture is hardened enough to slice into candy bars for serving. You can put it in the fridge for around 30 minutes. Don’t overdo it! Now, enjoy!

THANKS FOR PINING!

Tips For Success

While there are no obvious healthy payday candy bars version, you can opt for low fat options but it won’t taste the same. For success, make sure you lay out all your ingredients close at hand to simplify the process. Kids will love this recipe but be aware of peanut allergy and the fact that not all kids can take in this much sugar. In moderation, though, this is a fun family-friendly treat. 

Storage & Reheating

You can store these payday bars by placing them in an airtight container and then placing them in the refrigerator. When kept in the refrigerator, they will last for weeks. These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy this treat, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw. There is no need to reheat! The key point to remember for successful storage is an airtight container that keeps condensation away from your candy. 

Serving Suggestions

There are so many homemade payday candy bars ideas to choose from, it’s hard to know where to begin. You can add dried fruits (for a healthier option), chocolate chips or any number of additions to this treat. You could also cover the candy bar in white chocolate, milk chocolate or even dark chocolate for an even richer treat! 

When it comes to pairing this with meals or other treats, the sky is the limit. Really, this goes great with any meal and can be used for a snack in between meals as well. Since this is a peanut-based treat, though, it’s important to let everyone know when you serve it that the candy bar does contain peanuts. 

For a similar treat for your furry companion, you can make these Crunchy Peanut Butter Dog Treats. This way, your entire family gets a peanut-themed or inspired treat to enjoy together! 

Notes:

This has quickly become one of my favorite recipes. The kids can help spread out the peanuts, and we can make the candy bars slightly different every time by adding a chocolate covering or subbing out ingredients for dried fruit. It really is a versatile and easy recipe that you can personalize in several ways. 

Other similar recipes ideas

Toasted Coconut Rice Krispies Treats – Perfect for any occasion!

Double Chocolate Marshmallow Treats – I love making and eating these!