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Payday Candy Bars

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  • 4.06 from 17 votes

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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.

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Filled with Caramel, peanuts, and peanut butter-flavored nougat gives you a homemade version of the ever-popular PayDay candy bar.

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.

Be sure to try this recipe out for yourself and let us know how it goes!

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Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

What makes this recipe so good?

The fact that the recipe is so easy and quick to make, it tastes just like the Candy Bars you buy uptown. These easy-to-make candy bars can also be covered in chocolate if you prefer.

Who invented the PayDay candy bar?

Frank Carrano invented the PayDay candy bar in 1932. He also created the Baby Ruth bar and Butterfinger candy bars.

Are Payday Candy bars kid friendly?

Kids do love PayDay candy bars due to the peanut butter contained within. Although it is important to remember that not all kids can handle that amount of sugar.

How long does it take to make PayDay candy bars?

This homemade candy bar is made with caramel and peanuts. It actually only takes 4 minutes to make this sweet treat.

Should I use salted or unsalted peanuts in the PayDay candy bars?

This depends on your preference. These candy bars are good with both salted and unsalted peanuts.

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Ingredients:

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

How to make Pay Day Candy Bars:

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

Then, 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.

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.

Step 7. Chill until the mixture is hardened enough to slice into candy bars for serving. Enjoy!

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Payday Candy Bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12
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.
4.06 from 17 votes

Ingredients 

  • 3 C. Salted peanuts
  • 3 Tbsp. Butter unsalted
  • 2 ¼ C. Peanut butter chips
  • 2 C. Mini marshmallows
  • 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
  • 1 Can sweetened condensed milk, 14 oz.

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Instructions

  • Place the butter and peanut butter chips in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stove. Cook, stirring often until the butter and chips have melted.
  • Stir in the condensed milk and stir until smooth.
  • Add in the vanilla and mini marshmallows, and stir until completely melted and well combined.
  • Layer ½ of the peanuts in the bottom of a well-greased 9×13 baking dish.
  • Pour the peanut butter chip mixture over the top of the peanuts in the baking dish, and smooth into an even layer.
  • Top the mixture with the rest of the peanuts.
  • Chill until the mixture is hardened enough to slice into candy bars for serving.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 240mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 20g
Author: Laura

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Can peanut butter be used instead of peanut butter chips?

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.

Are there variations for this candy bar?

You can add dried fruits, chocolate chips or any number of additions. You could also cover the candy bar in white chocolate, milk chocolate or even dark chocolate.

How do I store the candy bar once it is made?

The candy bar should be placed into an airtight container and then placed into the refrigerator. When kept in the refrigerator, they will last for weeks. The candy bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can this recipe be doubled?

This recipe for the homemade PayDay candy bars can be doubled easily. Simply use two 9×13 pans.

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Other similar recipes ideas

Toasted Coconut Rice Krispies Treats – Perfect for any occasion!

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

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