homemade payday bars recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best homemade payday bars recipe

I’ve been making homemade payday bars for years, and they’re always a hit with my family. The recipe originated in the 1950s, and it’s a classic American dessert that’s easy to make and delicious to eat. The best part about these bars is that they’re made with just a few simple ingredients: graham cracker crumbs, sugar, butter, and chocolate.

They’re perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a quick snack after dinner. My kids love helping me make them because it’s a fun process that involves crushing graham crackers and melting chocolate. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the smell of melted chocolate wafting through the kitchen?

It’s a surefire way to get everyone in the mood for baking. I like to think of payday bars as a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of my childhood. They’re also a great way to use up any leftover chocolate or nuts you have on hand.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can customize it with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit to make it your own. My family loves when I add in some chopped peanut butter cups or M&M’s for an extra burst of flavor. I’ve even started using coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version that’s just as tasty.

No matter how you make them, payday bars are always a crowd-pleaser.

Homemade Payday Bars

4.9 from 973 votes

Homemade payday bars are a delicious treat that combines peanut butter and chocolate chips in a chewy, buttery base. These bars are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth and can be made easily at home.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 16Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

1 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups powdered sugar

For the Filling

2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F.
2In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar.
3Stir until well mixed.
4Add graham cracker crumbs and 2 cups powdered sugar.
5Mix until the mixture is well combined and forms a crumbly texture.
6Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
9In a separate mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and 1 cup powdered sugar.
10Stir until smooth and well combined.
11Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
12Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the peanut butter layer.
13Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate chips are melted and the top is slightly bubbly.
14Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing into bars.
15Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares.
16Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Oven
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 250mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

Tips: For a healthier option, you can substitute almond butter for peanut butter. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Payday bars are one of my go-to recipes for family gatherings or potlucks because they’re easy to make and always disappear quickly.

I like to package them individually so everyone can grab one on their way out – they’re perfect for snacking on the go.

And because they’re so easy to customize with different mix-ins, you can make them your own and tailor them to your family’s tastes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Payday Bars

Q: What is the origin of the payday bar recipe?

The payday bar recipe originated in the 1950s and has been a staple in American desserts ever since.

Q: What ingredients do I need to make payday bars?

You’ll need graham cracker crumbs, sugar, butter, and chocolate to make the bars.

Q: Can I customize the recipe with different mix-ins?

Yes, you can add in nuts, dried fruit, or other mix-ins to make the recipe your own.

Q: Are payday bars suitable for special diets?

No, traditional payday bars contain butter and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Q: Can I store leftover payday bars in the fridge or freezer?

Yes, you can store leftover payday bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

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