homemade payday candy bar recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best homemade payday candy bar recipe

I have been making these homemade PayDay candy bars for years now and they are always a huge hit with my family. My kids especially love them because they taste just like the real thing but I feel a little better about giving them a treat I made myself. The combination of salty peanuts and sweet caramel is just perfect and you can control the quality of the ingredients. This recipe is great for holidays or just a weekend baking project with the kids.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. You do not need any special candy making equipment or a candy thermometer. The filling is a simple mixture of caramel and peanut butter that sets up nicely in the fridge. Then you just dip the bars in melted chocolate and roll them in chopped peanuts.

It is that easy. The whole process takes about 30 minutes of active time and then a little chilling time. These homemade PayDay bars are also a bit healthier than the store bought version because you can use natural peanut butter and dark chocolate. I like to use a good quality dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cacao for a richer flavor and more antioxidants.

The peanuts provide protein and healthy fats so these bars are a more satisfying treat. They are perfect for a lunchbox snack or an after dinner dessert. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. My mother in law could not believe they were homemade.

She said they tasted just like the candy bars she remembered from her childhood. Now I make them for every potluck and holiday party. They disappear fast so I always make a double batch. The recipe is so forgiving that even if you are new to candy making you will get great results every time.

Homemade PayDay Candy Bars

4.9 from 1606 votes

These homemade PayDay candy bars have a chewy caramel and peanut butter center coated in chocolate and rolled in salted peanuts. They taste just like the classic candy bar but are made with simple pantry ingredients.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 30 mins (includes chilling)
Servings: 16 barsCuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Caramel Center

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Coating

2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
1 1/2 cups salted roasted peanuts, finely chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang on two sides for easy removal.
Set aside.
2In a medium saucepan over medium heat combine the sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar.
3Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4The caramel should be thick and pull away from the sides of the pan slightly.
5Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
6Pour the hot caramel into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
7Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
8Once the caramel is set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper.
9Cut the caramel into 16 equal bars using a sharp knife.
10Place the bars on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes to make dipping easier.
11Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
12Let the chocolate cool slightly but remain fluid.
13Place the chopped peanuts in a shallow bowl.
14Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each frozen caramel bar into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off.
15Immediately roll the chocolate coated bar in the chopped peanuts to coat all sides.
16Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
17Repeat with all bars.
18Refrigerate the finished bars for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
19Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
8×8 inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Double boiler or microwave safe bowl
Knife
Cutting board
Fork or dipping tool

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 10mg🧂Sodium: 180mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 22g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

For a dairy free version use dairy free chocolate and coconut oil. If the caramel is too sticky to cut, chill it longer. You can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter bar.

Watch Video Of How Homemade PayDay Candy Bars Works

These homemade PayDay candy bars are always a good idea for any occasion. They work well for family gatherings because they are easy to make ahead and everyone loves the salty sweet combination. I usually make a batch for our summer barbecues and holiday cookie exchanges and they disappear every time.

For storage keep the bars in the fridge in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you want to serve them at room temperature just let them sit out for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

They are perfect for lunchboxes or an after school snack. You can also cut them into smaller pieces for a bite sized treat. These bars are a crowd pleaser and I am sure your family will love them just as much as mine does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About PayDay Candy Bars

1. Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes you can use natural peanut butter but make sure it is well stirred and not too oily. Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate so mix it thoroughly before adding. The texture of the caramel may be slightly softer but it will still work fine.

2. How do I store these homemade PayDay bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just place them in a freezer safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

3. Why is my caramel too soft or sticky?

If your caramel is too soft it may not have cooked long enough. The mixture needs to bubble and thicken for a full 5 to 7 minutes. Also make sure you chill the caramel for at least 2 hours until it is completely firm. If it is still sticky, pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes before cutting.

4. Can I skip the chocolate coating?

You can skip the chocolate coating if you prefer a more traditional PayDay bar that is just caramel and peanuts. Simply press the chopped peanuts directly onto the soft caramel before chilling. The bars will be a bit messier to eat but still delicious.

5. What can I use instead of coconut oil for the chocolate?

You can use vegetable shortening or a neutral oil like canola oil. The oil helps thin the chocolate for easier dipping and gives a nice shine. You can also skip the oil entirely but the chocolate will be thicker and harder to coat evenly.

Similar Posts