payday candy bar recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best payday candy bar recipe

I’ve always been a fan of classic American desserts, and the Payday candy bar recipe is one of my favorites. This sweet treat is a staple in many households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

My family loves it when I make this recipe for special events or just as a quick dessert after dinner. The combination of gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and smooth chocolate is a match made in heaven.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding or substituting different ingredients. I like to use high-quality chocolate chips and fresh peanuts for the best flavor.

This recipe is also a great way to get my kids involved in the kitchen – they love helping me measure out the ingredients and mix everything together. It’s a fun activity that we can all enjoy together.

Plus, the end result is always worth the effort – who doesn’t love a warm, gooey candy bar straight from the oven?

Homemade Payday Candy Bars

4.8 from 576 votes

These homemade Payday candy bars feature a chewy nougat center, a layer of salted peanuts, and a rich caramel coating. They capture the sweet and salty flavor of the classic candy bar in a simple, no-bake treat.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Nougat Base

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

For the Caramel and Peanut Coating

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups salted dry-roasted peanuts

👨‍🍳Directions

1Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2In a medium bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, honey, softened unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
3Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
4Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until a stiff dough forms.
5Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, using a spatula or your hands to create a smooth, compact layer.
6Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
7In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water.
8Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
9Attach a candy thermometer and cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage), about 5 to 7 minutes.
10Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the unsalted butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
11The mixture will bubble vigorously; stir until smooth and the butter is fully melted.
12Let the caramel cool for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
13Pour the warm caramel over the chilled nougat base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
14While the caramel is still warm and tacky, sprinkle the salted dry-roasted peanuts evenly over the top, pressing them gently into the caramel.
15Allow the candy to set at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or until the caramel is firm to the touch.
16Using the parchment overhang, lift the candy block from the pan onto a cutting board.
17Use a sharp knife to slice the block into 12 equal bars, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
18Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

🔧Equipment

9×9-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Medium saucepan
Candy thermometer
Mixing bowls
Spatula
Sharp knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 180mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 26g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

For a firmer nougat, refrigerate the base for 30 minutes instead of 15. If the caramel becomes too thick to pour, gently reheat it over low heat while stirring constantly.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Payday Candy Bars Works

This Payday candy bar recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. My family loves it when I make this recipe for special events or just as a quick dessert after dinner.

The combination of gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and smooth chocolate is a match made in heaven. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding or substituting different ingredients.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Payday Candy Bars

Q: What type of chocolate should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of chocolate you prefer, but I recommend using high-quality milk or dark chocolate chips for the best flavor.

Q: Can I substitute other types of nuts for the peanuts?

Yes, you can substitute other types of nuts such as almonds or walnuts if you prefer.

Q: How long does this recipe take to make?

This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to make from start to finish.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover candy bars?

You can store leftover candy bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

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