Savor the perfect blend of salty-sweet flavors with Homemade PayDay Candy Bars. Main ingredients: salted peanuts, peanut butter chips, mini marshmallows, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Quick & irresistible!
Once upon a time, in my cozy kitchen, I stumbled upon the idea of recreating the classic PayDay candy bars. With a love for sweet and salty combinations and a passion for DIY projects, I embarked on a culinary adventure. After several fun-filled trials and lots of taste testing (the best part!), I perfected this homemade version. These bars, with their rich peanut buttery goodness and the perfect hint of saltiness, soon became a family favorite and a go-to treat for gatherings. Every bite now brings back fond memories of laughter-filled kitchens and the joy of creating something delightful from scratch.
What makes this Homemade PayDay Candy Bars truly exceptional?
Homemade PayDay Candy Bars stand out for their simplicity and nostalgic charm. They are incredibly easy to make with a prep time of just 5 minutes and a total time of 13 minutes. The use of everyday ingredients like salted peanuts and mini marshmallows makes this recipe accessible to everyone. Additionally, the homemade aspect offers a healthier alternative to store-bought candy bars, free from preservatives. The perfect balance of salty and sweet caters to a wide range of taste preferences, making these bars a hit at any gathering or a comforting treat for any day.
Ingredients Notes For Homemade PayDay Candy Bars:
Before diving into making these scrumptious Homemade PayDay Candy Bars, let’s talk about the stars of the show:
- Salted Peanuts: The crunchy backbone of our candy bars. They add the essential salty kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet elements.
- Peanut Butter Chips: These melt into a smooth, creamy base, offering a rich peanut butter flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Mini Marshmallows: Their sweetness and gooey texture bind the ingredients together, creating that delightful chewiness in every bite.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: It acts as a sweet, creamy binder, holding all the goodness together in harmony.
- Butter: A touch of butter enhances the flavor and helps in achieving the perfect consistency of the melted mixture.
Step-By-Step To Make This Homemade PayDay Candy Bars:
Embarking on the journey to make your own Homemade PayDay Candy Bars is a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Foundation with Peanuts: Start by greasing your 11×7 pan and laying out half of your salted peanuts. This forms a crunchy base and ensures every bite has that signature peanut taste.
- Melting and Mixing: In a separate pan, melt the butter and peanut butter chips together, creating a smooth, creamy mixture. Then, stir in the condensed milk and marshmallows until you get a uniformly mixed concoction. This step is crucial for binding all the flavors and textures together.
- Layering the Goodness: Pour this creamy, peanut buttery mixture over the layer of peanuts in your pan. This forms the sweet, chewy center of your candy bars.
- Finishing with a Peanut Topping: Sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top, adding that extra crunch and making sure every bite has a good balance of salty and sweet.
- Cooling and Setting: Let the mixture cool and set. You can refrigerate it if you prefer your candy bars a bit firmer. Patience is key here; the bars need time to achieve the perfect texture.
Storage Options:
Storing your Homemade PayDay Candy Bars is as simple as making them. Once they have cooled and set, you can cut them into bars and store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature if you prefer a softer texture, or in the refrigerator for a firmer bite. These bars are perfect for meal prep or as a grab-and-go snack, lasting up to a week when stored properly.
Variations and Substitutions
Personalize your Homemade PayDay Candy Bars with these easy tweaks:
- Nut Varieties: Switch up the peanuts with almonds, cashews, or a mix of your favorite nuts for a different twist.
- Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey version, add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the peanut butter chip mixture.
- Marshmallow Cream: Replace mini marshmallows with marshmallow cream for a smoother texture.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free Options: Use dairy-free condensed milk and butter substitutes to cater to dietary restrictions.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of condensed milk and compensate with a bit more butter for consistency.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Homemade PayDay Candy Bars
Ingredients
- 3 cups of salted peanuts
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 cups of peanut butter chips
- 2 cups of miniature marshmallows
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preparation of Base Layer: Begin by evenly distributing half of the salted peanuts into a greased baking dish measuring 11x7 inches, ensuring the peanuts cover the entire bottom surface.
- Melting and Combining Ingredients: In a separate, small saucepan, gently melt the butter and peanut butter chips over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Following this, incorporate the sweetened condensed milk and miniature marshmallows into the mixture, continuing to stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed and smooth.
- Assembling the Candy Bars: Carefully pour the melted mixture over the layer of peanuts in the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the peanuts.
- Adding the Final Layer: Sprinkle the remaining peanuts over the top of the melted mixture, ensuring an even distribution for a consistent final texture.
- Cooling and Setting: Allow the assembled candy bars to cool to room temperature. For a firmer texture, the dish may be refrigerated. Once set, the candy bars are ready to be sliced and served.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
