If you’ve ever craved the perfect balance of salty crunch and sweet, creamy peanut butter delight, this Homemade Payday Candy Bars Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine richly melted peanut butter chips melded with gooey marshmallows and sweetened condensed milk, enveloping a bed of crunchy roasted peanuts for that iconic Payday candy bar experience—only better because you made it yourself. This recipe is straightforward, utterly satisfying, and delivers that nostalgic treat with a homemade twist you’ll adore sharing or sneaking bites of when no one’s watching.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward crafting candy bar magic. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role: from the lush peanut butter chips that give creamy richness, to the marshmallows adding that melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the roasted peanuts bringing the perfect crunch and saltiness that make Payday bars so irresistible.
- 12 oz. peanut butter baking chips: These provide the rich, silky peanut flavor that’s essential for that classic Payday taste.
- 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk: Acts as the luscious sweetener and binder, bringing a smooth, creamy consistency.
- 3 Tbsp butter: Adds a subtle richness and helps melt the baking chips evenly.
- 2 cups mini marshmallows: Bring softness and a gentle stretchiness that balances the crunch of the peanuts.
- 24 oz. salted, dry roasted peanuts: These add the signature salty crunch that defines the Payday candy bar experience.
How to Make Homemade Payday Candy Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Peanuts
Start by generously buttering the bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking pan—this will ensure your candy bars come out cleanly once set. Spread half of the salted, dry roasted peanuts on the bottom, creating the crunchy foundation that will be nestled inside the gooey peanut butter mixture.
Step 2: Melt the Peanut Butter Chips and Butter
Using medium-low heat, gently melt the peanut butter baking chips along with the butter in a sturdy pan. Stir continuously to avoid scorching and to create a smooth base that will soon coat the peanuts beautifully.
Step 3: Add Condensed Milk and Marshmallows
Once the chips and butter are melted and blended, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and toss in the mini marshmallows. Keep stirring until everything melts together into a seamless, creamy, and sticky mixture.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Pour this heavenly peanut butter mixture evenly over the peanuts layer in your pan, spreading it carefully to cover them all. Then sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top and gently press them down to embed into the mixture. Pop the pan in the refrigerator and let it cool and set properly before slicing.
Step 5: Slice and Enjoy
Once set, cut into your preferred sizes and prepare to savor each chewy, crunchy, and perfectly peanut buttery bite. These bars make an irresistible treat to keep on hand!
How to Serve Homemade Payday Candy Bars Recipe
Garnishes
If you’re feeling fancy or want to elevate these bars for guests, a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can add an extra layer of flavor and contrast. These simple garnishes highlight the sweet and salty elements beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Payday candy bars with a tall glass of cold milk for a timeless combo or serve alongside a cup of fresh coffee or hot cocoa to enjoy this treat in a cozy snack moment. The creamy beverages balance the salty crunch and satisfy those sweet cravings perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper and tie with twine for a charming gift or party favor. Alternatively, cut into bite-sized cubes and serve on a decorative platter at gatherings — everyone will be drawn to their luscious peanut butter allure!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Homemade Payday Candy Bars Recipe leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their chewy texture and prevent the peanuts from going stale for up to a week.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months, and you can thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready for a nostalgic treat.
Reheating
If you prefer your candy bars slightly softer, a few seconds in the microwave on low power can help soften the peanut butter and marshmallow layers without melting the peanuts. Be careful not to overheat as the bars can become too sticky.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter chips instead of smooth?
Yes, using crunchy peanut butter chips will add an extra layer of texture, but keep in mind it might make the candy bars a bit more crumbly. Both options work well, so feel free to experiment!
Is it possible to substitute the marshmallows?
If you don’t have mini marshmallows, regular-sized ones work just fine—just wait for them to melt down fully in the mixture. You could also try marshmallow fluff, but add it gradually to avoid making the bars too sticky.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
The signature crunch of salted peanuts is what defines Payday bars, so nut-free options will change the experience. However, you could try swapping peanuts for roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar texture without nuts.
Do I need to refrigerate the candy bars?
Yes, chilling the bars is essential to help them set and maintain their shape, especially because of the melted marshmallows and condensed milk. Once refrigerated, you can enjoy them as a cool, chewy treat.
How long does it take for the bars to fully set?
Typically, the candy bars need at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to firm up enough for slicing. For best results, leaving them overnight guarantees a perfect, stable texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your very own candy bars from scratch, and this Homemade Payday Candy Bars Recipe hits all the right notes: creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet all at once. Whether you’re whipping them up for a casual snack, a party, or a thoughtful gift, these bars will bring joy and a little bit of indulgence to every bite. Don’t wait — try making them today and discover why this recipe has become such a beloved treat for so many!
Print
Homemade Payday Candy Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 9 candy bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Payday Candy Bar recipe replicates the classic candy bar with a rich combination of peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, marshmallows, and crunchy dry roasted peanuts, all set in a buttery base. Easy to prepare with no baking required, it’s a perfect sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz. peanut butter baking chips
- 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 24 oz. salted, dry roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 inch pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Then, evenly spread half of the dry roasted peanuts across the bottom of the pan to create the base layer.
- Melt and Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the peanut butter baking chips together with the butter. Once melted, stir in the sweetened condensed milk and mini marshmallows continuously until the mixture is fully melted, smooth, and well combined.
- Assemble the Candy Bar: Pour the melted peanut butter mixture evenly over the layer of peanuts in the pan, making sure it covers them completely. Next, sprinkle the remaining dry roasted peanuts evenly over the top and gently press them down to help them stick into the mixture.
- Set and Serve: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill until the candy bars are completely cool and set, allowing the mixture to firm up. Once set, cut into desired serving sizes and enjoy.
Notes
- For softer bars, chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Use salted, dry roasted peanuts for best flavor and crunch.
- Ensure the heat is low when melting to prevent burning the chips or marshmallows.
- Store the candy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
