Homemade Pay Day Candy Bars
When it comes to candy bars, everyone has their tried-and-true favorites they’ll stick with forever. Sure, we might explore new flavors from time to time, but once we’ve found our favorites, we tend to stay loyal to them, right? And if you’re already obsessed with the flavors and ingredients of these favorites, it makes perfect sense to recreate the combination in other treats! With that in mind, we decided to make homemade Pay Day bars so that we could have a dessert ready whenever our peanut and peanut butter cravings hit… and boy, are we glad we did!
Not only do these bars taste just like the real deal, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. You only need six ingredients and either a stovetop or microwave. Start by melting butter and peanut butter chips together in a saucepan until smooth. Then, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, stirring until the marshmallows are silky smooth. Pour half of this delightful mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle half of the salted peanuts in the middle, and then pour the remaining peanut marshmallow mixture on top, sprinkling any remaining peanuts over the smooth top layer. Easy breezy!
This dish comes together in minutes and, before you know it, the bars are set and ready to be sliced and served. It’s a no-bake treat, which means you can whip this up any time of year without turning on your oven or heating up the kitchen—perfect for those hot summer days—and you can satisfy that candy bar craving in no time. What’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These homemade Pay Day bars are a delightful combination of salty and sweet, with the crunch of peanuts and the creamy richness of peanut butter chips. They’re super easy to make with just a few ingredients, and since they’re no-bake, they’re perfect for any season.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large saucepan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula or spoon for stirring
- Refrigerator
- Butter or non-stick spray, or parchment paper
Ingredients
- 3 cups salted peanuts
- 2 cups peanut butter chips
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt butter and peanut butter chips in a large saucepan over medium heat until smooth, then stir in condensed milk, vanilla extract, and marshmallows, stirring until smooth and incorporated.
- Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, or line with parchment paper, then spread half of the peanuts across the baking dish.
- Pour the condensed milk mixture over the peanuts, then sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top.
- Refrigerate or let sit at room temperature until set, then cut into bars and enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the butter and peanut butter chips are completely melted and smooth before adding the other ingredients for a perfect consistency.
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- Allow the bars to fully set before cutting to maintain their shape.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Try adding a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use different nuts, such as almonds or cashews, for a unique twist.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 240 | Fat: 14g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 6g | Sugar: 18g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use unsalted peanuts instead? Yes, but you might want to add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
How long do these bars keep? Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Can I freeze these bars? Yes, they freeze well. Just wrap them tightly and store for up to two months.
Conclusion
Ready to indulge your peanut cravings with these homemade Pay Day bars? They’re simple, delicious, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it goes in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your experience and any creative twists you might have added!
