Homemade Payday Candy Bars are a delightful treat that captures the classic sweet and salty combination in every bite. With layers of creamy peanut butter, marshmallows, and crunchy peanuts, these bars are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups salted peanuts
- 2 cups peanut butter chips
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Melt Butter and Peanut Butter Chips:
- Place the butter and peanut butter chips in a large saucepan.
- Melt them over medium heat, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Add Marshmallows and Condensed Milk:
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and mini marshmallows to the melted butter-peanut butter mixture.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch rectangular baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spread half of the salted peanuts evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer Mixture and Peanuts:
- Pour the peanut butter-marshmallow mixture evenly over the layer of peanuts in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top of the mixture.
- Set the Candy Bars:
- Refrigerate or let the dish sit at room temperature until the mixture sets completely.
- Serve:
- Once set, cut the candy into bars and enjoy your homemade Payday Candy Bars.
Helpful Tips:
- Mixing: Make sure to stir the peanut butter and marshmallow mixture constantly to prevent burning.
- Setting Time: For a firmer texture, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour before cutting.
- Storage: Store the candy bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these candy bars as an afternoon snack or a delightful dessert.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee for a perfect treat.
- Wrap individually in wax paper for a homemade gift or party favor.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use different types of nuts?
A: Yes, you can substitute or mix in other nuts such as almonds or cashews for a different flavor.
Q: How long do these bars last?
A: These candy bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Q: Can I make these bars vegan?
A: To make a vegan version, use vegan butter, vegan sweetened condensed milk, and dairy-free peanut butter chips and marshmallows.
Serving Size:
- Makes approximately 16 bars, depending on how you cut them.
Time of Preparation:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Setting Time: 1 hour (refrigerated)
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Enjoy making and savoring these delicious Homemade Payday Candy Bars!
Recipe Card
Homemade Payday Candy Bars
Ingredients
- – 3 cups salted peanuts
- – 2 cups peanut butter chips
- – 2 cups mini marshmallows
- – 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- – 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- – ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Melt Butter and Peanut Butter Chips:
- – Place the butter and peanut butter chips in a large saucepan.
- – Melt them over medium heat, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Add Marshmallows and Condensed Milk:
- – Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and mini marshmallows to the melted butter-peanut butter mixture.
- – Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Prepare Baking Dish:
- – Grease a 9×13-inch rectangular baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- – Spread half of the salted peanuts evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer Mixture and Peanuts:
- – Pour the peanut butter-marshmallow mixture evenly over the layer of peanuts in the baking dish.
- – Sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top of the mixture.
Set the Candy Bars:
- – Refrigerate or let the dish sit at room temperature until the mixture sets completely.
Serve:
- – Once set, cut the candy into bars and enjoy your homemade Payday Candy Bars.