payday candy bar recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best payday candy bar recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite payday candy bar recipe. This classic treat has been a staple in our household for years, and I just can’t get enough of it.

The combination of sweet and salty flavors is absolute perfection, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make at home. As a busy mom of three, I appreciate a recipe that can be whipped up in no time and satisfies even the pickiest of eaters.

My kids adore this recipe, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings or potlucks. But what really sets this recipe apart is its nostalgic charm – it’s a taste of childhood that never gets old.

I remember making these candy bars with my own mom when I was a kid, and now I get to share that same joy with my own family. It’s amazing how food can transport us back in time and evoke such strong memories.

But enough about that – let’s get to the good stuff! This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality.

With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating an army of payday candy bars that are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and experience the magic of payday candy bars for yourself.

Homemade Payday Candy Bars

4.8 from 699 votes

These homemade Payday candy bars feature a chewy, salty peanut base topped with a creamy caramel layer and finished with a rich milk chocolate coating. They capture the classic sweet and salty flavor of the original candy bar in a simple, from-scratch recipe.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Peanut Base

2 cups salted dry roasted peanuts
1 cup peanut butter chips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Caramel Layer

1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Coating

1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening

👨‍🍳Directions

1Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter chips and 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring constantly until melted and smooth, about 3 minutes.
3Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the salted dry roasted peanuts until they are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
4Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your hands, then set aside.
5In a clean medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water.
6Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil, about 5 minutes.
7Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and continue boiling without stirring until the mixture reaches 240°F (soft ball stage), about 8 minutes.
8Remove from heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
9Pour the caramel evenly over the peanut base in the pan.
10Let it cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until the caramel is firm and set.
11Once set, lift the block out of the pan using the parchment overhang and place on a cutting board.
12Cut into 12 rectangular bars using a sharp knife.
13In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and coconut oil.
14Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes total.
15Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each bar into the melted chocolate, turning to coat completely.
16Let excess chocolate drip off, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
17Refrigerate for 20 minutes until the chocolate is set and firm.

🔧Equipment

8×8 inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Medium saucepan
Candy thermometer
Microwave-safe bowl
Spatula
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 220mg🌾Total Carbs: 43g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 35g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

For a saltier bar, use salted peanuts and add an extra pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel layer before it sets. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Payday Candy Bars Works

This Payday candy bar recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It works perfectly for family gatherings because it travels well and does not require last minute assembly.

You can make it a day ahead and just slice when ready to serve. I like to store the bars in the refrigerator if the weather is warm, then let them come to room temperature for about ten minutes before serving.

For reheating, you can microwave a single bar for ten seconds to soften it slightly, but they are delicious straight from the fridge too. Served on a platter with other homemade candies, these bars always get eaten first.

They are a reliable, crowd pleasing treat that brings the taste of a classic candy bar into your own kitchen.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Payday Candy Bars

1. What exactly is a payday candy bar?

A payday candy bar is a classic American treat that consists of a layer of chocolate on top of a peanut butter mixture, all sandwiched between two graham crackers. It’s essentially a peanut butter cup on steroids!

2. Can I customize this recipe to suit my dietary needs?

Of course! If you’re gluten-free or have other dietary restrictions, feel free to swap out the graham crackers for gluten-free alternatives or use dairy-free chocolate for an allergy-friendly version.

3. How do I ensure my peanut butter mixture doesn’t turn out too sticky?

To avoid sticky messes, make sure your peanut butter mixture cools completely before assembling the bars.

4. Can I store these bars for later use?

Avoid storing the bars in direct sunlight as they may become discolored – simply store them in an airtight container in your pantry or fridge for up to 5 days.

5. Are these bars suitable for children?

This recipe makes a perfect treat for kids (and adults alike!) due to its simplicity and relatively low sugar content compared to other candies.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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