Homemade Payday Candy Bars
Homemade Payday Candy Bars are rich, nutty confections with creamy marshmallow and peanut butter flavors, perfect for sweet tooths and nostalgic treat lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch pan with 1 jar of dry roasted peanuts.
- In a medium saucepan, melt oleo and mini marshmallows over low heat.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter chips to the melted mixture.
- Stir until all ingredients are melted and well combined.
- Evenly pour the mixture over the layered peanuts in the pan.
- Top with the second jar of peanuts and press them into the surface with fingers.
- Let the candy set until firm, about 1-2 hours.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, try roasting the peanuts for a few minutes before using them. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding a handful of chocolate chips to the mixture. You can also substitute the peanut butter chips with almond butter chips for a different twist. Make sure to keep the heat low when melting the marshmallows to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
These Homemade Payday Candy Bars are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a fun presentation, cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters and serve at parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover candy bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply place a square in the microwave for a few seconds until slightly warm, which will bring back its gooey texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Payday Candy Bars contains roughly 597 calories, with 18g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 574mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsalted peanuts instead of dry roasted peanuts?
Yes, using unsalted peanuts will result in a less salty flavor, which can be a nice contrast to the sweetness of the candy. If you choose unsalted peanuts, consider adding a pinch of salt to the melted mixture to enhance the overall flavor.
What can I substitute for oleo in this recipe?
You can substitute oleo with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both will work well in providing the necessary fat for the candy bars while maintaining a rich flavor. Just keep in mind that using coconut oil may impart a slight coconut taste.
How can I make these candy bars healthier?
To make a healthier version, consider using natural peanut butter instead of peanut butter chips, and replace mini marshmallows with a healthier alternative like homemade marshmallow or a nut-based sweetener. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or use a low-sugar version.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).