Payday Bar Cake
A decadent peanut butter and marshmallow cake with crunchy peanuts and crisp rice cereal, perfect for celebrations or whenever craving a sweet, chewy, and crunchy treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix together the cake mix, 1/3 cup butter, and egg.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 to 18 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with miniature marshmallows.
- Return to oven for 1 to 2 minutes or until marshmallows begin to puff.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, cook corn syrup, 1/4 cup butter, vanilla, and peanut butter chips until melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in rice cereal and salted peanuts.
- Spoon the mixture over the marshmallow-topped cake and spread to cover.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter when mixing the cake base. If you don't have peanut butter chips, you can substitute with chocolate chips for a different taste. To add some crunch, try using chopped pretzels in place of salted peanuts. Ensure that the marshmallows are evenly spread for a consistent texture throughout the cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Payday Bar Cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a satisfying dessert. For a festive touch, serve it alongside a fruit salad or Shirley'S Easy Broccoli Casserole as a balanced meal option. Cut into small squares for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, microwave individual portions for about 10-15 seconds or until just warm, which will help restore the gooey texture of the marshmallows.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Payday Bar Cake contains roughly 896 calories, with 8g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. 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 make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free yellow cake mix as a substitute for the regular cake mix. Just ensure all other ingredients, such as corn syrup and marshmallows, are gluten-free as well to maintain the integrity of the dish.
How can I make this dessert less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, consider cutting down the amount of corn syrup or using unsweetened peanut butter chips. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors, which will help offset the sweetness from the marshmallows and cake.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the Payday Bar Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
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).