Payday Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Payday Cake combines the rich flavors of peanuts, caramel, and marshmallows with a moist yellow cake base, creating a delectable treat reminiscent of the popular candy bar. Perfect for peanut lovers and sweet tooths, this dessert is ideal for parties, potlucks, or any special occasion craving a nostalgic flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1 yellow cake mix
  • 1/4 cup oleo
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 2 cups rice crispies
  • 2 cups salted peanuts
  • 2/3 cup corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup oleo
  • 1 (12 oz.) package peanut butter chips

Instructions

  1. Mix the yellow cake mix, 1/4 cup oleo, and 1 egg in a 9 x 13-inch pan and bake for 12 to 18 minutes at 350°F.
  2. When baked and still hot, sprinkle 3 cups of mini marshmallows on top.
  3. In a saucepan, heat the corn syrup, 1/4 cup oleo, peanut butter chips, and vanilla until smooth, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the rice crispies and salted peanuts to the mixture and stir well.
  5. Spread the peanut mixture over the marshmallows on the cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of oleo. You can also substitute the salted peanuts with unsalted or try adding other nuts like almonds or cashews for a different texture. If you prefer a sweeter treat, mix in some chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving. This cake can be made ahead of time and is a great addition to potlucks or gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Payday Cake as a delightful dessert after dinner, or pack it for lunch as a sweet treat. It pairs beautifully with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a richer experience. For a themed dessert table, consider serving it alongside Laine'S Carrot Cake and Rachel'S Sweet Muffins for a variety of flavors that will please everyone.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, keep the Payday Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place a piece in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as the marshmallows can become too gooey.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Payday Cake contains roughly 671 calories, with 8g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 505mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

671 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.4g 17% DV
Total Fat 11g 14% DV
Carbs 103.1g 37% DV
Fiber 3.6g 13% DV
Sugar 53.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 504.7mg 22% DV
Potassium 320.9mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 10.8mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 203.8mcg 23% DV
Vitamin C 8mg 9% DV
Vitamin D 1.4mcg 7% DV
Calcium 202mg 16% DV
Iron 6.8mg 38% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Peanut

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 substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make this Payday Cake gluten-free. Just make sure to check that the other ingredients, like the mini marshmallows and peanut butter chips, are also labeled gluten-free.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make a healthier version of Payday Cake, try using whole grain cake mix and reducing the amount of corn syrup. You can also decrease the sugar by using natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. Additionally, consider adding dried fruits for added nutrition.

What can I do with leftover cake?

Leftover Payday Cake can be crumbled and used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. Alternatively, you can make it into cake pops by mixing the crumbled cake with a bit of frosting and rolling them into balls. This is a fun way to enjoy the leftover cake in a new form!

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).

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