Homemade Pay Day Candy Bars
If you love the sweet-and-salty crunch of a classic PayDay candy bar, you’ll be thrilled to know you can make them at home with just a handful of pantry staples. These Homemade Pay Day Candy Bars are chewy, nutty, and perfectly balanced with creamy peanut butter and marshmallow filling layered between salted peanuts. They’re easy to prepare, no candy thermometer required, and taste even better than store-bought!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients: No complicated candy-making steps.
Sweet & salty perfection: The combination of peanuts and creamy filling is irresistible.
Great for sharing: Makes a big batch, perfect for parties or gifting.
No-bake treat: Just melt, mix, and set.
Ingredients
3 cups salted peanuts
2 cups peanut butter chips
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
3 tbsp unsalted butter
½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, or line with parchment paper.
Spread half of the salted peanuts evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Make the Filling
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and peanut butter chips until smooth.
Stir in sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and mini marshmallows.
Continue stirring until marshmallows are fully melted and mixture is creamy.
- Assemble the Bars
Pour the hot filling mixture evenly over the peanuts in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top, pressing them gently into the surface.
- Cool & Set
Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature.
Once firm, cut into squares or rectangles.
Tips for Success
Work quickly: The filling sets fast, so have peanuts ready in the pan.
Use fresh peanuts: Salted, roasted peanuts give the best flavor and crunch.
Line with parchment: Makes removing and cutting bars much easier.
Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Variations
Chocolate drizzle: Add melted dark or milk chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
Nut mix: Swap some peanuts for cashews or almonds.
Mini version: Pour mixture into mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats.
Holiday twist: Use red and green candy-coated peanuts for a festive look.
Serving Ideas
Wrap bars individually for lunchbox treats.
Serve on a dessert platter alongside cookies and brownies.
Gift in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade candy presents.
Conclusion
These Homemade Pay Day Candy Bars are chewy, crunchy, and packed with peanut flavor. They’re proof that you don’t need fancy equipment to make candy at home—just a saucepan, a baking dish, and a love for sweet-and-salty snacks.