Payday Candy Bars (Homemade)
Sweet and salty peanut-laden homemade bars to replicate Store’s Payday — chewy nougat center covered with peanuts.
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl
- 8×8 inch baking pan (or loaf pan)
- Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
Base / nougat layer
- 2 cups peanut butter chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 2½ tbsp unsalted butter
Peanut topping
- 3 cups salted peanuts (or cocktail peanuts) rough or whole
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan (or loaf pan) with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and mini marshmallows.
- Microwave mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until everything is melted and smooth.
- Stir in about half of the peanuts until evenly distributed in the mixture.
- Pour mixture into the prepared pan and press down gently to flatten.
- Sprinkle the remaining peanuts over the top and press lightly into the surface.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or until firm). Use the parchment overhang to lift the slab and cut into bars.
Notes
This is a simple “no bake” version inspired by popular copycat recipes. Some versions omit marshmallows, or use corn syrup for additional chew. A similar homemade version lists 3 cups peanuts, 2 cups peanut butter chips, 2 cups mini marshmallows, and sweetened condensed milk. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}