Homemade Payday Candy Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines salty peanuts with a rich, sweet caramel coating. The good news is you can make them at home with just a few simple ingredients! Here’s a straightforward recipe to recreate those classic candy bars.
Homemade Payday Candy Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups salted peanuts (roasted and unshelled or shelled)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt (optional, depending on your peanut preference)
Directions:
- Prepare the peanuts:
- Line an 8×8-inch (or similar size) baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal.
- Spread 1 1/2 cups of the salted peanuts in an even layer in the baking dish. You can reserve a handful of peanuts for pressing into the top later.
- Make the caramel coating:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Once the butter is melted, add the corn syrup, granulated sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 4-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it boil over.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if desired).
- Coat the peanuts:
- Pour the caramel mixture over the peanuts in the baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to gently spread the caramel evenly over the peanuts, making sure all the peanuts are coated.
- Top with remaining peanuts:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of peanuts over the top of the caramel mixture, gently pressing them down so they stick.
- Chill and set:
- Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours, or until the candy bars are firm and set. This will help the caramel harden and the bars hold together.
- Cut into bars:
- Once the candy bars have set, lift the parchment paper from the baking dish and transfer the whole sheet of candy to a cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the candy into bars, about 1 to 2 inches wide, depending on your preference.
- Serve:
- Your homemade Payday candy bars are now ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Tips:
- Nut Variety: Feel free to experiment with other types of nuts, such as cashews or almonds, for a twist on the classic.
- Extra Sweetness: If you like your Payday bars extra sweet, you can drizzle a little melted chocolate on top after the bars have set (though it won’t be quite the same as the original version).
- Texture: If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can lightly toast the peanuts before adding them to the dish.
These Homemade Payday Candy Bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet and salty cravings, and they make a great homemade gift or snack! Enjoy!