The Ultimate Copycat Payday Candy Bars Recipe You’ll Adore

Copycat payday candy bars spark pure nostalgia with their incredible blend of sweet and salty sensations.

Memories of childhood treats come rushing back through each carefully crafted bite.

These homemade delights change ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary and utterly compelling.

Peanuts provide a robust crunch that perfectly complements the silky caramel base, creating a multi-layered experience.

The magic happens when simple components merge into a harmonious treat that feels both familiar and innovative.

Crafting these bars requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction for anyone craving a classic confection.

Prepare to elevate your snack game with this irresistible recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Why Copycat Payday Candy Bars Taste Just Like the Real Thing

• Savor Creamy Caramel Comfort: Dulce de leche and peanut butter create a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like a warm hug from your favorite dessert.
• Craft Easy Gourmet Treats: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can transform basic pantry items into a professional-looking candy bar that impresses everyone without complex techniques.
• Enjoy Protein-Packed Snacking: Loaded with peanuts and peanut butter, these homemade bars deliver a satisfying protein punch, making them a delightful energy boost for afternoon cravings or post-workout recovery.
• Experience No-Fuss Meal Prep: Requiring minimal cooking skills and easily stored in the refrigerator, these copycat candy bars are perfect for busy individuals wanting a quick, delicious treat that lasts up to a week.

Ingredients That Make Copycat Payday Candy Bars Pop

• Peanuts: Key component providing crunch and classic nutty flavor, raw or roasted peanuts work best.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates rich caramel base with deep, smooth sweetness, look for high-quality brand.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients together, unsalted preferred for better control of saltiness.
• Dulce de Leche: Provides deep caramel notes and smooth texture, choose authentic Latin American style.

• Marshmallows: Creates soft, chewy texture and helps bind ingredients, standard white marshmallows recommended.
• Peanut Butter: Enhances nutty flavor and helps create creamy consistency, natural or smooth style works well.

• Parchment Paper: Assists with easy removal and clean cutting of candy bars.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps with baking method and covering dishes during preparation.

How to Assemble and Chill Copycat Payday Candy Bars

Step 1: Prepare Sweetened Condensed Milk

Preheat oven to 400°F. Pour sweetened condensed milk into a shallow non-stick loaf pan.

Step 2: Create Water Bath

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place inside a larger roasting pan. Add hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the smaller pan.

Step 3: Bake and Cool Condensed Milk

Bake for 1 hour. Remove and allow to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Pan

Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spread of peanuts evenly across the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Create Caramel Mixture

• Melt butter completely
• Add marshmallows
• Stir continuously until fully melted and smooth

Step 6: Combine Caramel Ingredients

• Dulce de leche
• Peanut butter

Mix until well combined

Step 7: Layer Caramel Mixture

Pour the mixture carefully over the peanut layer. Use a rubber spatula to spread evenly and smooth out any lumps.

Step 8: Add Final Peanut Topping

Sprinkle remaining peanuts on top. Gently press down with hands to ensure they stick to the caramel mixture.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm enough to slice easily.

Step 10: Cut and Store

Remove from pan using parchment edges. Place on cutting board. Slice into squares or bars using a sharp knife. Store in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.

Tips for Getting the Right Crunch in Copycat Payday Candy Bars

• Manage Moisture: Toast peanuts lightly before adding to the pan to enhance their crunch and prevent sogginess in the final candy bar.
• Control Consistency: Use a candy thermometer when melting marshmallows and caramel to ensure perfect texture and prevent burning.
• Smooth Spreading Technique: Warm your spatula with hot water before spreading the caramel mixture to create an ultra-smooth, even layer.
• Cutting Precision: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts to achieve clean, sharp edges when slicing the candy bars.
• Storage Secret: Wrap individual bars in wax paper or parchment to maintain freshness and prevent sticking when storing in the refrigerator.

Storing Copycat Payday Candy Bars Without the Stickiness

• Refrigeration Method: Store your homemade Payday candy bars in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep them refrigerated for maximum freshness, ensuring they maintain their delightful texture and flavor for up to one week.
• Room Temperature Storage: If your kitchen stays cool and dry, you can safely store these treats at room temperature in a sealed container. Protect them from direct sunlight and heat to prevent the caramel from softening or becoming sticky.
• Reheating Technique: For the best taste and texture, enjoy these bars directly from the refrigerator. If you prefer a slightly softer consistency, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause the caramel to become too runny or the peanuts to lose their crunch.

Snacks and Drinks That Go Great With Copycat Payday Candy Bars

• Pair with Bold Espresso: Cut through the sweet, rich caramel flavor with a strong, dark espresso shot that complements the nutty peanut undertones and provides a robust contrast.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Milk: Enhance the dessert's sweetness by serving alongside chilled vanilla milk, which softens the intense caramel and creates a smooth, comforting balance.
• Create a Nutty Wine Combo: Select a tawny port wine with its caramel and nutty notes that mirror the candy bar's flavor profile, offering a sophisticated adult pairing experience.
• Serve with Crunchy Almond Biscotti: Add textural contrast by including crisp almond biscotti alongside the bars, providing a delightful crunch that complements the chewy caramel and peanuts.

Creative Copycat Payday Candy Bar Variations for a Twist

• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Swap regular peanuts with roasted almonds or pecans for a different nutty profile that adds rich depth to the classic candy bar.
• Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle over the top of the bars after setting, creating an extra layer of indulgent flavor that complements the caramel and peanuts.
• Sea Salt Caramel Edition: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the final peanut topping, enhancing the sweet and salty balance of the candy bars.
• Coconut Caramel Blast: Mix shredded coconut into the peanut layer or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical-inspired version that adds texture and subtle sweetness.

Copycat Payday Candy Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Homemade Payday candy bars bring nostalgic sweetness with their perfect balance of salty peanuts and creamy nougat. Sweet and satisfying snacks transport you to childhood memories of classic American confectionery delights.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) salty roasted peanuts (divided)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) creamy peanut butter

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk or dulce de leche
• 2 cups (50 grams) mini marshmallows

Supporting Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (¼ cup / 56 grams) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a shallow, non-stick loaf pan.
2. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it inside a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the milk pan.
3. Bake the condensed milk for one hour, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
4. Prepare a 9×9-inch (23×23 centimeters) pan by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Distribute two cups of unsalted peanuts evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. In a medium-sized heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter thoroughly. Add marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
6. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the homemade dulce de leche and creamy peanut butter until fully incorporated. Pour the mixture carefully over the peanut layer, using a rubber spatula to spread evenly and smooth out any potential lumps.
7. Sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top of the caramel mixture. Gently press the nuts down with clean hands to ensure they adhere well to the surface.
8. Refrigerate for approximately two hours or until the mixture becomes firm and easily sliceable. Once set, lift the confection from the pan using the parchment paper edges and transfer to a cutting board.
9. Using a sharp chef’s knife or paring knife, cut the candy into uniform squares or bars. Store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or in a cool, dry location for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Homemade dulce de leche transforms this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a rich caramel base that elevates the entire candy bar experience.
• Roasting the sweetened condensed milk slowly develops deep, complex flavor notes that make these bars taste like gourmet confections.
• Layering peanuts both underneath and on top provides delightful crunch and ensures every bite delivers maximum nutty texture.
• Using marshmallows helps bind ingredients together while contributing subtle sweetness that complements the peanut and caramel profiles.
• Refrigeration is crucial for achieving perfect bar consistency, allowing the mixture to set firmly and become sliceable without crumbling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg