Bring Homemade Payday Candy Bars to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Homemade Payday Candy Bars captures the essence of meals while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Homemade Payday Candy Bars becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
Homemade payday candy bar requires just a few ingredients
3 cups salted peanuts
2 cups peanut butter chips
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Homemade Payday Candy Bars
Step 1: Place butter and peanut butter chips in a large saucepan and melt them over medium heat until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 2: Add condensed milk, vanilla extract and marshmallows to the melted butter-peanut butter mix. Stir until the mix is smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 3: Grease a 9×13-inch rectangular baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread half of the peanuts across the baking dish
Step 4: Pour the mix from step 2evenly over the peanuts, and then sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top
Step 5: Refrigerate or let sit at room temperature until it sets. Cut candy into serving bars and enjoy.
PREPARATION STEPS
Place butter and peanut butter chips in a large saucepan and melt them over medium heat until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Add condensed milk, vanilla extract and marshmallows to the melted butter-peanut butter mix. Stir until the mix is smooth and fully incorporated.
Grease a 9×13-inch rectangular baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread half of the peanuts across the baking dish
Pour the mix from step 2evenly over the peanuts, and then sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top
Refrigerate or let sit at room temperature until it sets. Cut candy into serving bars and enjoy.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~300 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.