These Homemade PayDay Candy Bars are incredibly easy to make with only a few ingredients and no candy thermometer required. The combination of creamy peanut butter, marshmallows, and salted peanuts creates the perfect balance of sweet and salty. They require no baking and come together quickly, making them a great make-ahead dessert for any occasion. Plus, they’re a nostalgic favorite that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salted roasted peanuts
Unsalted butter
Peanut butter (creamy)
Mini marshmallows
Sweetened condensed milk
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (optional, for added structure)
Directions
Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Spread half of the salted peanuts evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
Add mini marshmallows and stir until melted and combined.
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir until the mixture is fully blended and slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. If using powdered sugar, add it now for a firmer nougat texture.
Pour the mixture over the layer of peanuts in the pan, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top and gently press them into the nougat mixture.
Let the bars cool at room temperature until set, or refrigerate for faster results.
Once firm, cut into bars and serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 bars. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Chill time: 1 hour Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
Chocolate drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or dip the bars partially for a twist on the original.
Crunchy peanut butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Nut-free version: Use sunflower seeds and sunflower butter for a nut-free alternative.
Extra chewy: Add a bit of caramel or toffee bits to the nougat mixture for a richer, chewier texture.
Mini bars: Cut into bite-sized squares for easy snacking or party platters.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. No reheating is needed; just thaw at room temperature before serving if frozen.
FAQs
Do I need a candy thermometer to make these?
No, this recipe doesn’t require a candy thermometer, making it simple and beginner-friendly.
Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Use about 1 ½ cups of fluff in place of mini marshmallows.
What kind of peanuts should I use?
Roasted salted peanuts work best to balance the sweetness of the nougat.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter may be too oily or runny. It’s best to use a no-stir creamy variety for structure.
How long do these bars take to set?
They’ll firm up in about 1 hour in the fridge or 2–3 hours at room temperature.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a 9×13-inch pan instead of a square one to accommodate the larger batch.
Will the bars melt at room temperature?
They hold up well at room temperature but may soften slightly in very warm environments.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter, dairy-free condensed milk, and plant-based marshmallows for a vegan-friendly version.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to confirm.
Can I add caramel to make it more like a candy bar?
Yes, you can layer soft caramel over the bottom layer of peanuts before adding the nougat for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
Homemade PayDay Candy Bars are the perfect blend of salty peanuts and rich, chewy nougat that captures the nostalgic flavor of the classic candy bar. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch anytime a sweet craving hits. Whether you keep them all to yourself or share them with friends, these bars are sure to be a hit.
Homemade PayDay Candy Bars are a sweet and salty no-bake treat made with a chewy nougat center and coated in roasted salted peanuts. These nostalgic bars are easy to make and taste even better than the store-bought version.
Ingredients
2 cups salted roasted peanuts, divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for firmer texture)
Instructions
Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Spread 1 cup of salted peanuts evenly on the bottom of the pan.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and peanut butter together until smooth.
Add mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and combined.
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Add powdered sugar if using, and mix until incorporated.
Pour the nougat mixture over the peanuts in the pan, spreading it evenly.
Top with the remaining 1 cup of peanuts and gently press them into the nougat layer.
Let the bars cool at room temperature until set, or refrigerate for 1 hour for faster setting.
Once firm, cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Drizzle with melted chocolate for a twist on the original PayDay bar.Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.Swap peanuts for sunflower seeds and use sunflower butter for a nut-free version.Add caramel or toffee bits for extra chewiness.Cut into bite-sized pieces for party-friendly treats.
