Homemade Payday Candy Bars

These Homemade Payday Candy Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that captures the essence of the classic candy bar. Packed with crunchy salted peanuts and coated in a rich, sweet peanut butter mixture, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet-and-salty cravings. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re a fun project to make at home and a hit for gifting or snacking!

Ingredients

• 2 cups salted peanuts
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Candy Mixture

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the light corn syrup , granulated sugar , and unsalted butter .
2. Heat over medium heat , stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth. This should take about 3–5 minutes . Be careful not to let it boil too vigorously.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla

1. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
2. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Mix in the Peanuts

1. Add the salted peanuts to the saucepan.
2. Stir until the peanuts are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.

Step 5: Press into the Pan

1. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan.
2. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture evenly into the pan, ensuring it’s compact and smooth on top.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

1. Let the candy cool completely at room temperature or place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process (about 1–2 hours ).
2. Once firm, lift the candy out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
3. Cut into small rectangular bars, similar to the size of Payday candy bars.

Why You’ll Love These Candy Bars

These Homemade Payday Candy Bars are a perfect balance of salty and sweet, with a satisfying crunch from the peanuts and a rich, creamy peanut butter coating. They’re quick to make, require no baking, and use simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, they’re customizable—you can adjust the sweetness or add extras like chocolate drizzle for a personal touch.

Tips for Success

• Use roasted peanuts : For extra flavor, opt for roasted and lightly salted peanuts.
• Don’t skip cooling : Allowing the mixture to cool completely ensures it sets properly and is easier to cut into bars.
• Add chocolate (optional) : Melt some semi-sweet or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the bars before serving for an extra decadent twist.
• Storage : Store the candy bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks .

Serving Suggestions

• Wrap individual bars in wax paper or plastic wrap for a homemade candy bar gift.
• Serve alongside other homemade treats like fudge or caramels for a DIY candy buffet.
• Pair with a cold glass of milk or coffee for a nostalgic snack experience.

Enjoy these Homemade Payday Candy Bars —a sweet, salty, and crunchy treat that’s sure to bring joy to any candy lover!