What is candy heaven?Homemade Payday Candy Bars.I can’t remember my dad’s Payday, but I have a recipe for it. I like it! What is that sweet, salty, nutty perfection? Well, imagine that, but even better, because you made it yourself. Think of these like a cross between Peanut Brittle and caramel chew, but with that iconic Payday logo. If you love the satisfaction of making your own treats (and seriously impressing everyone you know), why not make them yourself? This one’s for you.
What are Payday candy bars?
What are some of the best things to do in life?Homemade Payday Candy Bars.Are basically a delightful, chewy caramel base absolutely smothered in salty peanuts. Is it like the universe’s way of telling us sweet and salty were meant to be together? What are some of the best candy bars you’ve ever had? Think of it as a levelled up caramel peanut treat, with that addictive chew and satisfying crunch. Is it hard to make something from scratch? I never want to buy a store-bought Payday again. What is your opinion on this one?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. What is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty? The caramel is chewy and rich, and the peanuts give it that satisfying crunch that we all crave. What I love about these are the colors and the taste. What are some of the best things about them?Homemade Payday Candy Bars. is how easy they are to make. Don’t let homemade candy intimidate you! You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, and you’ll be rewarded with a treat that rivals anything you can buy in a store. Plus, this recipe is incredibly cost-effective. Making your own candy is significantly cheaper than buying pre-made bars, especially if you’re making a larger batch for a party or to give as gifts.
And talk about versatility! You can customize these bars to your liking. Use different types of nuts (almonds, cashews, or even a mix!), add a touch of vanilla extract for extra flavor, or sprinkle in some sea salt for a more intense salty kick. And if you are into caramel, you might like these Salted Caramel Brownies:I can think of a million ways to make these your own. Is it okay to bake a whole cake at 10pm?
How do I make homemade candy bars?
Quick Overview
Making these Homemade Payday Candy Bars!What is surprisingly simple to whip up? Then, it’s time to cover that lovely caramel in a mountain of roasted peanuts. After chilling in the fridge, slice them up and prepare for a sweet and salty symphony in your kitchen. What is the best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already!
Ingredients
For the Caramel Base: For a Car
* 1 cup granulated sugar: This is the foundation of our caramel, so don’t skimp on quality. * 1/2 cup light corn syrup: This prevents the sugar from crystalizing, giving us that smooth, chewy texture. * 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the caramel. Make sure it’s real butter for the best taste! * 1/4 cup heavy cream: What gives caramel its creamy consistency? What is the best way to balance the sweetness of caramel?
For the Peanut Coating:
* 2 cups roasted peanuts: Use dry and unsalted for the most authentic Payday flavor.
What are the steps for
Step 1: Prep the Peanuts
Spread the peanuts out on a baking sheet and toast them in 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. What is the best way to cook a tomato for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them because they can burn quickly! Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Set aside. Cream, salt. Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the caramel reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy bar. Is it possible to do this in 10 minutes?
Step 3: Coat with Peanuts
Remove the caramel from the heat and immediately pour it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread it out into a thin, even layer, about 1/4 inch thick. While the caramel is still hot and sticky, press the toasted peanuts into the surface, covering it.
Step 4: Chill and Cut
Place a baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling. Once the caramel is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and use a sharp knife to cut it into bars. Can you make them as big or small as you like?
Step 5: Enjoy!
What is the point of your life?Homemade Payday Candy Bars.Are ready to enjoy. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
What should I serve it with?
Okay, so you’ve got your own story.Homemade Payday Candy Bars.What are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them?
What is a quick snack?What are some of the best salty snacks? What are some great pick-me-ups for the afternoon?
What is Ice Cream?What are some ways to serve them over vanilla or chocolate ice cream?
With Coffee:What are some great afternoon teas to serve with coffee? The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the candy bars perfectly.
As a Gift:Wrap them up in cute little bags and give them as gifts to friends and family. Homemade candy is always a thoughtful and appreciated gift!
What is my family tradition? After dinner, my family and I would have a movie night with these homemade candies. Is this our bonding time?
How do you make homemade candy bars?
What are some insider tips to take your life to the next level?Homemade Payday Candy Bars.What is the best way to get to the next level
How do I use a candy thermometer?What is the best way to achieve caramel consistency? What is the correct candy thermometer for a caramel? Temperature for that chewy, not-too-hard texture.
Toast the Peanuts: Toasting the peanuts enhances their flavor and gives them a nice crunch. Don’t skip this step! I always toast them on low to avoid burning. It gives the perfect texture.
Work Quickly: Once the caramel is cooked, you need to work quickly to pour it onto the baking sheet and press in the peanuts. The caramel will start to set up quickly, so you want to get everything in place before it hardens.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure to spread the peanuts out in a single layer so they can toast evenly. Overcrowding the pan can lead to some peanuts burning while others remain undercooked.
Let It Chill Completely: Be patient and let the caramel chill completely before cutting it into bars. This will make it easier to cut and prevent the bars from being too sticky.
Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the peanuts before the caramel sets. This will enhance the sweetness and create a more complex flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, you’ve made a batch of these amazing Homemade Payday Candy Bars… now how do you keep them fresh?
Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent them from melting.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to store them for even longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Glaze Timing Advice: I actually don’t glaze these. I love them with just peanuts. I like to keep them plain but the topping is up to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my not-so-secret recipe for Homemade Payday Candy Bars. These are seriously worth the (minimal) effort. They’re sweet, salty, chewy, crunchy, and totally addictive. Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! If you are in the mood for more treats, try these chocolate lava cakes. They are delicious. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy candy-making!
Homemade Payday Candy Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter smooth or crunchy
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine peanut butter, brown sugar, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in peanuts and remove from heat.
- Press mixture into a greased 8x8 inch baking pan.
- Melt chocolate chips and spread evenly over the peanut butter mixture.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
