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Homemade payday candy bars sitting on a white plate. An easy to make no bake Christmas recipe. A chewy peanut butter budge surrounded by layers of salty peanuts.
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Homemade Payday Candy Bar Recipe

An easy no bake homemade Payday candy bar recipe with a creamy peanut butter center surrounded by crunchy salted peanuts. Sweet, salty, chewy, and perfect for Christmas treats.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Christmas candy recipe, copycat payday candy bars, Payday candy bar recipe, peanut butter candy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings 24 bars

Ingredients

  • 4 cups salted peanuts roasted or honey roasted
  • ½ cup smooth peanut butter
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 400 g mini marshmallows 14 oz / about 9 cups
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 300 mL / 14 oz can
  • 300 g peanut butter chips 10 oz

Instructions

  • Butter and line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Evenly spread 1 cup of peanuts over the bottom of the pan. Set the pan aside while you prepare the filling.
    Making the bottom layer of a payday candy bar recipe with peanuts.
  • In a large saucepan over low heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add the peanut butter and stir until smooth, about 1 minute.
    A saucepan with melting peanut butter being stirred with a large wooden spoon. Making no bake peanut butter square Christmas recipe
  • Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter chips. Continue stirring over low heat until the chips are completely melted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • The mixture will become thick, almost like fudge. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep the heat low to prevent scorching.
    A saucepan filled with peanut butter filling and marshmallows being melted for payday bars recipe.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 cups of peanuts until evenly combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan over the bottom peanut layer. Spread it gently and evenly with a spatula.
    A tray of peanut butter payday candy bars cooling in a baking pan.
  • Before the candy starts to cool, sprinkle the remaining peanuts evenly over the top and press them lightly into the mixture with a spatula.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Once set, cut into squares with a thin bladed knife. For cleaner cuts, warm the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between slices.
    No bake peanut butter bar recipe

Notes

  • For thinner bars, use a 9×13-inch pan instead of an 8×8-inch pan.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.