This recipe is super easy and reminds me of a cross between nougat and fudge and is also similar to our Homemade Quick and Easy Italian Torrone and Holiday Vintage Candy Dot Nougat recipes.
If you're a big fan of PayDay candy bars, this is a quick fix that really in my opinion tastes better than the originals but you can be the judge of that.
This recipe takes the easy way out of candy making with no fuss using mini marshmallows, sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter chips and it's super tasty.
Together with all these melded flavors together with the addition of salted peanuts, you have the perfect style copycat candy bar you've grew up with.
Although it’s quicker to just buy that store-bought brand, these make great gifts, especially for all those payday lovers out there.
I actually made these for my co-workers as a reward for a job well done and they always appreciate that extra bit of work that went into my homemade from-the-heart version.
Just follow these simple step-by-step directions on how to make these bars and you're going to love the ease of this recipe.
It's also printable if you don't want to scroll through the tips below and right to the recipe card.
No Candy Thermometer Needed!
This candy is so easily done on the stovetop you don't even need a candy thermometer.
I love getting the kids involved also to help, the stirring is the hardest part so I put them to work.
This candy is a nougat style with a layer on the bottom and top just makes these super delicious and almost authentic looking.
Ingredients You Will Need (scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements
- marshmallows
- peanut butter chips
- skinless salted peanuts
- vanilla
- cooking spray oil
- sweetened condensed milk
- for nuts allergies use pumpkin seeds
Step By Step Copycat PayDay Bars
- StoveTop: Melt the chips with butter, after they're melted together then remove the melted hot mixture from the stovetop and add the marshmallows, vanilla and condensed milk
- Microwave: Place in a safe glass bowl and add the chips and butter in 30-second intervals. Remove the hot mixture from the microwave and stir in the other ingredients beat until smooth
- Line the bottom of fudge pans with nuts.
- Pour the hot mixture on top then add more nuts
- Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before trying to cut these
Additional Suggestions:
- for nut allergies use either salted pumpkin seeds unshelled or sunflower seeds omit peanut butter chips and use white chocolate chips
- cashews
- pecan
- pistachios
- macadamia nuts
- almonds
More Recipes We Love:
Salted Caramel Toffee Bites (crack candy)
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Candy
White Chocolate Peanut Butter Marshmallow Candy
A Few Tips
- toasting the nuts in the oven first with give a roasted crunchier flavor
- I use small fudge pans to make them thicker however you can use a larger pan and make them thinner
- measure exact amounts of ingredients
- keep nougat in an airtight container
- use a fudge-size pan and make them around 1 inch high
- use more nuts if you prefer on the bottom and top
- this can be made in the microwave or stovetop
- store in an airtight container
- Wrap in snack bags to keep them fresh tie with ribbons then store in tins or glass jar for gift-giving
- Store in the fridge these do not freeze well.
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Deliciously Homemade PayDay Bars in Minutes
If you're looking for easy candy recipes, you've found it!
No candy thermometer, quick to make with no fancy tools and simple pantry ingredients.
You're really going to impress your family, friends, and yourself with this delicious copycat candy bar all homemade!
Copycat PayDay Bars
Yield: 30
Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 10 MinInactive time: 30 MinTotal time: 45 Min
I just love PayDay candy bars and if you are into a sweet and salty peanut bar, this recipe is all you need!
Ingredients
- 3 cups salted peanuts without skins on them
- 2 cups of miniature marshmallows
- 1 can (14 - ounce) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups of peanut butter chips
- 2- 1/2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Sprinkle half the peanuts on the bottom of a lightly oil sprayed or parchment paper-lined small fudge pan or brownie pan (around 11 x 7 in size) .
- In a heavy-duty saucepan, add the butter, and peanut butter chips on low heat until melted.
- Stirring quickly, add the vanilla, marshmallows, and sweetened condensed milk, and beat this until smooth and creamy all melted together evenly.
- Pour into the pan then sprinkle with remaining nuts.
- Chill until firm.
- Cut into squares.
- This recipe makes around 30 small pieces.
Notes
A Few Tips
- toasting the nuts in the oven first with give a roasted crunchier flavor
- I use small fudge pans to make them thicker however you can use a larger pan and make them thinner
- measure exact amounts of ingredients
- keep nougat in an airtight container
- use a fudge-size pan and make them around 1 inch high
- use more nuts if you prefer on the bottom and top
- this can be made in the microwave or stovetop
- store in an airtight container
- Wrap in snack bags to keep them fresh tie with ribbons then store in tins or glass jar for gift-giving
- Store in the fridge these do not freeze well.
Additional Suggestions:
- for nut allergies use either salted pumpkin seeds unshelled or sunflower seeds omit peanut butter chips and use white chocolate chips
- cashews
- pecan
- pistachios
- macadamia nuts
- almonds
Nutrition Facts
Calories
209.14Fat (grams)
13.14Sat. Fat (grams)
5.34Carbs (grams)
18.31Fiber (grams)
1.92Net carbs
16.38Sugar (grams)
13.68Protein (grams)
7.21Sodium (milligrams)
55.93Cholesterol (grams)
10.27
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More Candy Recipes:
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter
White Chocolate Peanut Butter Marshmallow Clusters
Amaretto Pistachio Fudge