What is your favorite Payday candy bar? What is the addictive combination of peanuts and caramel? Have you ever thought about making your own?Homemade Payday Candy Bars.I know it sounds intimidating, but trust me, it’s way easier than you think, and the taste is amazing. *unbelievable*. Imagine it as the gourmet version of your favorite gas station treat, and you control every single one of it. What is the ingredient that goes into it? Is this a Reese’s cup? Lotta peanuts – pure candy perfection!
What is a Payday candy bar?
What is the purpose of this discussion?Homemade Payday Candy Bars. are a DIY take on the classic candy. Think of it as a mound of sweet, sticky caramel, formed into a bar shape, and then absolutely *smothered* in crunchy, salty peanuts. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that just works. The original Payday is a lifesaver at checkout counters, but making your own lets you customize the flavor, texture, and even the type of nuts you use. It’s essentially deconstructing the candy bar and rebuilding it in your own kitchen, with a little extra love.
Why you will love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to fall head over heels for this recipe? What is Flavor? It’s an explosion of sweet, salty, and nutty goodness. What is the best combination of caramel and peanuts? Then there is the SIMPLICITY. What is the point of making candy bars from scratch? Is this recipe easy to make? Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. How do you make your own candy bars? I need a lot! What are some easy recipes to adapt to your liking? Why don’t we use different nuts?
What do I love about these books?Homemade Payday Candy Bars.Is there a way to customize your app? I tested this with different types of caramel, and the results were always great. What are some of the best types of peanuts – honey roasted for extra sweetness or salted for an even sweeter taste? What is the best way to eat a cake? If you love making homemade candies, you might also enjoy homemade peanut brittle!
How do I make homemade candy bars?
Quick Overview
Making these Homemade Payday Candy Bars.Is it surprisingly easy? How do you make caramel bars? What’s the magic of a Peanut Butter bar? Is it a simple process, but the end result is candy bars that taste more like candy than candy? What can I buy at the store? I promise, once you make these, you’ll never look at a regular Payday the same way again!
Ingredients
For the Caramel: What is
* 1 cup granulated sugar* 12 cup light corn syrup * 2 cups (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces. * 12 cup heavy cream* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract * 2 teaspoon salt * 4 teaspoons sugar * 3 teaspoon nutmeg * 6 teaspoon black pepper * 5 teaspoon cinnamon * 7 teaspoon clove
(For the caramel, it’s really important to use good quality butter – it makes a big difference in taste). I always use unsalted so I can control the amount of salt in the final product.)
For the Peanut Coating:
* 2 cups dry roasted peanuts, unsalted
(I prefer dry roasted peanuts because they have that extra crunch and nutty flavor.) What are some of the best candy bars that aren’t salted?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you prevent caramel from sticking to your skin? I learned this the hard way. I always do this before starting so everything is ready to go when I need it.)
Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Cook until the caramel turns a deep amber color. Keep a close eye on it, because it can burn quickly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Butter and Cream
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter until it is completely melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up when you add the cream. Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the caramel is smooth and slightly browned. Remove from the heat. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Salt
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. What is the best way to spread caramel on a baking sheet? I use an offset spatula to get it nice and smooth.
Step 5: Cool the Caramel
Let the caramel cool completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 2-3 hours. If you want to speed up the baking process, you can put a baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. If the caramel gets too hard, it will be difficult to cut.
Step 6: Cut the Caramel
Once the caramel is cool and firm, cut it into bars, about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long. I use a sharp knife to get even bars.
Step 7: Prepare the Peanuts
Place the peanuts in a shallow dish. If your peanuts aren’t already roasted, toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Is it necessary to cook a tomato until it is fragrant and browned? Let them cool before using.
Step 8: Coat the Caramel Bars
How do you roll caramel bars in peanuts? Make sure the bars are completely covered with peanuts. This is where things get messy, but it’s also the most fun part!
Step 9: Let Set and Enjoy!
Place the coated caramel bars back on the baking sheet and let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. How long should the peanuts be cooked? What’s your life like?Homemade Payday Candy Bars.Are ready to enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
These Homemade Payday Candy Bars. are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right accompaniments. I have all types of snacks with the candy.
For a Breakfast treat, serve them with a strong cup of black coffee or an iced latte. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the candy bar perfectly.
For Brunch, cut the candy bars into smaller pieces and arrange them on a platter with other sweet treats, like mini muffins and fresh fruit. Serve with mimosas or sparkling cider for a festive touch.
As a Dessert, offer them after dinner with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm caramel and cold ice cream is heavenly.
And for Cozy Snacks, snuggle up on the couch with a Homemade Payday Candy Bars.What is the best way to unwind after a long day?
In my family, we have a tradition of making these candy bars every year during the holidays. We wrap them in cellophane and give them as gifts to our friends and neighbors. I know it’s a small gesture, but it means so much to me.
How do I make homemade candy bars?
Okay, so you’re ready to make these amazing Homemade Payday Candy Bars? Awesome! Here are a few extra tips to make sure yours turn out perfectly:
Caramel Consistency: The most important thing is to cook the caramel to the right temperature. If it’s undercooked, the candy bars will be too soft and sticky. If it’s overcooked, they will be hard and brittle. Use a candy thermometer to make sure the caramel reaches 245°F (118°C). If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the caramel by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water. If it forms a firm ball, it’s ready.
Peanut Prep: Make sure the peanuts are fresh and crunchy. If they’re stale, the candy bars won’t taste as good. You can refresh stale peanuts by toasting them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes.
Caramel Cutting: Use a sharp knife to cut the caramel into bars. A dull knife will just squish the caramel and make a mess. You can also lightly grease the knife with butter to prevent it from sticking.
Ingredient Swaps: I’ve also experimented with different nuts – almonds, cashews, even macadamia nuts! They all work great, but the classic peanut version is still my favorite. I also use agave instead of corn syrup, for a vegan option.
Baking Tips: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different extracts, such as almond or maple. These can add a unique flavor to the candy bars. And if you want to make a chocolate version, drizzle the candy bars with melted chocolate after they’ve been coated with peanuts.
Glaze Variations: For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the caramel. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until it turns a nutty brown color. Be careful not to burn it!
I once tried to speed up the cooling process by putting the caramel in the freezer. Big mistake! It got too hard and was impossible to cut. Patience is key with this recipe!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make a big batch of these Homemade Payday Candy Bars and save some for later? Here’s how to store them properly:
Room Temperature: The candy bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. I like to wrap each candy bar individually in cellophane or wax paper.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the candy bars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Again, make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to store the candy bars for even longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap each candy bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the candy bars for a long time, it’s best to wait to drizzle them with chocolate until just before serving. This will prevent the chocolate from blooming (developing a white coating) and becoming less appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Homemade Payday Candy Bars! I really think this recipe is worth trying, these are so much better than the store-bought version and are customizable to exactly how you like them. Trust me, the taste is truly out of this world. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding project that you can enjoy with your family and friends. It brings so much joy to me and I hope it does the same for you. If you’re looking for other candy recipes to try, be sure to check out my homemade peanut brittle or caramel apples. They’re equally amazing!
Happy baking, everyone! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments below if you try this recipe and what you think. And if you have any variations of your own, be sure to share them. I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to tweak this recipe! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends!
