Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars—a deliciously addictive treat that’s perfect for satisfying cravings and indulging in a little homemade goodness. Imagine a crunchy peanutty exterior giving way to a chewy, caramel center, all coated in a generous layer of creamy milk chocolate. Whether enjoyed as a midday pick-me-up or shared with friends and family, these homemade candy bars are sure to bring smiles all around.

Step into the world of candy-making with our Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars—a delightful confection that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Picture the aroma of caramelized sugar mingling with roasted peanuts, the satisfying crunch of each bite giving way to a gooey caramel center. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create your own version of this classic candy bar right in your own kitchen.

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Elevate your snacking game with our Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars—a sweet and salty treat that’s sure to become a new favorite. Featuring a perfect balance of crunchy peanuts and chewy caramel, enrobed in smooth milk chocolate, these homemade candy bars are a true delight for the senses. What sets our recipe apart is its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize the flavors and textures to suit your taste preferences.

Exciting Story:

In our household, making Homemade Payday Candy Bars has become a cherished tradition—a time-honored ritual that brings us together in the kitchen to create something truly special. I still remember the first time we attempted to make them, the excitement of watching sugar transform into golden caramel, the joy of dipping each bar into melted chocolate. Now, as we enjoy these homemade treats, we’re reminded of the simple pleasures of spending time with loved ones and sharing the fruits of our labor.

Why This ‘Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars’:

Irresistible Flavor Combination: Our Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.
Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these candy bars in no time, without any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
Customizable: From adding extra nuts to experimenting with different types of chocolate coatings, the possibilities for customization are endless, allowing you to create your own signature candy bars.
Homemade Goodness: There’s something special about making candy from scratch—it’s a labor of love that adds an extra layer of satisfaction to every bite, knowing that you made it yourself.

Selling Points:

Why This ‘Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars’

Underneath the title, write the selling points of the recipe. Explain what makes it unique, what ingredients are used, and what flavors to expect.

What i need to make Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars

2 cups roasted salted peanuts
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening

How to Make Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars:

Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal of the candy bars later.
Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
Cook Syrup: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Insert a candy thermometer and continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
Add Peanuts: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the roasted peanuts and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour Mixture: Pour the peanut mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Cool: Let the candy cool and harden at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until completely set.
Cut Into Bars: Once the candy has cooled and hardened, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into bars.
Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Dip Bars: Dip each candy bar into the melted chocolate, using a fork to fully coat it. Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Set Chocolate: Let the chocolate coating set at room temperature or place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to speed up the process.
Serve: Once the chocolate coating has set, your Homemade Payday Candy Bars are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tips For Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars:

Use a Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is essential for accurately measuring the temperature of the sugar syrup. Be sure to monitor it closely to prevent burning.
Customize with Toppings: Get creative with your candy bars by adding extra toppings such as sea salt, chopped pretzels, or drizzles of white chocolate for added flavor and texture.
Store Properly: To keep your candy bars fresh and prevent them from sticking together, store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature.

Substitutions and Variations For Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars:

Dark Chocolate: Prefer dark chocolate? Feel free to use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies, you can substitute the peanuts with toasted coconut flakes or crispy rice cereal for a nut-free version of these candy bars.
Vegan-Friendly: Make these candy bars vegan-friendly by using dairy-free chocolate chips and omitting the vegetable shortening or using a vegan-friendly alternative.

Make a Healthier Version For Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars:

Reduced Sugar: Cut back on the amount of sugar in the recipe by using a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia, or by reducing the amount of sugar by half for a less sweet candy bar.
Healthier Fats: Swap out the vegetable shortening for coconut oil or cocoa butter for a healthier alternative that still provides a smooth and glossy chocolate coating.
Whole Ingredients: Look for organic or natural versions of the ingredients, such as organic peanuts and organic corn syrup, to minimize exposure to pesticides and additives.

“And there you have it—your very own batch of Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars, made with love and perfect for sharing with friends and family. So go ahead, indulge in a little homemade goodness, and treat yourself to a taste of nostalgia with every chewy, crunchy bite!”

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars

Can I use unsalted peanuts instead of salted? Yes, you can use unsalted peanuts if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the saltiness of the candy bars to your taste by adding a pinch of salt to the caramel mixture if needed.

How long will these candy bars keep? Homemade Payday Candy Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent melting.

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light? While light corn syrup is traditionally used in this recipe, you can substitute dark corn syrup if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware that it may impart a slightly different flavor and color to the candy bars.

Can I make these candy bars ahead of time? Yes, you can make Homemade Payday Candy Bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve. They also make great homemade gifts for holidays and special occasions.

Can I double the recipe to make more candy bars? Absolutely! You can easily double or even triple the recipe to make a larger batch of candy bars. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly and use a larger baking pan or multiple pans to accommodate the increased volume.

Homemade Payday Candy Bars

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups salted peanuts
2 cups white chocolate chips
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

Directions

In the heart of our culinary journey, let’s dive into creating Homemade Payday Candy Bars—a sweet sensation that marries golden caramel, crunchy peanuts, and luscious white chocolate.
Prepare the Caramel-Peanut Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then insert a candy thermometer. Cook until the temperature reaches 320°F (160°C), ensuring a golden caramel color.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Quickly fold in salted peanuts, ensuring they are evenly coated with the caramel.
Shape the Bars:
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pour the caramel-peanut mixture and spread it into an even layer.
Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes until it is firm enough to handle. Then, shape it into bars using your hands or a buttered knife.
Coat with White Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
Dip each caramel-peanut bar into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the coated bars back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Allow the white chocolate to set and harden. You can speed up the process by placing the bars in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the white chocolate coating has hardened, your Homemade Payday Candy Bars are ready to be enjoyed.
Indulge in the sweet and salty bliss of these homemade treats, savoring each delightful bite.

Easy Homemade Payday Candy Bars