Homemade Payday Bars
These easy copycat homemade Payday Bars taste remarkably similar to the original candy bar! They feature a layer of crunchy peanuts, sweet creamy peanut butter caramel, and crunchy peanuts on top. This quick no-bake recipe is perfect for parties, game days, Halloween, or as a sweet treat for hosting friends.
The classic candy bar got a healthier makeover! You will be shocked to find out these are gluten free, dairy free, and vegan. In addition, they contain no refined sugar. A sweet treat that is also healthy is a win-win!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These homemade payday bars are nostalgic and fun!
- They take only a few minutes of prep time.
- This recipe uses only 5 easy ingredients.
- You probably already have everything in your kitchen and pantry!
- This recipe is no-bake. No need to turn on the oven.
- They are so fun for Halloween!
- Feel free to drizzle with melted chocolate for the ultimate sweet treat.
- This recipe is great for many diets and lifestyles. These healthy payday bars are grain free, gluten free, dairy free, egg free, vegan, and refined sugar free.
- Check out these Homemade Snickers Bars for another delicious candy bar recipe!
- For more dessert ideas, check out these Gluten Free Dessert Recipes.
What are Payday Bars?
Payday bars are a type of candy bar made of caramel and peanuts. They were first introduced by the Hollywood Candy Company in 1932. The bar quickly became popular because of its unique sweet and salty taste.
Payday bars have remained a favorite for many candy lovers over the years.
Today, they are produced by The Hershey Company, which continues to make them in the same classic style.
Ingredients & Substitutions
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for these homemade payday bars. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and instructions.
First, use unsalted peanuts. Salted peanuts may be too salty for this recipe.
Pure maple syrup helps sweeten the caramel layer. If you are not vegan, then honey works too.
Use all natural creamy peanut butter made from only peanuts and salt. If desired, replace with all natural almond butter or cashew butter.
Coconut oil helps thin out the caramel sauce. In addition, it hardens when cold which helps the bars become set.
Lastly, a little vanilla adds a cozy homemade taste.
Taste & Texture
These homemade payday bars taste like the original beloved candy bar! The peanuts are crunchy while the caramel is sweet and gooey.
These bars have the perfect contrast of crunchy and creamy textures.
How to Make
Step 1
First, line a bread loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2
Spread 1 cup of the peanuts into the bottom of the lined pan.
Step 3
In a microwave safe bowl, add the maple syrup, peanut butter, coconut oil, and vanilla. Stir together. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until creamy. If needed, microwave for another 10 seconds.
Step 4
Pour this mixture on top of the peanuts. Smooth into an even layer.
Step 5
Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of peanuts on top.
Step 6
Freeze for 1 hour or until set.
Step 7
Finally, remove the homemade payday bars from the freezer and carefully slice them into bars.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best homemade payday bars.
First, use unsalted peanuts.
Use all natural creamy peanut butter made from only peanuts and salt.
Microwave the caramel mixture until smooth and creamy.
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Allow the bars to set in the freezer. Be patient!
How to Serve & Store
Serve these homemade payday bars once they have become set.
They are great by themselves or with some melted chocolate on top!
In addition, these are delicious served in a bowl of vanilla ice cream. For another nostalgic treat, try these Nutty Buddies!
Store in the fridge for a more gooey and soft texture or in the freezer for a firm texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! I have also tested this recipe using walnuts and cashews. My favorite is cashews.
I recommend storing them in the freezer to preserve them for up to 3 months.
Yes.
Yes, these homemade Payday bars are gluten free and vegan.
Yes, Hershey still produces Payday candy bars.
Equipment Needed
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy clean up.
Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
You May Also Like
- Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
- Vitamix Peanut Butter
- Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
- Cosmic Brownies
If you make this homemade payday bar recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind the scenes look. I would love for you to follow along! For more sweet treats, check out these Dessert Recipes.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Payday Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups peanuts
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¾ cup all natural creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- First, line a bread loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Spread 1 cup of the peanuts into the bottom of the lined pan.
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the maple syrup, peanut butter, coconut oil, and vanilla. Stir together. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until creamy. If needed, microwave for another 10 seconds.
- Pour this mixture on top of the peanuts. Smooth into an even layer.
- Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of peanuts on top.
- Freeze for 1 hour or until set.
- Finally, remove from the freezer and carefully slice into bars.
Notes
- I recommend using unsalted peanuts, especially if your peanut butter is salted.
- The peanut butter mixture should be creamy and slightly thicker than caramel sauce.
- Use peanut butter made from only peanuts and salt.
- Allow the bars to freeze until set. Then use a large sharp knife to slice into bars.
- Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
Love these vegan gluten free homemade payday bars? You can sign up here to receive healthy meal plans, exclusive new recipes and updates!
One Comment on “Homemade Payday Bars”
These were super easy and so delicious!