Follow these simple steps to make your own homemade Payday candy bars:
- Prepare the pan: Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they are set. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Toast the peanuts: In a large skillet, toast the peanuts over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. If you’re using salted peanuts, you can skip this step. Once toasted, remove the peanuts from the skillet and set them aside to cool.
- Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to bubble for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sugar should be fully dissolved, and the mixture will thicken slightly.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk: Once the caramel mixture has simmered, stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel is thickened to your desired consistency. Be careful not to burn the caramel, so keep the heat at medium and stir regularly.
- Combine the peanuts and caramel: Remove the caramel from the heat and pour the toasted peanuts into the saucepan. Stir until the peanuts are completely coated in the caramel sauce.
- Pour into the pan: Immediately pour the peanut and caramel mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Use a spatula to press the mixture into the pan, ensuring that the peanuts are evenly distributed and compacted. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for an added flavor contrast.
- Let it cool: Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Once it has cooled slightly, you can place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or until it is fully set and firm.
- Slice and serve: After the bars have set, remove them from the refrigerator. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice the mixture into individual bars. You should be able to get about 12-16 bars, depending on how large you want each serving.
Serving and Storage
These homemade Payday candy bars are perfect for sharing at parties, serving as a treat for special occasions, or keeping in your pantry for whenever you crave something sweet. Here’s how you can store them:
- Storage: Store the Payday bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving so that the caramel is soft and gooey.
- Freezing: If you want to store the bars for an extended period, these candy bars freeze well. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
Tips
- Peanut options: If you prefer a different kind of nut, you can substitute salted cashews, almonds, or even mixed nuts in place of peanuts. The key is to use nuts with a similar size and texture for the best results.
- Make it a bit sweeter: If you want the candy bars to have a sweeter taste, consider adding a handful of mini chocolate chips to the warm caramel mixture before pouring it over the peanuts. This will create a chocolatey layer that complements the caramel and peanuts beautifully.
- Adjust the saltiness: For a perfect balance of sweet and salty, consider using unsalted peanuts, and then sprinkle sea salt on top of the bars for a burst of flavor. Adjust the amount of salt to your personal taste preference.
- Healthier alternative: For a slightly healthier version, try using honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup, or swap out the sweetened condensed milk for a homemade dairy-free version. These alternatives may slightly alter the flavor but still produce a delicious treat.
- Make it festive: To make these candy bars more festive, try decorating them with a drizzle of melted chocolate or colorful sprinkles for holidays or special occasions.
Conclusion
Homemade Payday candy bars are a fun and rewarding treat to make at home. With their combination of roasted peanuts and rich caramel, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Not only are they simple to prepare, but they also have the added bonus of being customizable. You can adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or even add a little chocolate to make them your own.
Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or as a gift for someone special, these candy bars are guaranteed to impress. So, why not give it a try? Make your own version of this beloved classic and enjoy the taste of homemade candy bars that are fresh, delicious, and full of flavor.
FAQ
1. Can I use unsalted peanuts?
Yes! If you prefer a less salty taste, you can use unsalted peanuts. You can even sprinkle a little sea salt on top to add balance.
2. Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will give the bars a richer, more robust flavor. The texture will remain the same, but the flavor will be slightly different.
3. Can I make these candy bars without sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is essential for the caramel’s rich texture and sweetness. However, you can try substituting it with evaporated milk and adding sugar, although the consistency may be slightly different.