introduction

Are you a fan of the classic combination of sweet and salty flavors? Look no further than Homemade Payday Candy Bars! With their irresistible blend of crunchy peanuts and creamy caramel, coated in smooth chocolate, these homemade treats are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you reaching for more. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and learn how to recreate the magic of Payday candy bars in your own kitchen!

video instructions available below 👇 

Ingredients You’ll Need

**For the Peanut Caramel Filling:**
– 2 cups roasted salted peanuts
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

**For the Chocolate Coating:**
– 2 cups chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate, depending on your preference)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening or coconut oil

Instructions

1. **Prepare the Peanut Caramel Filling:**
– In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
– Continue to cook the mixture, without stirring, until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
– Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and quickly stir in the roasted salted peanuts and vanilla extract until evenly coated.

2. **Shape the Candy Bars:**
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
– Pour the peanut caramel mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
– Allow the mixture to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm enough to handle.

3. **Cut into Bars:**
– Once the peanut caramel mixture has cooled and set, use a sharp knife to cut it into individual candy bars of your desired size and shape. You can make them long and narrow, mimicking the shape of store-bought Payday bars.

4. **Prepare the Chocolate Coating:**
– In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening or coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and melted. This will create a smooth and shiny chocolate coating for your candy bars.

5. **Coat the Bars:**
– Using a fork or candy dipping tool, dip each peanut caramel bar into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the coated bars back onto the parchment paper or baking mat.

6. **Chill and Set:**
– Once all the bars are coated in chocolate, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has hardened and set.

7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once the chocolate coating has set, your Homemade Payday Candy Bars are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a sweet treat for yourself or share them with friends and family.

 Wrapping Up

With their perfect balance of crunchy peanuts, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate coating, Homemade Payday Candy Bars are a true indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a satisfying snack or looking for a homemade gift idea, these delightful treats are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and texture. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create your own batch of homemade candy bars that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more!