Introduction
If you’re a fan of the classic Payday candy bar and love the combination of sweet, gooey caramel and salty, crunchy peanuts, then these No Bake Payday Nut Squares are the perfect treat for you! This easy-to-make, no-bake dessert captures all the flavors of the beloved candy bar in a delightful, bite-sized square that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (320g) light corn syrup
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups (120g) crispy rice cereal
- 2 cups (300g) salted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1 cup (175g) peanut butter chips
Preparation Steps
- Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Add the crispy rice cereal and 1 1/2 cups (225g) of the chopped peanuts to the peanut butter mixture. Stir gently until the cereal and peanuts are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it evenly into the pan using a spatula or your hands.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted peanut butter chips over the top of the bars and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup (75g) of chopped peanuts.
- Allow the bars to cool and set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares.
Flavor Profile
These No Bake Payday Nut Squares offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, with a delightful combination of textures. The gooey, caramel-like peanut butter mixture is reminiscent of the classic Payday candy bar filling, while the crispy rice cereal adds a satisfying crunch. The abundance of salted peanuts throughout the bars and sprinkled on top provides a savory, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.
The drizzle of melted peanut butter chips on top not only adds an attractive visual appeal but also enhances the overall peanut butter flavor. Each bite is a heavenly mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty, making these bars an irresistible treat for peanut lovers.
Serving Suggestions
These No Bake Payday Nut Squares are versatile and perfect for various occasions:
- As a sweet snack to enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee
- As a party treat or dessert to share at gatherings, potlucks, or picnics
- As a homemade gift for friends and family, packaged in a decorative box or tin
- As a lunchbox treat for kids and adults alike
For a fun presentation, cut the bars into smaller, bite-sized squares and serve them in mini cupcake liners.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: In addition to the peanut butter chips, melt some semisweet chocolate chips and drizzle over the top for a chocolate-peanut butter combination.
- Different Nut Butters: Experiment with different nut butters, such as almond butter or cashew butter, for a unique flavor twist.
- Mix-Ins: Add some mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or chopped pretzels to the peanut butter mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts.
Conclusion
No Bake Payday Nut Squares are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that captures the essence of the classic Payday candy bar in a fun, shareable dessert. With their irresistible combination of sweet, gooey caramel-like peanut butter filling, crispy rice cereal, and an abundance of salty peanuts, these bars are sure to become a favorite among peanut lovers.
The no-bake nature of this recipe makes it perfect for those days when you want a delicious treat without the fuss of turning on the oven. Plus, the flexibility to customize the recipe with different nut butters, mix-ins, and toppings allows you to create your own unique variations to suit your tastes.
So, the next time you’re craving a sweet and salty snack or looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, whip up a batch of these No Bake Payday Nut Squares. Your taste buds will thank you, and your friends and family will be begging for the recipe!