🥜 Homemade Payday Bars

These **Homemade Payday Bars** are a perfect copycat of the classic candy bar — a thick layer of crunchy, toasted peanuts held together with a sweet, buttery caramel, all coated in a rich chocolate shell. No preservatives, no corn syrup — just pure sweet & salty perfection!

Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 10 min | Chill Time: 1 hour

Makes: 8–10 bars

Ingredients

Peanut Layer: 2 cups unsalted roasted peanuts (or raw, toasted)
Caramel Layer: 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil (or shortening)

Instructions

Toast peanuts (if needed): Spread peanuts on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until fragrant. Cool slightly.
Press base: Line a loaf pan (8x4”) with parchment paper. Press peanuts tightly into the bottom to form a solid layer.
Make caramel: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, honey, and salt. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened and golden.
Add vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over peanuts and spread evenly.
Chill 30 minutes until firm.
Melt chocolate: Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave (stirring every 20 seconds).
Coat: Pour chocolate over the caramel layer and spread smooth.
Chill 30+ minutes until chocolate is set. Lift out and slice into bars.
Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Tip: Use cashews or almonds for a twist! For a gooier center, slightly under-cook the caramel. Great as homemade gifts!

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