If you love the classic Payday candy bar with its sweet and salty combination of caramel and peanuts, then these No-Bake Payday Nut Squares are going to be your new favorite treat! This quick and simple recipe requires no oven and brings together a perfect mix of gooey caramel, salty peanuts, and chewy marshmallows, making it a perfect dessert or snack to share.
Why You’ll Love These Payday Nut Squares
- No-Bake Convenience: No need to turn on the oven. This recipe is perfect for hot days or anytime you need a quick and easy dessert.
- Sweet and Salty Combo: These squares deliver a delightful balance of sweetness from the marshmallows and butterscotch chips with the salty crunch of roasted peanuts.
- Great for Gifting: Cut these into bite-sized pieces, and you have a treat that’s perfect for gifting or taking to a potluck or party.
Ingredients
- 3 cups salted roasted peanuts, divided
- 1 bag (10 oz) peanut butter chips
- 1 bag (11 oz) butterscotch chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
- Line the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Grease lightly with cooking spray.
- First Peanut Layer: Spread 1 1/2 cups of the salted roasted peanuts evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Make the Caramel Mixture
- Melt the Chips and Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently until all the chips are melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Marshmallows: Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the mini marshmallows until they are just coated. The marshmallows should stay mostly intact, giving a chewy texture to the squares.
3. Assemble the Payday Nut Squares
- Pour the Mixture: Pour the melted chip and marshmallow mixture over the peanut layer in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Peanuts: Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of salted peanuts over the top, pressing them gently into the mixture to ensure they stick.
4. Chill and Set
- Refrigerate: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm enough to slice.
5. Slice and Serve
- Cut into Squares: Once the mixture is fully set, use the parchment paper or foil overhang to lift the block out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into squares.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the squares at room temperature and enjoy the sweet and salty goodness!
Tips for the Best Payday Nut Squares
- Peanut Variations: You can use honey-roasted peanuts for a slightly sweeter variation or even a mix of different nuts if you like.
- Chill for Easy Cutting: Make sure the bars are thoroughly chilled before slicing to get neat and even squares.
- Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be refrigerated for longer freshness.
Variations
- Chocolate Lover’s Payday: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Buttery Caramel Addition: Add 1/4 cup caramel bits to the mixture for an extra boost of caramel flavor.
- Marshmallow Substitute: Instead of marshmallows, you can use mini caramel candies for an extra chewy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use unsalted peanuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer less salt, you can use unsalted roasted peanuts. You can also adjust the level of salt by combining salted and unsalted peanuts to achieve your perfect balance.
How do I store No-Bake Payday Nut Squares?
Store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer them a bit firmer, you can also store them in the refrigerator. Make sure they are tightly wrapped to prevent them from becoming too hard.
Can I freeze these squares?
Yes, these bars can be frozen. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Are there any substitutes for butterscotch chips?
If you can’t find butterscotch chips, you can use white chocolate chips or caramel chips as an alternative. The flavor will change slightly, but the result will still be delicious.
No-Bake Payday Nut Squares are the perfect treat for when you need something sweet, salty, and easy to whip up. With their combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy roasted peanuts, and chewy marshmallows, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a potluck, or simply as a snack, these nut squares are sure to satisfy!
Try making these delicious no-bake squares, and let the mix of sweet and salty flavors bring a bit of indulgence to your day!
