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Homemade PayDay Bars: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Treat

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Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and salty with homemade PayDay bars! These treats feature crunchy salted peanuts, a buttery caramel base, and a smooth chocolate topping, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups salted peanuts
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for melting chocolate)

Instructions

  1. Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, stirring occasionally for about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add Sugars and Corn Syrup: Once melted, add the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Stir continuously until the sugars dissolve, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Incorporate Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Mix in Peanuts and Coconut: In a large bowl, combine salted peanuts and shredded coconut (if using). Pour the warm sugar mixture over and stir until evenly coated.
  5. Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  6. Spread the Mixture: Pour the peanut mixture into the pan and press down firmly with a spatula or greased hands to compact it.
  7. Cool the Mixture: Allow to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerate to speed up the process.
  8. Prepare the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and vegetable oil.
  9. Melt the Chocolate: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth, about 1-2 minutes total.
  10. Pour Chocolate Over Peanut Mixture: Once cooled, pour the melted chocolate over the peanut mixture and spread evenly.
  11. Chill to Set: Refrigerate for about 1 hour until the chocolate is set.
  12. Remove from Pan: Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang.
  13. Cut into Bars: Cut into desired sizes, typically 1-inch wide.
  14. Store the Bars: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  15. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your homemade PayDay bars as a sweet treat or share with friends and family.
  16. Experiment with Variations: Feel free to add dried fruits, different nuts, or other ingredients to customize your bars.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
  • You can substitute the salted peanuts with other nuts or seeds if desired.
  • The shredded coconut is optional but adds a nice texture and flavor.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/homemade-payday-bars/