Here’s a homemade Payday Peanut Caramel Candy recipe—sweet, salty, chewy, and very close to the classic bar (no chocolate).
Homemade Payday Peanut Caramel Candy
Ingredients (makes ~12 bars)
- 2 cups salted dry-roasted peanuts
- 1½ cups caramel bits
(or 20 soft caramels, unwrapped) - 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp salt (optional, if peanuts aren’t very salty)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
Spread ½ cup peanuts evenly on the bottom. - Melt the caramel
In a saucepan over low heat, melt caramel bits with cream and butter, stirring constantly until smooth. - Layer the candy
- Pour half the melted caramel over the peanuts.
- Sprinkle ½ cup peanuts on top and gently press down.
- Pour remaining caramel over the peanuts.
- Finish with the remaining ½ cup peanuts, pressing gently so they stick.
- Set
Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm. - Cut & serve
Lift out using parchment and cut into bars with a sharp knife.
Tips for Best Results
- Slightly warm your knife for cleaner cuts.
- Press peanuts in firmly so they stick well.
- For extra authenticity, keep the layers thin and tight.
Optional Variations
- Extra salty: sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
- Honey twist: add 1 tbsp honey to the caramel.
- Protein-style: add a layer of peanut butter mixed with powdered sugar.
If you want, I can also give you a no-cook microwave version or a soft chewy vs. firm bar adjustment depending on how you like them.
