No-Bake Payday Nut Squares Recipe: Sweet, Salty, and Irresistible!
If you love the sweet and salty combination of caramel and peanuts found in a classic Payday candy bar, you’re in for a treat! No-Bake Payday Nut Squares are the perfect dessert for satisfying those cravings. This simple recipe brings together layers of salty peanuts, creamy caramel, and crunchy textures to create a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Perfect for potlucks, holiday parties, or as an anytime indulgence, these bars come together in minutes and require no oven time—ideal for hot days or when you’re short on time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required: Quick and hassle-free, making it great for beginners or when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
- Sweet and Salty Combo: The classic Payday flavor comes alive in every bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing at gatherings or events.
- Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or extra toppings for a personal twist.
- Stores Well: These bars keep beautifully, making them ideal for make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
This recipe makes approximately 16 squares, depending on how you cut them.
For the Base and Topping
- 3 cups salted peanuts (divided into 1 ½ cups for the base and 1 ½ cups for the topping)
For the Filling
- 1 bag (10 oz) peanut butter chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the liner with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Base
- Spread 1 ½ cups of salted peanuts evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. These peanuts form the crunchy, salty base of your nut squares.
3. Make the Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and melted.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the mini marshmallows. Continue stirring until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
4. Assemble the Layers
- Pour the warm filling mixture evenly over the peanut layer in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it out gently, ensuring all the peanuts are covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of salted peanuts evenly over the top of the filling. Lightly press the peanuts into the mixture to ensure they stick.
5. Chill the Bars
- Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is firm and set. For quicker results, you can also place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
6. Cut and Serve
- Once the bars are fully set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil overhang. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles.
- Serve immediately or store for later!
Tips for the Best No-Bake Payday Nut Squares
- Use Fresh Peanuts: The quality of peanuts matters since they are the star ingredient. Opt for fresh, salted peanuts for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overheat the Filling: When melting the peanut butter chips and marshmallows, use low to medium heat and stir continuously to avoid scorching.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the bars to set completely in the refrigerator or freezer before cutting for clean, even squares.
- Grease Your Knife: Lightly coat your knife with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking when cutting the bars.
- Customize the Recipe: Feel free to add a drizzle of melted chocolate, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a handful of crushed pretzels for extra flair.
Variations
1. Chocolate Twist
- Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top layer of peanuts for an added layer of sweetness and decadence.
2. Pretzel Swap
- Substitute half of the peanuts with crushed pretzels for an extra salty and crunchy texture.
3. Nut Mix
- Use a mix of salted cashews, almonds, or pecans along with the peanuts for a different nutty flavor profile.
4. Candy Add-Ins
- Mix in chopped caramel candies or mini chocolate chips into the filling for a fun surprise in every bite.
5. Vegan Option
- Replace the peanut butter chips with dairy-free alternatives, use coconut condensed milk, and swap mini marshmallows for a vegan variety.
Serving Suggestions
No-Bake Payday Nut Squares are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- As-Is: Enjoy these squares as a stand-alone dessert.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Dessert Platter: Add these bars to a tray of cookies and brownies for a party-ready dessert spread.
- Gift Boxes: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and package them in decorative boxes for homemade gifts.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
- Store the squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
- Freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of sweet peanut butter chips, gooey marshmallows, and salty peanuts creates a flavor profile that’s irresistible. The no-bake nature of this recipe makes it quick and easy, while the layered texture of crunchy peanuts and creamy filling keeps every bite interesting. These bars are a simple way to bring the flavors of a classic candy bar to your kitchen without the hassle of baking.
No-Bake Payday Nut Squares Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Base and Topping
- 3 cups salted peanuts divided into 1 ½ cups for the base and 1 ½ cups for the topping
- For the Filling
- 1 bag 10 oz peanut butter chips
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 bag 10 oz mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan
- Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the liner with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Base
- Spread 1 ½ cups of salted peanuts evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. These peanuts form the crunchy, salty base of your nut squares.
- Make the Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and melted.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the mini marshmallows. Continue stirring until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Layers
- Pour the warm filling mixture evenly over the peanut layer in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it out gently, ensuring all the peanuts are covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of salted peanuts evenly over the top of the filling. Lightly press the peanuts into the mixture to ensure they stick.
- Chill the Bars
- Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is firm and set. For quicker results, you can also place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- Cut and Serve
- Once the bars are fully set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil overhang. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles.
- Serve immediately or store for later!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use unsalted peanuts?
Yes, but the salted peanuts add a great contrast to the sweetness of the filling. If using unsalted peanuts, consider sprinkling a little sea salt on top for balance.
2. What can I substitute for peanut butter chips?
You can use white chocolate chips with a tablespoon of peanut butter stirred in for a similar flavor and consistency.
3. How do I prevent the filling from sticking to the pan?
Lining the pan with parchment paper or foil and greasing it lightly will make removal easy and mess-free.
4. Can I make this recipe nut-free?
For a nut-free version, replace the peanuts with pretzels or sunflower seeds and use a nut-free spread instead of peanut butter chips.
Conclusion
No-Bake Payday Nut Squares are a quick, easy, and utterly delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving something sweet, or looking for a no-fuss treat, this recipe is sure to please. With its simple ingredients and endless customization options, it’s a dessert you’ll find yourself making again and again. Try it today and share the love of this sweet-and-salty delight!