Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than these no-bake Payday bars! This homemade recipe captures all the deliciousness of the classic candy bar, but with the added bonus of being completely customizable to your taste. Perfect for a quick dessert, a bake sale contribution, or simply satisfying a sudden craving, these Payday bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a delicious journey into the world of easy recipes and healthy-ish indulgence!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields about 24 bars.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup salted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Get started: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished bars out easily.
Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Stir in the brown sugar and peanut butter until smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in the dry ingredients: Add the oats and chopped peanuts to the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly coated. This mixture will be thick and sticky.
Press into the pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Use a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
Chill and set: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until completely firm. This allows the bars to set properly and makes them easier to cut.
Melt the chocolate: Once the bars are firm, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
Drizzle and enjoy: Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled bars and spread evenly. Return the pan to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely.
Cut and serve: Once the chocolate is set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 24 squares and serve. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Add a pinch of salt to the peanut butter mixture to enhance the flavors.
- If you don't have quick-cooking oats, you can use rolled oats, but the bars may be slightly chewier.
- Try different types of nuts, such as pecans, cashews, or almonds, in place of peanuts or in addition to them.
- For a sweeter treat, add a ½ cup of butterscotch chips along with the chocolate chips.
- If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the amount of brown sugar to ¾ cup.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 200 Fat: Approximately 12g Sugar: Approximately 15g Protein: Approximately 3g
This recipe is a delightful example of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something sweet but don't have much time. It's a healthy-ish alternative to store-bought candy bars, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The best recipes are often the simplest, and these no-bake Payday bars certainly prove that! Enjoy!