Peanut Chewy Payday Bars
Craving something sweet? Try these easy Peanut Chewy Payday Bars that are filled with marshmallows, peanuts, and a rich peanut butter topping. Chewy, crunchy, and utterly delicious, they are perfect for any occasion!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Chef's Knife
- Blender
- Baking Sheet
- Food Processor
- Oven
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Softened, three-quarters of one stick.
- ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar Packed.
- 3 cups Miniature Marshmallows
- 1 heaping cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- ⅓ cup Light Corn Syrup
- ¼ cup Unsalted Butter 4 tablespoons, half of one stick.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ cups Peanuts Roasted salted peanuts recommended.
- 1 ½ cups Rice Krispies Use gluten-free cereal if desired.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a crucial step as it ensures even cooking right from the start.
- Prepare the baking pan by lining an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang. This will help you lift the bars out later. Don’t forget to spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking!
- Make the crust. In a medium bowl, combine 6 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, and ¼ cup light brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is sandy and crumbly. It should feel a bit like wet sand.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press it down firmly with your fingertips, then pack it down using the bottom of a glass. This will form a sturdy crust that holds everything together.
- Bake the crust in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on it; it should be set and pale in color. Don't worry if it seems slightly under-baked; it will go back in the oven!
- Prepare the filling by evenly sprinkling 3 cups of miniature marshmallows over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, just until the marshmallows start to melt. Watch closely to ensure they don’t brown.
- Make the topping. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 heaping cup of creamy peanut butter, ⅓ cup light corn syrup, and ¼ cup unsalted butter. Heat in the microwave for about one minute to melt everything together, then stir well.
- Add the flavor. Mix in 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, followed by 1 ½ cups of peanuts and 1 ½ cups Rice Krispies. Stir until everything is fully combined.
- Pour this delicious mixture over the melted marshmallows, smoothing it down with a spatula to create an even layer. This step ensures every bite is packed with goodness!
- Cool the bars. Set the pan aside to cool for at least 4 hours before slicing. If you're in a hurry, refrigerating the bars can expedite the cooling process!
- Slice the bars by lifting them out of the pan using the foil overhang. Transfer to a cutting board and cut them into squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.
Notes
- Tip 1: Allowing the bars to cool completely is essential for them to set properly. If you cut them too soon, they might fall apart.
- Tip 2: Using high-quality peanut butter will enhance the flavor of your bars significantly. Choose a creamy version for the best texture.
- Tip 3: Keep your bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If freezing, wrap them in plastic wrap first for added protection.
- Tip 4: Feel free to add in chocolate chips or swap out the peanuts for other nuts like cashews or almonds for a different twist.
- Tip 5: Make these bars vegan by replacing the butter with margarine and using vegan marshmallows.