Irresistible No-Bake Payday Nut Squares Recipe for Sweet Fans

Chocolate and caramel lovers unite for these decadent no-bake Payday nut squares that promise pure indulgence without turning on the oven.

Sweet peanut butter layers meld perfectly with sticky caramel and rich chocolate chips.

These irresistible squares deliver a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Packed with roasted peanuts and creamy elements, they offer a nostalgic nod to the classic candy bar.

No complicated baking techniques stand between you and this quick dessert.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these squares a crowd-pleasing treat anyone can master.

Let’s find out this no-fuss recipe and satisfy your sweet tooth with every delightful bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 17

What You Need for No-Bake Payday Nut Squares

• Salted Peanuts: Provides robust nutty foundation and delightful crunch, select fresh roasted peanuts with rich golden color and crisp texture for best flavor.
• Kosher or Sea Salt: Enhances overall taste profile, amplifies natural peanut sweetness and adds subtle mineral complexity.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates smooth, rich caramel-like consistency that holds ingredients together, choose full-fat version for maximum creamy texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps ingredients meld seamlessly, use unsalted butter for controlled salt levels.

• Peanut Butter-Flavored Chips: Delivers intense peanut butter essence and creates silky smooth layers, select high-quality chips with pure peanut butter taste.
• Mini Marshmallows: Introduces pillowy softness and gentle sweetness, look for fresh marshmallows without hardened edges for best melting properties.

The Simple Tools for Making Payday Nut Squares

• 11: Greases easily and provides perfect size for layering ingredients.
• Saucepan: Essential for melting butter and peanut butter chips smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring mixture and spreading evenly.
• Measuring cups: Precise tool for measuring peanuts and other ingredients accurately.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for cutting chilled squares into clean, even pieces.

Easy Instructions for No-Bake Payday Nut Squares

• Peanut Foundation

Grab a baking pan and generously coat the bottom with whole peanuts, creating a delicious nutty base that will add crunch and flavor to your treat.

• Creamy Melting Magic

Gently combine butter and peanut butter chips in a saucepan, allowing them to transform into a silky smooth mixture that will become the heart of your dessert.

• Sweet Binding

Stir in condensed milk and marshmallows into the melted mixture, watching as they blend into a luscious, glossy liquid that will hold everything together.

• Nutty Layering

Pour the creamy mixture over the peanut base, making sure it covers every inch evenly. Sprinkle additional peanuts on top for extra texture and a golden, inviting appearance.

• Chilling Perfection

Let the pan rest in the refrigerator, allowing the squares to set and the flavors to meld together. After a couple of hours, your no-bake squares will be ready to slice and enjoy at any temperature.

Sweet Swaps & Crunchy Tips for Nut Square Lovers

• Experiment with different types of nuts like almonds or cashews for a unique twist on the classic peanut base.
• These squares can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making them perfect for party planning.
• For extra crunch, try toasting the peanuts before spreading them in the pan to enhance their natural nutty flavor and add a deeper, more intense texture.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle sea salt flakes for a gourmet touch that elevates the simple dessert from good to absolutely irresistible.
• Use dairy-free butter and condensed milk alternatives to create a version that accommodates lactose-intolerant friends or vegan diet preferences.

Serving No-Bake Payday Squares at Parties or Snacks

• Nutty Party Platter: Create a stunning dessert board with these squares arranged alongside other sweet treats like chocolate truffles, caramel popcorn, and fresh berries for a delightful visual and flavor experience.
• Peanut Lover's Dream: Serve these squares with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich, nutty flavors and create a decadent dessert moment.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these portable squares in airtight containers for outdoor adventures, beach trips, or office lunches – they're easy to transport and maintain their delicious texture.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap individual squares in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that's sure to impress friends, family, or colleagues with its gourmet touch.

Keeping Payday Nut Squares Fresh & Ready-to-Eat

• Quick Batch Preparation: Make a double recipe and freeze half for unexpected sweet cravings or unexpected guest visits. Perfect for weekend meal prep.
• Chilled Treat Storage: Keep squares in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Portable Snack Option: Pack individual squares in small sealed containers for work lunches, picnics, or after-school snacks. They travel well and remain deliciously intact.
• Temperature Flexibility: These squares taste amazing both straight from the refrigerator and at room temperature. Let them sit for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor richness.

Irresistible Payday Nut Squares

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Chocolate-layered no-bake payday nut squares combine creamy peanut butter with sweet caramel and salty peanuts. Rich layers deliver classic candy bar flavor without oven time for quick dessert satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (720 ml) salted peanuts
• 2 cups (480 ml) peanut butter-flavored chips
• 2 cups (480 ml) mini marshmallows
• 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 2.5 tbsps (37.5 ml) butter
• Kosher or sea salt (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pan Preparation: Grease an 11-inch by 7-inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Nutty Foundation: Spread roasted peanuts evenly across the pan bottom, creating a robust, crunchy base layer that will provide textural contrast.
3. Creamy Melting Process: In a medium saucepan, gently melt unsalted butter and peanut butter chips over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform liquid with no visible lumps.
4. Mixture Enrichment: Remove from heat and fold in sweetened condensed milk and miniature marshmallows, stirring persistently until marshmallows dissolve completely and integrate seamlessly with the existing blend.
5. Layer Assembly: Pour the luxurious mixture over the peanut base, using a spatula to distribute evenly and ensure complete coverage, creating a smooth, consistent surface.
6. Finishing Touches: Scatter remaining peanuts across the top, then optionally dust with a light sprinkle of sea salt or kosher salt to enhance flavor complexity.
7. Chilling and Setting: Wrap the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until the dessert firms up and ingredients bind together completely.
8. Serving Preparation: Once fully chilled, slice into uniform squares using a sharp knife, serving either chilled or allowing to sit at room temperature for a softer, more indulgent texture.

Notes

• Peanut Layer Prep: Ensure peanuts are evenly spread for consistent crunch and texture in every bite.
• Melting Technique: Use low heat and constant stirring to prevent burning or separating of butter and peanut butter chips.
• Marshmallow Melting: Stir until marshmallows completely dissolve to create a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps.
• Chilling Crucial: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow proper setting and easy cutting of squares.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 5mg