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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Pan Preparation: Grease an 11-inch by 7-inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring complete coverage.
- Nutty Foundation: Spread roasted peanuts evenly across the pan bottom, creating a robust, crunchy base layer that will provide textural contrast.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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