Payday Pie: 1 Easy Recipe for Bliss

Payday Pie has been a showstopper at my family gatherings for years, ever since my Aunt Carol first shared her secret recipe. It’s inspired by the classic Payday candy bar, and let me tell you, transforming that salty-sweet, crunchy, and chewy candy into a creamy, dreamy dessert is pure magic. Imagine sinking your fork into a crisp crust, filled with smooth peanut butter nougat, studded with roasted peanuts, and finished with a decadent caramel drizzle. If you’ve ever wondered what is a Payday pie, it’s essentially a delightful dessert homage to everyone’s favorite peanut and caramel candy bar. Get ready for pure bliss! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Payday Pie

This dessert is an absolute winner for so many reasons. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with that irresistible combination of caramel, peanuts, and creamy nougat. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together, making it an easy Payday pie that’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples to create something truly special. The kids will adore it, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any family gathering. The result is a wonderfully creamy Payday pie that tastes just like your favorite candy bar, only better!

• Incredible sweet and salty flavor profile
• Minimal prep time, maximum deliciousness
• A budget-friendly way to satisfy sweet cravings
• Kid-approved and family-favorite dessert
• Surprisingly simple to make, even for beginners
• A delightful homage to the classic Payday candy bar
• Perfectly smooth and creamy texture

Ingredients for Your Homemade Payday Pie

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating the ultimate Payday candy bar pie. You’ll need a pre-made or homemade pie crust to start, which sets the stage for this delightful treat. The creamy filling comes from melting 10 oz peanut butter chips with 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk and 3 Tbsp salted butter. For that signature chewy texture, we’ll add 2 cups miniature marshmallows. To get that classic crunchy Payday bar flavor, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups dry roasted unsalted peanuts. For the luscious caramel topping, grab 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 Tbsp salted butter (cubed), 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. This combination ensures your Payday cookie crust pie is rich, flavorful, and satisfying.

• 1 unbaked pie crust – a golden, flaky base is essential
• 10 oz peanut butter chips – the heart of our creamy nougat
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – for sweetness and smooth texture
• 3 Tbsp salted butter – adds richness to the nougat
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows – melts into a chewy, gooey binder
• 1 1/2 cups dry roasted unsalted peanuts – for that essential Payday crunch
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – the base for our sweet caramel
• 3 Tbsp salted butter (cubed) – adds depth to the caramel
• 1/4 cup heavy cream – makes the caramel pourable and rich
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt – balances the sweetness

How to Make the Best Payday Pie Recipe

Get ready to create a dessert masterpiece! This guide walks you through how to make Payday pie, transforming simple ingredients into a showstopper. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a delicious Payday candy pie recipe that tastes just like the candy bar you love, only better!

1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your pie crust, gently roll it out if needed, and carefully transfer it into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges for a pretty finish and then prick both the bottom and sides all over with a fork. This prevents puffing.
2. Step 2: Line the crust with parchment paper, making sure it fits snugly. Fill the parchment-lined crust with pie weights, dried beans, or rice. Bake for 15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
3. Step 3: Carefully remove the parchment paper and pie weights. Continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the crust is a beautiful golden brown all over. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let the crust cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Step 4: While your crust cools, let’s make the nougat filling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the 10 oz peanut butter chips, the 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, and 3 Tbsp salted butter. Stir this mixture continuously for about 5-8 minutes until everything is melted and beautifully combined into a smooth, creamy base.
5. Step 5: Add the 2 cups miniature marshmallows to the saucepan. Keep stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and incorporated, creating a luscious, gooey nougat filling.
6. Step 6: Once your crust is totally cool, pour this glorious nougat filling into it. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Immediately after filling the crust, sprinkle the 1 1/2 cups dry roasted unsalted peanuts evenly over the top of the nougat. This gives you that signature Payday crunch in every bite.

8. Step 8: Now for the caramel drizzle! In a separate small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Stir it constantly until it melts and turns a lovely amber color. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
9. Step 9: Carefully add the 3 Tbsp cubed salted butter to the melted sugar and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated.
10. Step 10: Slowly pour in the 1/4 cup heavy cream. Stir until the caramel mixture is smooth and luscious. Let it gently boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
11. Step 11: Remove the caramel from the heat. Stir in the 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
12. Step 12: Let the caramel topping cool for just a few minutes. You want it to thicken slightly so it’s drizzly but not too runny. Then, artfully drizzle it all over the peanuts on your Payday pie.
13. Step 13: The hardest part is waiting! Chill the finished Payday pie in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, or even better, overnight. This allows the filling and caramel to set up perfectly.
14. Step 14: Once firmly set, slice and serve your incredible Payday pie cold. Enjoy every salty-sweet, crunchy, creamy bite!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Payday Pie

Want to elevate your Payday candy bar pie from good to absolutely unforgettable? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that guarantee that perfect salty-sweet, crunchy, and creamy texture every single time. These simple tips will help you achieve dessert perfection.

• For the smoothest caramel, ensure your butter is cubed and at room temperature before adding it to the melted sugar. This prevents seizing and ensures a silky finish.
• Don’t skip the chilling time! A fully set pie is crucial for clean slices and the best texture. It allows the nougat to firm up and the caramel to set.
• If you’re short on time, a store-bought graham cracker crust can be a great shortcut for an easy Payday pie, though a homemade flaky crust truly elevates it.
• Toast your peanuts lightly before adding them for an even deeper, nuttier flavor that complements the caramel beautifully.

What’s the secret to perfect Payday Pie?

The real secret to a perfect Payday pie lies in balancing the textures and flavors. Ensuring your caramel is cooked to the right stage and that you use plenty of crunchy peanuts is key. This approach makes for a truly satisfying, simple Payday pie recipe.

Can I make Payday Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This homemade Payday pie is fantastic for making ahead. You can prepare the entire pie up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. You can find more tips on making desserts ahead to ensure freshness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Payday Pie?

One common pitfall is burning the caramel; stir constantly and watch it closely. Another is not chilling the pie long enough, leading to a gooey mess. Ensure your nougat is smooth before adding peanuts for an even distribution of crunch. For more baking advice, check out these tips from experienced bakers.

Best Ways to Serve Payday Pie

This incredible Payday bar dessert is a showstopper on its own, but serving it just right can make it even more spectacular. I love presenting this chocolate peanut caramel pie as the grand finale to any meal. For a classic and delightful pairing, I always recommend serving a generous slice of Payday pie with whipped cream. A dollop of freshly whipped cream cuts through the richness and adds a lovely airiness. You could also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra decadent treat. A simple glass of cold milk is also a perfect companion for this sweet and salty delight!

Nutrition Facts for Payday Pie

Wondering about the nutritional breakdown of this delightful Payday candy bar dessert recipe? Here’s a look at what you can expect in each serving of this rich and satisfying treat. Remember, these are approximate values for a single slice. For more information on general nutrition, you can consult resources like the USDA’s National Nutrient Database.

• Calories: 406 kcal
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: Varies per serving
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: Varies per serving
• Sugar: Varies per serving
• Sodium: Varies per serving

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

How to Store and Reheat Payday Pie

Properly storing your delicious Payday bar dessert is key to enjoying it for days to come. Once your pie has completely cooled (and trust me, this is the hardest part!), you can store it. For short-term storage, simply cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, it’s best to refrigerate it. In the fridge, your homemade Payday pie will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, this pie freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat small portions gently in a microwave on low power for about 15-30 seconds, just until slightly softened. For more information on food safety and storage, you can refer to the FDA’s food safety guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Payday Pie

What is a Payday Pie?

A Payday pie is essentially a dessert inspired by the classic Payday candy bar. It captures the beloved combination of salty roasted peanuts, chewy caramel, and sweet nougat, all transformed into a creamy, delightful pie format. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy those familiar flavors in a new, decadent way!

Why is it called Payday Pie?

This delicious dessert gets its name directly from the popular Payday candy bar, which features roasted peanuts and caramel with no chocolate. The pie aims to recreate those exact flavors and textures, offering a larger, pie-sized version of the candy bar experience. It’s a tribute to that iconic sweet and salty treat!

How do you make a Payday Pie?

Making a Payday pie typically involves baking a pie crust, then preparing a creamy peanut butter and marshmallow nougat filling. This filling is poured into the cooled crust, topped with crunchy roasted peanuts, and finished with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. The entire pie is then chilled until set. For detailed instructions, you can always check our contact page for recipe clarifications.

Can I make a Payday Pie with a different crust?

Absolutely! While the recipe often calls for a traditional baked pie crust, you can easily adapt it. A graham cracker crust or even a crushed cookie crust, like one made from shortbread or vanilla wafers, works wonderfully. Just ensure it’s baked and completely cooled before adding the filling. You can find more information on crust variations on our site.

Variations of Payday Pie You Can Try

While this classic Payday pie recipe is divine as is, there are so many fun ways to put your own spin on it! If you’re looking for a decadent twist, consider a chocolate peanut caramel pie variation. Simply add some melted chocolate chips to the nougat filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel. For a different creamy profile, try a caramel peanut butter pie by incorporating extra peanut butter into the caramel sauce itself. You can also experiment with different crusts, like a chocolate cookie crust for a richer flavor, or even a no-bake graham cracker crust for an even simpler dessert. For those with dietary needs, explore gluten-free crust options or dairy-free alternatives for the condensed milk and marshmallows to make this delightful dessert accessible to everyone!

• Chocolate Lover’s Payday Pie: Add melted chocolate to the nougat or drizzle chocolate ganache over the caramel.
• Extra Peanut Butter Payday Pie: Incorporate more peanut butter into the caramel for a deeper flavor.
• No-Bake Crust Option: Swap the baked crust for a simple graham cracker or cookie crumb crust.
• Dietary Adaptations: Use gluten-free crusts or dairy-free alternatives for a modified treat.

Payday Pie: 1 Easy Recipe for Bliss

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Payday Pie recipe transforms the classic Payday candy bar into a delicious dessert. It features a flaky crust filled with a creamy peanut butter and marshmallow nougat, crunchy roasted peanuts, and a rich caramel drizzle. It’s a no-bake dessert once the crust is prepared, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 10 oz peanut butter chips
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 Tbsp salted butter
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1 1/2 cups dry roasted unsalted peanuts
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp salted butter (cubed)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out crust, transfer into a 9-inch pie plate, crimp edges, and prick bottom & sides with a fork.
2. Line with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and bake for 15 minutes.
3. Remove weights & paper, bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown. Let the crust cool.
4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt peanut butter chips, sweetened condensed milk, and 3 Tbsp butter, stirring continuously for 5-8 minutes until combined.
5. Add miniature marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Pour the nougat filling into the cooled crust.
7. Immediately sprinkle the 1 1/2 cups of dry roasted unsalted peanuts evenly over the filling.
8. In a separate small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns an amber color.
9. Add the 3 Tbsp cubed salted butter and stir until melted.
10. Pour in the 1/4 cup heavy cream, stir until smooth, and let it boil for 1 minute.
11. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
12. Allow the caramel topping to cool for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, then drizzle it over the peanuts on the Payday pie.
13. Chill the Payday pie in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, or longer, until set.
14. Slice and serve the Payday pie cold.

Notes

• For best results, do not rush the nougat and caramel preparation.
• Using a homemade crust will enhance the overall taste and texture of your Payday pie.
• Ensure the pie is fully chilled before slicing for clean cuts.
• Use room temperature dairy ingredients when making the caramel to prevent seizing.
• Store the Payday pie covered at room temperature for 1-2 days, or refrigerated for 5-6 days. It can also be frozen for 1-2 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking and No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx.)
• Calories: 406 kcal
• Sugar: Varies per serving
• Sodium: Varies per serving
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: Varies per serving
• Unsaturated Fat: Varies per serving
• Trans Fat: Varies per serving
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: Varies per serving
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: Varies per serving

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