Soft, chewy, salty-sweet, and packed with roasted peanuts! These homemade Keto Payday Candy Bars are a delicious sugar-free alternative to the classic candy bar.
🥜 Ingredients
Peanut Layer
- 1½ cups (225 g) roasted salted peanuts
- ½ cup (120 g) creamy sugar-free peanut butter
Chewy Caramel Filling
- ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup (67 g) allulose
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free peanut butter chips for extra peanut flavor
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the pan
Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides for easy removal.
2. Add the peanuts
Spread about ¾ cup of the roasted peanuts evenly over the bottom of the pan. Set the remaining peanuts aside for the top.
3. Make the caramel
Add the butter and allulose to a small saucepan over low to medium-low heat.
Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the allulose has dissolved.
4. Add the cream
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring.
Continue cooking for about 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes slightly thicker.
5. Add peanut butter
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
Mix until completely smooth and creamy.
6. Build the candy layer
Pour the warm caramel mixture over the peanuts in the prepared pan.
Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
7. Add more peanuts
Immediately sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup roasted peanuts over the top.
Gently press the peanuts into the caramel so they stick.
8. Chill
Place the pan in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours, or until the candy is firm.
For a firmer, chewier texture, place it in the freezer for about 30–45 minutes.
9. Cut into bars
Lift the candy out using the parchment paper.
Let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes, then cut into 12–16 bars with a sharp knife.
10. Serve
Serve chilled or slightly softened at room temperature for the best chewy texture.
❄️ Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Place parchment paper between the bars to prevent sticking.
💡 Keto Tips
- Use allulose for the chewy caramel texture; it tends to stay softer than many granulated sugar substitutes.
- Choose unsweetened peanut butter with no added sugar.
- Use roasted peanuts for the most authentic Payday-style flavor.
- If your caramel is too soft, chill the bars longer before cutting.
- Keep the bars refrigerated if your kitchen is warm.
Diet: Keto • Low Carb • Sugar Free • Gluten Free
Yield: 12–16 bars
