Keto Payday Candy Bars

If you’re a fan of classic candy bars but are looking for a healthier, keto-friendly alternative, then these Keto Payday Candy Bars are a must-try! They bring all the satisfying crunch and sweetness you love from the original treat, minus the carbs. Made with rich, creamy peanut butter, a handful of salted peanuts, and a sugar-free caramel coating, these homemade candy bars are a great snack to have on hand when you’re craving something sweet but still want to stick to your keto goals. Trust me, these are sure to be a hit with everyone in your household, whether they follow keto or not!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Keto Payday Candy Bars are the perfect treat for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also offer a satisfying mix of healthy fats and protein, making them the ideal snack to fuel your day. They’re naturally sweetened without any sugar, and with a base of peanuts and peanut butter, you’re getting a good dose of healthy fats that’ll keep you feeling full. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for batch prepping. Whether you’re craving something sweet in the middle of the day or need a little pick-me-up after dinner, these candy bars fit the bill!

My Personal Experience

When I first set out to create a keto-friendly version of my favorite candy bar, I was skeptical. Could I really replicate the sweet, salty, and crunchy goodness of a Payday without the sugar and carbs? After a little trial and error, I finally nailed it! The first batch I made disappeared in just a few days, and I couldn’t believe how close the taste was to the original. I love making these as a quick snack when I need a little something to satisfy my sweet tooth without throwing off my diet. Plus, they’re perfect for packing into lunchboxes or sharing with friends.

Required Equipment

Mixing Bowls

Having a good set of mixing bowls is essential for making these candy bars. You’ll need one for mixing the peanut butter and the caramel coating, and another for combining the peanuts. A sturdy, non-stick bowl will make your life so much easier when working with sticky ingredients like peanut butter.

Baking Sheet or Tray

This will be used to shape the candy bars before they set. You’ll want something with sides so the bars don’t spill out, but it should be lined with parchment paper for easy removal. I’ve found a medium-sized baking tray to be the best size for this recipe.

Microwave-Safe Bowl or Saucepan

For melting the caramel sauce, you’ll need a microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan if you prefer the stovetop method. Either way, the goal is to melt the ingredients evenly so they can coat the peanuts beautifully.

Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is essential when making these candy bars because it prevents the candy from sticking to the tray. Plus, it helps with easy removal when it’s time to cut them into bars.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Peanuts (2 cups) – The star ingredient! You’ll need roasted, salted peanuts for that crunchy, salty flavor that’s so iconic in a Payday bar. Unsalted peanuts can also work, but you may need to adjust the seasoning later.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup) – This gives the candy bars their richness and helps bind everything together. Make sure to use a sugar-free variety to keep it keto-friendly. If you prefer crunchy peanut butter, that works too, but the texture might change slightly.
• Sugar-Free Sweetener (1/4 cup) – To keep the bars sweet without the carbs, a good keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia works great. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
• Butter (2 tablespoons) – Adds a creamy richness to the caramel coating. You can swap it for coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Just a touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and flavor without adding any extra carbs.
• Sugar-Free Caramel Syrup (1/4 cup) – This is the key ingredient for that gooey, delicious caramel layer. You can use store-bought sugar-free caramel syrup or make your own using a keto-friendly recipe.

How to Make Keto Payday Candy Bars

1. Prepare Your Tray: Line your baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. This will make it much easier to remove the bars once they’ve set.
2. Melt the Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, combine the sugar-free caramel syrup, butter, and sweetener. Heat it gently until it’s fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for a rich flavor.
3. Mix the Peanut Butter: In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter with half of the peanuts. Stir until the peanuts are evenly distributed through the peanut butter.
4. Combine the Peanut Butter and Caramel: Pour the melted caramel mixture over the peanut butter mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
5. Form the Bars: Transfer the peanut butter and caramel mixture to the prepared tray. Press the mixture down evenly to form a uniform layer.
6. Top with Peanuts: Sprinkle the remaining peanuts over the top, pressing them gently into the candy bars.
7. Chill: Place the tray in the fridge for at least 2 hours or until the bars have fully set. This step is crucial for achieving that firm, candy-bar consistency.

Tips for This Recipe

• Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! The bars need to cool completely to set properly, which helps them hold together when cut.
• Sweetener Adjustments: Taste the caramel mixture before adding it to the peanut butter to make sure it’s sweet enough. Everyone’s taste buds differ, so you might want to adjust the amount of sweetener depending on your preference.
• Portion Size: You can make these bars as big or small as you like, but I recommend cutting them into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.

Optional Additions

• Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re craving a little extra sweetness, a drizzle of sugar-free dark chocolate over the top will give these bars a decadent touch.
• Coconut Flakes: Adding unsweetened shredded coconut to the mixture can give the bars a tropical flair and a little extra texture.

Serving Ideas

These Keto Payday Candy Bars are perfect on their own as a quick snack, but they also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of almond milk. You could also serve them as a dessert at your next keto-friendly gathering!

Storage Recommendations

Store these candy bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks. If you’re in a hot climate, you might want to keep them in the fridge longer, as the caramel can get sticky at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with coconut oil, and use a dairy-free caramel syrup to make them completely dairy-free.

Can I use other nuts?
Sure! You could use almonds or even cashews in place of peanuts, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180
• Total Carbs: 4g
• Net Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 16g
• Protein: 5g

I’m so excited to hear how this recipe turned out for you! 😊 Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily keto inspiration, tasty recipes, and all the support you need to crush your goals. Want to make your keto journey easier? Get a meal plan tailored to your unique needs and preferences, designed to keep you on track effortlessly. Start your personalized plan now!