Pay Day Peanut Candy Bar Squares (A Delicious Copycat Recipe)

These homemade bite sized candy
bar squares taste even better than
the store bought version❣

Ingredients:

parchment paper

butter for greasing

4 cups salted peanuts

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cups peanut butter chips

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

2 cups mini marshmallows

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips**

2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening

Method:

Line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease with butter. Layer 2 cups of the peanuts into the bottom of the prepared pan and set aside.

Melt the butter and peanut butter chips in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the condensed milk, vanilla and marshmallows until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Pour over the top of the peanuts in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top and lightly press into the fudge layer.. Allow to cool at room temperature and then refrigerate for a couple of hours. Cut into 50 squares.

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set aside. Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler, stirring until melted and smooth. Dip the bottoms of the candy squares into the melted chocolate and place on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate until the chocolate cools and is set. Store in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, with sheets of waxed paper between layers. Makes 50.

**If desired, the candy can also be dipped in white chocolate, or half can be dipped in white chocolate and half in semi-sweet chocolate. (Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to each cup of chocolate chips.)

Note: I think dipping the bottoms of these candy squares in chocolate elevates their taste and appearance. ~ Store bought Pay Day candy bars are not chocolate coated and if you prefer, you can skip adding chocolate.