PayDay Truffles Caramel Peanut

PayDay Truffles offer all the gooey caramel peanut magic of the classic candy bar but with a homemade twist and a creamy white chocolate shell. These are rich little bites that bring the nostalgia of a PayDay and the excitement of making candy in your own kitchen.

My family always sets aside a small batch to nibble on straight from the freezer. The combination of textures is so close to the original that my kids ask if I bought them at the store.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: for a silky base and balanced richness look for USDA grade AA for best flavor
• Miniature Marshmallows: create the gooey interior and help everything stick together fresher marshmallows melt smoother
• Creamy Peanut Butter: brings the signature nutty backbone choose no stir brands for the best consistency
• Dulce De Leche: brings true caramel depth look for smooth thick dulce de leche in cans from the baking aisle
• Dry Roasted Salted Peanuts: the backbone of crunch and salty bite pick up fresh roasted to avoid any staleness
• Ghirardelli White Chocolate Wafers: offer a meltier more reliable coating than white chocolate chips use a name brand for best results

Instructions

Melt and Blend Base:

Melt butter over low heat in a medium saucepan gently so it does not brown or scorch Add marshmallows stirring constantly until completely melted and glossy Now add the peanut butter and dulce de leche Keep stirring until the mixture is totally smooth and unified then take off the heat

Fold in Peanuts:

Add four cups of the peanuts to the warm caramel base Stir to distribute evenly so that every bite has a good mix The mixture will be thick and sticky

Shape and Freeze:

Using a large tablespoon or a small cookie scoop drop mounds of the peanut caramel mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet They do not need to be perfectly round Cover loosely with plastic wrap and freeze for two to four hours until solid to the touch This helps them hold their shape for dipping

Melt the White Chocolate:

Add the white chocolate wafers to a clear glass bowl Microwave in short thirty second bursts stirring between each until melted and smooth Avoid overheating for a silky finish

Dip and Decorate:

Insert a toothpick into each frozen truffle then dip into the melted white chocolate Use the edge of the bowl to gently tap off extra coating Set back onto the baking sheet Before the chocolate sets press a peanut or two on top to cover the toothpick mark Repeat for all truffles

Store and Enjoy:

Let truffles set at room temperature and transfer to an airtight container Store up to two weeks at room temperature or a month in the fridge

The dulce de leche is the standout ingredient for me That caramel brings a warm buttery layer far more luscious than using plain caramel sauce I remember my youngest sneaking the last one from the fridge and offering to trade a chore just for another bite

Storage Tips

Keep these truffles in a tightly sealed container on the counter if you love a soft and creamy texture For longer freshness especially in warm weather I find the fridge works best Layer wax paper between stacks to avoid sticking These freeze surprisingly well just wrap tightly in plastic and place in a freezer bag for up to two months Thaw at room temperature before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use milk or dark chocolate melting wafers instead of white chocolate for a twist going even deeper into chocolate peanut territory If you only have marshmallow fluff use three quarters of a cup as a substitute for marshmallows Almond butter works in place of peanut butter for a different nutty flavor but the classic PayDay taste really shines with roasted peanuts and creamy peanut butter

Serving Suggestions

Make these truffles part of a holiday candy platter or wrap them in mini cupcake liners for a gift box They are a fun project for kids to help assemble at the dipping stage Try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the wet white chocolate if you want to bump up the salty sweet effect

Cultural and Historical Context

PayDay bars first appeared around Halloween and quickly gained a dedicated following for their pure caramel and nut core rather than chocolate Many peanut candies feature peanut butter buried inside with sugar or chocolate but PayDay bars have always stood out for their simple straightforward combination Making them at home brings back bits of that Americana candy counter nostalgia

Seasonal Adaptations

For a festive look coat truffles with orange candy melts for Halloween or use colored sprinkles for different holidays Chop up leftover Halloween candy to mix in with the peanuts for a surprise crunch Thin the dulce de leche with a splash of cream in colder months if the mixture is too stiff to stir These truffles are even better after resting overnight in a tin Try adding roasted cashews or pecans for a twist on the nutty flavor Do not skip freezing before dipping or the truffles will lose their shape

Success Stories

Friends have raved about these at potlucks and teachers appreciate a box around the holidays It always surprises people that something so fun and familiar can be created without turning on the oven My aunt said they reminded her of growing up with payday bars from the corner store and that memory made these even more special to us

Freezer Meal Conversion

Freeze dipped and decorated truffles solid on a baking sheet then transfer to freezer bags or containers This makes it easy to keep a secret stash handy Simply let them come to room temperature on the counter before serving The texture stays wonderfully chewy and the coating is just as creamy

With a little prep and patience these truffles give you a homemade treat that rivals the real deal. Celebrate nostalgia and enjoy every creamy salty bite!

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different chocolate coating?

Yes, try milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate wafers for a unique twist on the classic flavor.

→ How should I store these truffles?

Keep truffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

→ What type of peanuts work best?

Dry roasted and salted peanuts add crunch and balance the sweetness; avoid using raw peanuts for best results.

→ Can I substitute dulce de leche?

For a similar texture and flavor, use thick caramel sauce if dulce de leche is unavailable in your area.

→ How do I keep the truffles round?

Chill or freeze them until firm before dipping in chocolate to help them hold their shape while coating.