Last updated on November 9th, 2024
Table of contents
Payday Cookie Bars are a rich, gooey confection with a cookie base topped with marshmallow and topped with candied peanuts. While doing some research on the history of this recipe, I found a couple variations of this cookie bar. One version calls for yellow cake mix as the base layer and is often called “Payday Bars”. And another popular version for “Payday Candy Bars” which is a copycat recipe to make a homemade Payday candy bar.
Vintage Inspiration: The recipe was given to my Nana sometime in the early 1970’s. Both she and my mom made them for us kids growing up. I've taken this vintage recipe from the early 70's and baked it modern. My version starts with a base layer using a cake mix with a creamy middle layer of marshmallow cream and topped with peanuts.
INGREDIENTS
cake mix:
The original recipe calls for a boxed yellow cake mix. Most boxed cake mixes are filled with artificial ingredients and additives so try to find an all-natural brand or make your own.
Use real butter instead of margarine:
The original recipe calls for margarine, which was typically used in recipes from this era. Margarine is a processed food made mostly of oil and contains more water than butter. Butter will also lend more flavor to the recipe.
karo syrup:
The original recipe calls for ⅔ c. white Karo syrup. Karo syrup is corn syrup and not to be confused with high fructose corn syrup. To balance the sweetness of this recipe, I’ve replaced a portion of the Karo with all-natural chunky peanut butter.
peanut butter:
The original recipe calls for 12 oz. peanut butter chips, however, I used chunky peanut butter instead as peanut butter chips are made of sugar, oil and artificial flavor and they lack peanut butter flavor once melted down. When choosing a peanut butter, make sure it is one that does not contain high fructose corn syrup. You can always use homemade peanut butter from fresh roasted, salted peanuts in which you just place in food processor and blend to the consistency you like.
marshmallows or marshmallow cream:
For the best flavor, use all-natural marshmallows. Many conventional brands have artificial flavor and additives. This recipe can be made quick using pre-made marshmallows, however, you could use homemade marshmallow creme made without preservatives and high fructose corn syrup. To do so, place a mixing bowl over double broiler and place 3 egg whites, 1 c. superfine sugar like C&H brand, ½ tsp. cream of tarter and whisk for 5-7 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and place in mixer stand. Add in 1 ½ tsp. vanilla and beat for 6-8 minutes until stiff peak. Spread over the cake base to form the middle layer of the bars.
Payday Cookie Bars
Ingredients
BOTTOM LAYER
- Cake Mix (white or yellow)
- ½ c. unsalted butter soft
- 2 eggs
MIDDLE LAYER
- 3 c. mini marshmallows
TOP LAYER
- ⅔ c. chunky peanut butter
- ⅓ c. white Karo syrup
- ¼ c. unsalted butter
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 2 ⅓ c. lightly salted peanuts
- 2 c. Rice Krispies
Instructions
- Grease 9×13 pan. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
BASE LAYER
- Place cake mix in bowl and add soft butter and eggs. Mix together and place in bottom layer of pan and bake for 18-20 minutes.
MIDDLE LAYER
- Place mini marshmallows over the base layer and melt in oven 2-3 minutes. Remove from oven. Grease an off-set spatula with non-stick cooking spray and then spread the melted marshmallows.
TOP LAYER
- Place a bowl over simmering pot of water and melt peanut butter, Karo syrup, butter, and vanilla.
- Stir in peanuts and Rice Krispies and spread mixture over the marshmallow layer.
- Let cool and cut into bars.
If you love peanut butter, then you need to check these recipes out!
Looking for more Bar recipes?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @vintagebakedmodern on Instagram or Facebook