Sugar-Free Payday Candy Bars
Sugar-Free Payday Candy Bars
Chewy peanut nougat buried in salted peanuts — the classic candy bar, sugar-free
These sugar-free Payday candy bars copy the classic: chewy peanut nougat packed with salted peanuts, sweet and salty in every bite — without a gram of sugar.
Each bar has 7 g of protein and only 4 g net carbs.
Why you'll love these bars
- 7g protein per bar — real staying power
- Only 4g net carbs and fully sugar-free
- Sweet-and-salty like the classic
- No baking, 15 minutes hands-on
- Makes 16 bars — great for sharing
- Freezer-friendly for candy cravings
Health notes
- Sugar-free: Sugar-free marshmallows and sweeteners — no added sugar.
- Low carb: Just 4g net carbs per bar.
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free.
- Protein: Peanuts and peanut butter add 7g protein each.
Key element — press the top peanuts on while warm
Press the topping peanuts firmly into the nougat while it's still warm. They only stick properly before it sets.
Ingredients
Nougat
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar-free creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups sugar-free marshmallows
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Peanuts
- 3 cups salted peanuts, divided (2 cups for the pan, 1 cup for the nougat)
Swaps
- Almond version: Swap peanuts for salted roasted almonds.
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted sugar-free chocolate over the set bars.
- No marshmallows: Use sugar-free marshmallow fluff — same amount.
- Mini cups: Press into a lined muffin tin for individual candies.
Instructions
| 1 | Prep the pan. Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment. Spread 2 cups of the salted peanuts in an even layer on the bottom. |
| 2 | Melt the base. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the peanut butter, stirring until smooth. |
| 3 | Add the marshmallows. Stir in the sugar-free marshmallows and melt completely, stirring constantly, until you have a smooth nougat. |
| 4 | Fold in peanuts. Off the heat, stir in the vanilla, salt, and remaining 1 cup of peanuts. |
| 5 | Spread and press. Spread the warm nougat over the peanut layer. Press the last handful of peanuts firmly into the top while warm. |
| 6 | Chill and cut. Refrigerate 1 hour until firm. Lift out with the parchment and cut into 16 bars. |
Pro tips
- Work fast once the marshmallows melt — nougat sets quickly.
- Keep the heat low so the marshmallows melt instead of scorching.
- Use a greased spatula to spread the sticky nougat evenly.
- Salted peanuts are the classic flavor — unsalted makes the bars taste flat.
- Warm the knife under hot water for clean cuts.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per bar (16) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 7g |
| Net carbohydrates | 4g |
| Total carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Total fat | 17g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Estimates per bar (16 per pan), based on sugar-free marshmallows, peanut butter, and salted peanuts.
Variations
Chocolate drizzle
Drizzle melted sugar-free chocolate over the set bars for a chocolate-peanut finish.
Almond version
Swap the peanuts for salted roasted almonds and almond butter.
Double decker
Add a middle layer of melted sugar-free chocolate between two nougat layers.
Mini cups
Press the nougat into a lined muffin tin for individual candy cups.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room temp | Up to 1 week | Airtight container; layer with parchment |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Wrap bars individually; thaw at room temp |
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 weeks | Keeps them extra chewy |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about these candy bars
1. Protein per bar?
2. Net carbs per bar?
3. Why press the top peanuts on while warm?
4. How long do the bars chill?
5. What gives these bars the classic Payday flavor?
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