Description

No Bake Payday Nut Squares are a deliciously easy treat featuring layers of salted peanuts coated in a smooth, sweet peanut butter and marshmallow mixture. This no-bake dessert offers a perfect balance of crunchy nuts and creamy sweetness, ideal for snacks, dessert bars, or an anytime indulgence without heating up the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Nut Base

3 cups salted peanuts, no skins, divided

Peanut Butter Mixture

2.5 tablespoons butter
2 cups peanut butter chips
14 oz sweetened condensed milk (approximately 1 can)
2 cups miniature marshmallows

Optional Topping

Kosher or sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Grease an 11″ x 7″ pan thoroughly to prevent the nut squares from sticking later during refrigeration.
Layer the Peanuts: Spread 1½ cups of salted peanuts evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crunchy base layer.
Melt Butter and Peanut Butter Chips: In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the butter and peanut butter chips. Stir constantly for about 10 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Marshmallows: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and miniature marshmallows, mixing until everything is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Pour Peanut Butter Mixture: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture evenly over the peanut base layer in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it out smoothly.
Add Remaining Peanuts: Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of salted peanuts evenly over the top. Optionally, add a pinch of kosher or sea salt for enhanced flavor contrast.
Chill the Bars: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars have fully set and firmed up.
Serve and Enjoy: Once set, cut the bars into squares. Serve them chilled for a firm, chewy texture or allow them to reach room temperature for a softer bite.

Notes

Use salted peanuts with no skins for the best texture and flavor.
Make sure to stir constantly during melting to avoid burning the butter and peanut butter chips.
The marshmallows help bind the mixture and add sweetness and softness.
Refrigeration time is important to achieve the proper firmness—do not skip chilling.
For a nuttier flavor, try toasting the peanuts lightly before layering.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: no bake dessert, peanut butter squares, payday candy bars, nutty snack bars, easy no bake recipe