Gluten-Free PayDay Candy Bar Brownies
These indulgent brownies recreate the beloved PayDay candy bar in dessert form. A fudgy brownie base gets topped with a creamy peanut butter marshmallow layer and finished with salted peanuts for that signature crunch. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or when you want to satisfy serious sweet and salty cravings. The combination of textures - from the dense brownie to the fluffy topping to the crunchy nuts - makes each bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix, and called for ingredientshomemade brownies1:1from scratch
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- 1 ½ cups salted peanutsroasted cashews1:1nut-freepeanuts-freeadds tree_nuts
adds nutty crunch
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cups peanut butter chipswhite chocolate chips1:1different flavordairy-free
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- 1 7 oz container marshmallow creme
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- 1
Prepare brownies according to package instructions
- 2
Set aside baked brownies to cool slightly while preparing topping
- 3
Melt butter and peanut butter chips in a medium saucepan until combined
- 4
Add condensed milk and marshmallow creme, stirring well until fully incorporated and marshmallow is melted
- 5
Pour topping over prepared brownies and smooth into an even layer
- 6
Top with salted peanuts
- 7
Place in refrigerator to cool quickly
- 8
Cool completely before cutting
Tips
Let brownies cool slightly before adding topping to prevent it from melting into the brownies
Use the refrigerator to set the topping quickly, but store finished brownies at room temperature
Cut with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat squares
Good to Know
Store at room temperature in airtight container for up to 5 days
Can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored covered at room temperature
Cut into squares and serve at room temperature for best texture
Common Mistakes
Don't add topping to hot brownies or it will melt and sink in
Don't skip the cooling time or the layers won't hold their shape when cut
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Nut-Free Alternatives
adds nutty crunch
General Alternatives
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FAQ
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?
Yes, any brownie recipe works. Just make sure they're baked and slightly cooled before adding the topping.
How long do these keep?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days. The topping stays creamy and the brownies stay moist.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.