When it comes to putting together the ultimate holiday candy tray, these homemade PayDay Fudge Bars are an absolute must-have. Their irresistible combination of creamy fudge and crunchy peanuts will make your guests return for seconds and ask for the recipe. But why stop there? Keep the festive treats rolling with our easy Fruitcake Fudge Recipe that will surely be a hit with everyone on your list.

How to Make Homemade PayDay Fudge Bars

The Gift Of Homemade Candy will bring joy to all this holiday season. Sharing the love and effort put into homemade treats can truly warm hearts and create memories that last a lifetime. So, spread some cheer with a tray of these delightful PayDay Fudge Bars and watch as smiles light up faces all around.

MELTING TIP: When the marshmallows start to make streaks, pay close attention to the fudge, which is almost ready to be poured.

When the fudge is ready to be cut, pull it out of the pan using the foil. Peel foil away from fudge BEFORE cutting.

UNDERSIDE OF THE PEANUT FUDGE

PAYDAY CANDY BAR INGREDIENTS LIST-full printable recipe below in recipe card

• 3 cups cocktail peanuts, divided (I used Redskin Spanish Peanuts)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups peanut butter chips
• 1 (14-ounce) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows

PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE BARS INSTRUCTIONS

1. Line a 7×11-inch baking dish with foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Pour 1½ cups of peanuts into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and peanut butter chips.
3. Stir until smooth.  Remove from heat; stir in the condensed milk and marshmallows. 
4. Return the candy to the heat, set it on the lowest setting, and continue cooking and stirring until the marshmallows have melted (about 3-4 minutes).
5. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the peanuts. Even out the candy with an offset spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of peanuts over the top of the candy; lightly press the peanuts into the candy. Cover and refrigerate until firm, preferably overnight. Cut into sticks.

How to Store PayDay Fudge

• Storage: As long as your house isn’t too warm, you can keep your fudge in the refrigerator covered or in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Freezing: Like many of my homemade fudge recipes, your peanut butter fudge will also be beautifully stored in the freezer. Freeze before or after cutting, and let the fudge thaw at room temperature before eating. The PayDay fudge will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tips for Successful Fudge!

Always line your pan with foil. For an easy fit…flip the pan upside down,

lay the foil over the bottom (the side facing up) of the pan, mold the foil to the bottom,

flip the pan back to the right side up, and place the foil into the pan.

NO CANDY THERMOMETER! This super easy fudge is not your typical fudge. You don’t need to wait for the candy thermometer to reach a certain degree. Just melt and refrigerate.

EVAPORATED MILK OR CONDENSED MILK—WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Both condensed milk and evaporated milk are forms of concentrated milk in which approximately 60 percent of the water content has been removed. The major difference between these two canned milk products is the sugar content; sweetened condensed milk, as the name implies, is always sweetened, while evaporated milk is unsweetened.

IF YOU CUT THE FUDGE BARS SMALL ENOUGH, YOU CAN WRAP THEM IN CANDY PAPER WRAPPERS!

WRAPPERS: They keep fudge fresh; you can wrap them individually in wax paper or parchment paper and twist the ends to close. CLICK HERE FOR THE WRAPPERS I USED→Wax Paper Squares

How Long Will Fudge Stay Fresh?

When stored in the refrigerator, homemade fudge lasts 3–4 weeks. To keep it fresh as long as possible, store it in an airtight container.

THE MANY WAYS OF PACKAGING FUDGE FOR GIFT-GIVING

Serving fudge in a square is one way to go; below are a few creative ideas about how you can pump up your fudge gift-giving game.

• POURED INTO A TIN
• LAYERED INTO A PUSH-UP POP
• SILICONE HEART-SHAPED MOLDS
• FILLED COOKIE CUTTERS
• WRAPPED IN CANDY WRAPPERS

AN ASSORTMENT OF FUDGE RECIPES FOR YOUR HOLIDAY CANDY TRAY

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start planning for one of the sweetest traditions of the year – the holiday candy tray. And while there are endless options for tasty treats to include, there is one classic confection that should not be overlooked: fudge. Whether you’re a seasoned fudge maker or a novice in the kitchen, below, you will find an assortment of delectable fudge recipes to add to your holiday candy tray. From rich and chocolatey to creamy and nutty, get ready to impress your loved ones with a variety of irresistible fudge flavors. BELOW ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE FUDGE RECIPES. CLICK HERE FOR OVER 35 RECIPES→FUDGE

• DARK CHOCOLATE CHERRY FUDGE
• FRUITCAKE FUDGE
• HOMEMADE PRALINE FUDGE
• CARAMEL PUMPKIN FUDGE
• GINGERBREAD FUDGE
• PEPPERMINT BROWNIE FUDGE

In conclusion, these homemade PayDay Fudge Bars are the perfect addition to your holiday candy tray or a thoughtful gift for loved ones. With the delectable blend of sweet and salty flavors, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Elevate your holiday treats with this easy and delicious recipe that will impress you. So why wait? Get ready to indulge in a taste sensation that will leave you craving more.