Introduction:

When following a Keto lifestyle, finding satisfying and indulgent snacks that are low in carbs and high in flavor can be challenging. Cravings for sweet treats like candy bars can feel impossible to ignore, but that’s where a delicious and nutritious alternative comes in: Keto Payday Candy Bars. These homemade candy bars are the perfect solution for those looking for a sweet, salty, and crunchy snack that stays within your macros.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe for making Keto Payday Candy Bars from scratch. These bars are packed with roasted peanuts, sugar-free caramel, and a sugar-free coating that delivers the same great taste as the original Payday bar but without the sugar and carbs. They are an easy and customizable treat, great for satisfying your sweet tooth while sticking to your low-carb or Keto goals.

Let’s dive into the full recipe, complete with measurements, ingredients, instructions, nutritional information, and WW SmartPoints breakdown for each serving.

Why You’ll Love These Keto Payday Candy Bars:

1. Sugar-Free and Low-Carb

Unlike traditional candy bars, which are loaded with sugar and carbs, these Keto Payday Candy Bars are made with sugar substitutes and low-carb ingredients. They fit perfectly into the Keto diet, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat without worrying about spiking your blood sugar or derailing your diet.

2. Packed with Healthy Fats and Protein

The key to staying satisfied on the Keto diet is including healthy fats and protein in your meals. These Keto Payday Candy Bars are full of roasted peanuts, which provide healthy fats and protein, helping keep you full for longer and providing essential nutrients.

3. Indulgent and Satisfying

One of the biggest challenges of being on a Keto diet is managing cravings for sweets and snacks. These Payday-inspired bars are both salty and sweet, which makes them highly satisfying. With their crispy, crunchy texture, and delicious peanut-caramel flavor, they deliver a satisfying crunch without the guilt.

4. Customizable

This recipe is highly customizable! You can adjust the level of sweetness, add extra flavors, or modify the toppings. For example, you could sprinkle a little sea salt on top for added flavor or use unsweetened chocolate to coat the bars for a richer taste. Make them your own!

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

These Keto Payday Bars are ideal for meal prepping. They store well in the fridge or freezer, making them a convenient and satisfying snack whenever a craving hits.

Ingredients for Keto Payday Candy Bars

These bars are made with just a few simple ingredients that you can easily find in most grocery stores or health food markets. The recipe is versatile, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences or what you have available.

Main Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups roasted unsalted peanuts – The peanuts are the star of the show. They provide that signature crunchy texture and nutty flavor you love in a Payday bar. Roasted, unsalted peanuts are the best option as they allow you to control the salt level in the recipe.
  2. 1/2 cup sugar-free caramel sauce – The caramel sauce gives these bars their sweet, rich flavor. Choose a sugar-free, low-carb version to keep this treat Keto-friendly. If you can’t find pre-made sugar-free caramel sauce, you can make your own using a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia.
  3. 1/4 cup coconut oil – Coconut oil provides healthy fats and acts as a binder for the peanuts and caramel sauce. It also helps solidify the bars when chilled.
  4. 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk – Almond milk adds a little moisture to the caramel sauce and helps with consistency. Use an unsweetened variety to keep the carbs low.
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the caramel and adds a natural sweetness to the bars.
  6. 1/4 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness of the caramel and peanuts, bringing out the full flavor of the bars.
  7. Optional topping: Sugar-free chocolate chips or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate – If you love chocolate and want to add a chocolate coating, these can be used as a topping to make the bars even more indulgent.

Instructions for Making Keto Payday Candy Bars

Follow these easy steps to make your very own Keto Payday Candy Bars:

Step 1: Prepare Your Peanut Base

Start by gathering your roasted unsalted peanuts. You will need about 2 cups of peanuts. Measure them out and set them aside. If you prefer smaller pieces or a finer texture, you can pulse the peanuts in a food processor for a few seconds to chop them up a bit.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sugar-free caramel sauce, coconut oil, and unsweetened almond milk. Stir continuously until the coconut oil has melted and the ingredients are fully incorporated. Once the mixture is smooth, add the vanilla extract and salt, then continue stirring for an additional minute to enhance the flavors.

If you don’t have pre-made sugar-free caramel sauce, you can make a simple caramel using a sugar substitute like erythritol combined with coconut cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well-combined and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Peanuts with Caramel

Next, pour the peanut pieces into the caramel mixture and stir until all the peanuts are evenly coated with the caramel sauce. Make sure each peanut is coated well for the perfect bite of sweetness and crunch in every bar.

Step 4: Mold the Bars

Once your peanuts and caramel are combined, it’s time to form the bars. Line a small baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the peanut-caramel mixture into the dish and press it down firmly to create a uniform layer. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure the mixture is evenly spread.

Step 5: Refrigerate the Bars

Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the mixture has fully set. This will allow the bars to firm up and hold their shape.

Step 6: Optional: Add Chocolate Coating

Once the bars are firm, you can optionally melt sugar-free chocolate chips or unsweetened chocolate to drizzle or coat the top of the bars. To do this, simply melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl for 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the bars or dip the bottom of each bar into the chocolate and place them back on the parchment-lined dish.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

After the chocolate has hardened (if using), slice the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size. These bars are now ready to be enjoyed!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here is the nutritional breakdown for one Keto Payday Candy Bar (assuming you make 12 bars):

  • Calories: 205 kcal
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 18g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Net Carbs: 4g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
  • Potassium: 150mg
  • Calcium: 2% DV
  • Iron: 6% DV

WW SmartPoints Breakdown (Per Serving)

Here’s the WW SmartPoints breakdown for each serving of Keto Payday Candy Bars (per bar):

  • Green Plan: 5 SmartPoints
  • Blue Plan: 4 SmartPoints
  • Purple Plan: 3 SmartPoints

These SmartPoints values are calculated based on the ingredients used in the recipe, and they may vary slightly depending on the brands of products you use (such as caramel sauce or chocolate chips).

Tips for Customizing Keto Payday Candy Bars

  1. Use Different Nuts: If you don’t like peanuts or want to try something different, you can substitute with almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts for a new twist.
  2. Add Extra Sweetness: If you prefer your bars a little sweeter, add a few drops of liquid stevia or another sugar substitute to the caramel sauce.
  3. Make Them Larger or Smaller: Adjust the size of each bar depending on your preference. If you want larger bars, cut them into fewer pieces. If you want smaller bites, cut them into smaller squares.
  4. Storage: These bars store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure they are wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn.

Conclusion

These Keto Payday Candy Bars are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying within your low-carb or Keto goals. With just a few simple ingredients, they are easy to prepare, delicious, and full of flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or craving a late-night snack, these bars are sure to become your go-to treat.

Enjoy these Keto Payday Candy Bars as a satisfying, indulgent snack that won’t derail your progress. Customize them with your favorite toppings, and savor every bite knowing you’re enjoying a treat that’s both healthy and delicious.