Homemade Healthy Payday Bars are the sweet and salty treat you’ve been waiting for. High Protein, Low fat and sugar free, but with all the deliciousness of Payday candy bars.

With your homemade Copycat Payday Protein Bars, you can indulge in the nostalgic flavors of a classic candy bar while ensuring you’re fueling your body with protein and wholesome ingredients.

These bars are a fusion of sweet, nutty goodness and the satisfaction of a protein-packed snack. Perfectly recreating the flavors of the classic Payday candy bar, this homemade version adds a nutritious boost to your snacking game. Say goodbye to store-bought candy and get ready to make your very own protein-packed delight – no marshmallows needed here.

Ingredients for Healthy Payday Bars:

These Healthy Payday bars are made with protein powder for the sweetener and peanut butter powder too! They’re also lower in carbs and fats, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy snack.

Vanilla Protein Powder – key for the high protein bars.
I used Quest Vanilla protein powder here.
Unflavored Protein Powder to add extra protein. I recommend the Multi-purpose mix protein powder from Quest Nutrition.
Peanut Butter Powder, also known as Powdered Peanut Butter. I recommend Lakanto (code HAYLSKITCHEN gives you a discount).
Or you could use the one from PbFit too.
Sugar-Free Maple Syrup: I used Lakanto here too
Peanut Butter
Unsweetened Almond Milk
Peanuts

How to make Payday Bars with Peanut Butter and Protein Powder

This recipe for homemade payday bars with peanut butter and protein powder is super easy to make; One of those “mix ingredients in bowl and press down into pan” recipes.

Mix: Combine peanut butter powder, vanilla protein power and in a bowl.
Use whey-casein protein powder since it works well with the ratio of ingredients here. If you use a whey protein powder, you might want to adjust the amount of liquid to make it less.
Use creamy peanut butter so it blends well with the other ingredient
Add liquid only a little at a time or the mixture will be too runny

Press into a Pan: Line an 4×8 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Transfer the mixture into the pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Make sure it’s well-compacted.

Add peanuts:
Sprinkle on half peanuts, press down with hands.
Flip over, press down hard.
Sprinkle on remaining peanuts, press, flip and press again.

Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help the bars set and become easier to cut.

Cut into Bars:
Once the mixture is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into 5 bars.

To store Homemade Healthy Payday Bars

Proper storage is pretty important to keep your homemade healthy Payday bars fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to store them:

Refrigeration: Place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate up to two weeks (this is the best option to maintain freshness and prevent from becoming too soft or sticky)

Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life even further, you can freeze your protein bars. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container.
Frozen protein bars can last for several months. To enjoy a frozen homemade Payday bar, simply let it thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before eating.

Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the bars within a few hours and prefer a softer texture, you can store them at room temperature.
P.S. they may become slightly stickier when left out, so be cautious if you live in a warm and humid environment.

Layering: When storing multiple protein bars in the same container, it’s a good idea to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will make it easier to take out one bar without the rest coming with it.

Alternatives for Healthy Payday Bars without Marshmallows Recipe:

I made this healthy, sugar free and gluten free and low calorie Payday bars without marshmallows using this particular ingredient list, but here’s some options to choose from.

Unflavored protein powder: Unflavored Collagen, or even Almond flour or Oat flour

Whey-casein Protein Powder: Choose a protein powder that fits your dietary requirements and flavor preferences. Options include whey protein, plant-based protein (such as pea, rice, or hemp protein).
Be sure to taste and add sweetener to the mix if needed.

Sugar-free Maple Syrup: Use regular maple syrup or even honey.
If you prefer a sweeter recipe, you can use extra stevia or maple syrup or even honey.

Almond Milk: Any milk works!

Oat Flour: Use Almond Flour

Flavor Additions: Get creative by adding extra flavorings to your bars. Consider incorporating a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a few drops of almond or coconut extract for an added dimension of taste.

More Homemade Candy Bars to Try: