Crisp, flaky crust gives way to a smooth, rich peanut butter filling, all topped with sticky-sweet caramel and a satisfying crunch of salted peanuts. This Decadent Payday Pie perfectly captures the essence of the beloved candy bar in pie form, offering a symphony of sweet and salty flavors in every bite. The combination of textures – creamy, crunchy, and tender – makes it an incredibly satisfying dessert.
This pie works so well because the creamy peanut butter filling is balanced by the salty peanuts and the sweetness of the caramel. The buttery crust provides a sturdy base and adds another layer of flavor. It’s an ideal dessert for casual gatherings, potlucks, or even a special treat on a cozy weekend.
Why you’ll love this Decadent Payday Pie: A Peanut Butter Caramel Dream with Payday Pie Recipe
- It’s a simple way to enjoy the flavors of a Payday candy bar in pie form.
- The recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy bakers.
- The combination of peanut butter, caramel, and salted peanuts is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- This decadent dessert is easy to customize with different toppings or crusts.
- This payday pie recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
- It’s a make-ahead dessert, perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel topping
- 1 cup salted roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
Payday pie recipe makes every moment feel sunny. For a deeper peanut butter flavor, use natural peanut butter. You can also use a gluten-free pie crust if needed.
How to make Decadent Payday Pie: A Peanut Butter Caramel Dream
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch pie plate with one of the pie crusts. Crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pie crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Chef’s Tip: To prevent the crust from browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Once the pie is cooled, drizzle the caramel topping over the peanut butter filling.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts evenly over the caramel topping. Slice and serve.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the pie crust is properly crimped to prevent the filling from leaking.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before adding the caramel and peanuts to prevent the caramel from melting too much.
- Use high-quality caramel topping for the best flavor.
- For extra flavor, toast the chopped peanuts lightly before sprinkling them on top. You can find helpful guidance in this winter citrus salad recipe which also uses nuts for texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Payday Pie is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve it with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a truly satisfying dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a warm and gooey pie, microwave each slice for 15-20 seconds before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. However, the filling will be less smooth.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie is perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake the pie a day in advance and add the caramel and peanuts just before serving.
This Decadent Payday Pie recipe is a guaranteed win for anyone craving a sweet and salty treat. With its creamy peanut butter filling, gooey caramel, and crunchy peanuts, it’s an irresistible dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Try this payday pie recipe and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Decadent Payday Pie: A Peanut Butter Caramel Dream
Indulge in this irresistible Payday Pie, a delightful homage to the classic candy bar. Imagine a buttery, flaky crust filled with a rich, creamy peanut butter filling, topped with gooey caramel and studded with salty roasted peanuts. Each bite is a symphony of sweet and salty flavors, with a satisfying crunch from the peanuts and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture from the filling. This pie is surprisingly easy to make and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a perfect treat for a cozy night in. The Payday candy bar’s essence is captured perfectly in this pie form, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel topping
- 1 cup salted roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch pie plate with one of the pie crusts. Crimp the edges.
- In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once the pie is cooled, drizzle the caramel topping over the peanut butter filling.
- Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts evenly over the caramel topping. Slice and serve.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use natural peanut butter. Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a warm and gooey pie, microwave each slice for 15-20 seconds before serving. You can substitute the caramel topping with homemade caramel sauce for an even more decadent treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg