Healthier PayDay Protein Bars (Copycat Recipe)
These healthier homemade PayDay bars are protein-rich, no bake and just as good as the classic candy bar but made with simple ingredients. If you love sweet and salty, peanut butter and caramel, these bars are probably going to be your new favorite treat!
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups peanuts, dry roasted
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Note: Place the can of coconut cream or milk in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.Line an 7 x 5-inch loaf pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting. Or use a silicone candy mold or dish.Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.In a pan on the stove over medium heat, add the coconut cream, honey, vanilla extract and sea salt.When the mixture starts bubbling, turn the heat down to low and let simmer for 20 minutes making sure to stir the mixture often.Once done, set the caramel aside to cool for a few minutes. Add the peanut butter and coconut flour to the caramel mixture and whisk until well incorporated.To the parchment lined loaf pan add 3/4 cup of peanuts to the bottom, spreading them out evenly.Pour the caramel mixture over top of the peanuts, spreading it out evenly.Top the caramel layer with the remaining 3/4 cup of peanuts, pressing them gently into the top.Place the pan in the freezer for 2-4 hours, or overnight, before cutting 8 bars or more smaller squares and store in the fridge.