You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up a Payday Pie, a delightful homage to the classic candy bar. This dessert takes the beloved flavors of peanut butter, chewy nougat, and rich caramel and transforms them into a show-stopping pie. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re treating friends at a gathering or just indulging on a quiet evening at home, this recipe offers an irresistible sweet fix with its flaky butter crust and gooey filling. Plus, you can have it ready in no time, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying every luscious bite. Ready to dive into something delicious? Let’s get started! Why is Payday Pie a Must-Try? Indulgent flavors await: With gooey peanut butter, chewy marshmallows, and a rich caramel drizzle, this pie tantalizes your taste buds in every bite. Quick to make: You can whip this dessert up in no time, perfect for busy schedules or unexpected guests. Show-stopping appeal: The combination of flavors and textures means it’s sure to impress at any gathering. For an equally delightful dessert, check out my Lemon Meringue Pie or the creamy goodness of Coconut Cream Pie. Versatile recipe: Feeling adventurous? Switch out the peanut butter chips for chocolate ones or mix in almond butter for a different nutty spin! Ideal for sharing: Slice it up and share at parties, potlucks, or family dinners—the perfect crowd-pleaser! Payday Pie Ingredients For the Crust • Unbaked Pie Crust – Pre-made crust can be substituted for homemade, saving you time in the kitchen. For the Peanut Butter Filling • Peanut Butter Chips (10 ounces) – Adds a rich, creamy peanut flavor; consider swapping with chocolate chips for a delightful twist. • Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can, 14 ounces) – Contributes sweetness and creaminess to the filling; evaporated milk can be used for a less sweet alternative. • Salted Butter (3 tablespoons) – Enhances flavor and helps melt peanut butter chips into a cohesive filling; use unsalted butter if you prefer to control sodium intake. • Miniature Marshmallows (2 cups) – Provides a chewy texture in the filling; can replace with regular marshmallows, cut into smaller pieces if necessary. • Dry Roasted Unsalted Peanuts (1.5 cups) – Adds delightful crunch and complements the filling’s richness; feel free to use mixed nuts if desired. For the Caramel Topping • Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup) – Used to create caramel topping, providing sweetness; you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor. • Heavy Cream (1/4 cup) – Adds rich creaminess to the caramel sauce; half-and-half can work in a pinch, though it slightly alters the texture. • Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances all flavors in the dessert; using homemade vanilla can provide unique flavor notes. • Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness in the pie and caramel; sea salt is a great alternative. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Payday Pie Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin your sweet journey by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This crucial first step ensures an ideal baking environment for your Payday Pie, allowing the crust to crisp up beautifully. Setting your oven ahead of time gives you the perfect warm-up for the goodness that is about to unfold! Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust Take your unbaked pie crust and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Fit the dough into a 9-inch pie plate, ensuring you crimp the edges for a decorative touch. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling, then line the crust with parchment paper. Fill with weights to keep it from rising as you prepare to blind bake. Step 3: Blind Bake the Crust Place your pie crust in the preheated oven and blind bake it for 15 minutes. After this initial time, carefully remove the weights and parchment paper, then return the crust to the oven for an additional 15 minutes or until it turns a lovely golden brown. Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack before adding the delicious filling. Step 4: Make the Filling In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir frequently until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once melted, fold in the miniature marshmallows until evenly distributed, creating a luscious and gooey filling for your Payday Pie. Step 5: Pour the Filling into the Crust Carefully transfer the creamy filling into the cooled pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even layer. To enhance the texture, sprinkle the dry roasted unsalted peanuts evenly over the filling, pressing them in slightly to ensure they meld with the mixture as it sets. Step 6: Prepare the Caramel To create a luscious caramel topping, place granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the sugar constantly until it melts and transforms into a golden brown liquid, about 8-10 minutes. Once melted, add butter and mix until fully combined, then slowly incorporate the heavy cream, stirring for about 1 minute until bubbling. Step 7: Drizzle the Caramel Once your caramel is smooth and aromatic, let it cool briefly to thicken, about 5 minutes. Use a spoon to drizzle this velvety caramel generously over the chopped peanuts on your Payday Pie. The warm caramel will create a beautiful, shiny top that promises indulgence in every bite. Step 8: Chill the Pie Finally, refrigerate your assembled Payday Pie for at least 4-6 hours—or ideally overnight—for the best texture. This chilling period allows the filling and caramel to set properly, ensuring each slice delivers a perfect blend of peanut butter goodness and rich caramel when served. Expert Tips for Making Payday Pie Chill for Perfection: Ensure the pie is thoroughly chilled before cutting; this helps you achieve clean, beautiful slices and optimal texture. Watch the Caramel: When making caramel, nonstop stirring is key! This prevents clumping and helps create a smooth, velvety topping. Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and cream can prevent sugar from seizing when you incorporate them, resulting in a flawlessly rich caramel for your Payday Pie. Perfectly Measuring Ingredients: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Too much sugar or butter can affect the overall texture of the filling and caramel. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to experiment by using mixed nuts instead of peanuts to add a unique twist to your Payday Pie flavor profile! Make Ahead Options These Payday Pie delights are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the unbaked pie crust and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, ensuring it’s fresh and ready to be filled. Additionally, the filling can be made ahead of time; simply melt the peanut butter chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter, cool it, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to assemble, just pour the prepared filling into the cooled crust, top with peanuts, and finish with the caramel drizzle. To maintain quality, ensure everything is stored in airtight containers, and chill the completed pie for at least 4-6 hours before serving. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy a delicious Payday Pie with minimal effort on busy weeknights! Payday Pie Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with this decadent pie by customizing it to suit your taste buds! Chocolate Lovers: Swap peanut butter chips for chocolate chips for an irresistible chocolate-peanut combination that’s simply divine. Nutty Alternative: Use almond butter instead of peanut butter to add a subtle nuttiness that gives the pie a unique twist. Salted Caramel Boost: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle for an exciting salty-sweet contrast that tantalizes the senses. Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels or a handful of toffee bits into the filling for an unexpected crunchy texture that adds depth to every bite. Flavor Infusion: Try mixing in a dash of cinnamon or a splash of coffee extract to elevate the flavors and add warmth to the filling. Vegan Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan butter alternative to craft a delicious plant-based version of this indulgent pie. Add Some Heat: For a surprising twist, incorporate finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the filling for a spicy kick to the rich flavors. Sweetened Whip: Top your Payday Pie with homemade whipped cream or ice cream, enhancing each slice with a creamy, dreamy addition that offers a delightful contrast. Whether you’re gearing up for a fun family get-together or looking for that special treat to impress, these suggestions will help you create the perfect Payday Pie tailored just for you! For more delightful inspirations, check out my Pistachio Rice Krispie Treats or indulge in the creamy bliss of a Coconut Cream Pie. How to Store and Freeze Payday Pie Fridge: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. This keeps your Payday Pie ready for a sweet treat any time! Freezer: If you need to store it for longer, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Payday Pie, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This method preserves the texture while allowing the flavors to come back to life. Reheating: Serve chilled for the best experience, but if preferred, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a gooey treat! What to Serve with Payday Pie Indulging in a slice of this sweet pie is just the beginning of an unforgettable dessert experience. Let’s build a dessert table that delights every palate! Whipped Cream: The light and airy texture of whipped cream provides a perfect counterbalance to the rich filling, making each bite even more luscious. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully, creating a delightful contrast against the sweetness of the pie while adding a cool, smooth element. Coffee or Espresso: The rich, robust flavor of coffee enhances the sweet notes of the Payday Pie, creating a warm embrace that wraps around each slice. Dark Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings on top for a sophisticated touch. The slight bitterness complements the sweetness beautifully, making for a more complex flavor profile. Caramel Drizzle: A little extra caramel drizzle over the top can intensify the dessert’s flavors, adding a glossy finish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch. The nutty flavor resonates with the peanuts in the pie and introduces another layer of texture. Berries: Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a fruity acidity that cuts through the pie’s richness while adding a burst of color and freshness to your dessert plate. Payday Pie Recipe FAQs How do I select the best peanuts for my Payday Pie? Absolutely! When choosing peanuts for your Payday Pie, look for dry roasted unsalted peanuts; they provide the perfect balance of crunch without overpowering the sweetness. If you notice any with dark spots or a rancid smell, it’s best to avoid those, as they may not be fresh. How should I store leftovers of the Payday Pie? To keep your Payday Pie fresh, store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. This will maintain the pie’s gooey texture and delectable flavors, ensuring you can enjoy those sweet bites even after the first day! Can I freeze Payday Pie? If so, how? Certainly! To freeze your Payday Pie, follow these simple steps: Once it has completely cooled, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best results! What should I do if my caramel seizes up while cooking? If your caramel seizes up, don’t worry! Simply add a tablespoon or two of water to the pan and return it to low heat, stirring constantly until it smooths out again. This method rehydrates the sugar and brings your caramel back to a velvety consistency. Is there a way to make this pie nut-free for guests with allergies? Very! If you’re accommodating guests with nut allergies, you can substitute the peanut butter chips with sunbutter or another nut-free alternative like tahini. Just be sure to check the labels on your ingredients for hidden allergens to keep everyone safe! How do I ensure clean slices of my Payday Pie? Chilling the pie for at least 4-6 hours—or overnight—is key to ensuring clean slices. Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water before making each cut; this not only helps the knife glide through but also keeps those gooey layers intact for a beautiful presentation. Indulge in Payday Pie: A Sweet Peanut Butter Dream Delicacy Experience the delicious Payday Pie, a sweet blend of peanut butter, nougat, and caramel flavors. Perfect for any dessert lover! Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 12 hours hrs Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1 Unbaked Pie Crust Pre-made crust can be substituted for homemade, saving you time in the kitchen.For the Peanut Butter Filling10 oz Peanut Butter Chips Adds a rich, creamy peanut flavor; consider swapping with chocolate chips for a delightful twist.1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk Contributes sweetness and creaminess to the filling; evaporated milk can be used for a less sweet alternative.3 tbsp Salted Butter Enhances flavor and helps melt peanut butter chips into a cohesive filling; use unsalted butter if you prefer to control sodium intake.2 cups Miniature Marshmallows Provides a chewy texture in the filling; can replace with regular marshmallows, cut into smaller pieces if necessary.1.5 cups Dry Roasted Unsalted Peanuts Adds delightful crunch and complements the filling’s richness; feel free to use mixed nuts if desired.For the Caramel Topping1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Used to create caramel topping, providing sweetness; you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor.1/4 cup Heavy Cream Adds rich creaminess to the caramel sauce; half-and-half can work in a pinch, though it slightly alters the texture.1 tsp Vanilla Extract Enhances all flavors in the dessert; using homemade vanilla can provide unique flavor notes.1/2 tsp Kosher Salt Balances the sweetness in the pie and caramel; sea salt is a great alternative. Equipment 9-inch pie plateMedium saucepanspatulaForkbaking weightsParchment paperwire rack Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Payday PiePreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).Roll out your unbaked pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Fit into a 9-inch pie plate, crimp the edges, prick the bottom with a fork, and line with parchment paper. Fill with weights.Blind bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove weights and parchment, return to oven for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown, then cool on a wire rack.Combine peanut butter chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until melted and smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Fold in miniature marshmallows.Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle dry roasted peanuts evenly and press in slightly.To make the caramel, melt granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add butter, mix, then slowly incorporate heavy cream.Let the caramel cool briefly, then drizzle generously over the chopped peanuts on the pie.Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 4-6 hours, ideally overnight, to set the filling and caramel. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg NotesFor perfect slices, chill the pie thoroughly before cutting. Ensure constant stirring while making the caramel to avoid clumping. Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother caramel. Measuring ingredients accurately is essential for the best texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!