Keto Peanut Butter “PayDay” Bites (No-Bake Candy)
Satisfy your sweet and salty cravings with these easy, no-bake keto candy bites! Inspired by the classic PayDay bar, these treats are packed with healthy fats and protein, perfect for a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle.
Yields: Approximately 36 mini bites (or 16-20 bars if using an 8×8-inch pan) Prep time: 15-20 minutes Chill time: 30-60 minutes (in freezer)
Ingredients:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened (or salted butter if you prefer extra saltiness)
- 2 cups Crazy Richard’s 100% natural peanut butter (or other natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils)
- 1 ¼ cups powdered monk fruit sweetener (or other powdered erythritol-based sweetener like Swerve Confectioners)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons coarse pink Himalayan salt, divided (or more to taste)
Equipment:
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- Mini muffin pan(s) (silicone recommended, or metal with paper liners) OR an 8×8-inch baking pan
- Small cookie scoop (optional, for mini muffin pan)
Instructions:
- Prepare Pan: If using mini muffin pans, line them with mini paper liners or ensure they are silicone. If using an 8×8-inch baking pan, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the finished candy.
- Melt Butter: Place the softened butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until just melted.
- Create Peanut Butter Base: Add the natural peanut butter, powdered monk fruit sweetener, and vanilla extract to the melted butter. Stir vigorously with a whisk or sturdy spatula until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. It should be thick but workable.
- Assemble Bites/Bars:
- For Mini Bites (Muffin Pan): Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon capacity) to portion the mixture into each cup of the mini muffin pan. This recipe yields about 36 bites, so you may need 2 mini muffin pans.
- For Bars (8×8-inch Pan): Pour the entire mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch pan and spread evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Add Topping:
- For Mini Bites: Sprinkle approximately ½ tablespoon of the lightly salted peanuts over the top of each peanut butter bite. Then, sprinkle about 1/8 teaspoon of coarse pink salt on top of the peanuts for that signature “PayDay” crunch and saltiness.
- For Bars: Evenly sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of peanuts over the entire surface of the peanut butter mixture. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of coarse pink salt over the peanuts.
- Chill: Place the pan(s) in the freezer for at least 30-60 minutes, or until the candy is firm.
- Cut (if using 8×8-inch pan): If you made bars in an 8×8-inch pan, once firm, lift the parchment paper to remove the slab of candy from the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut it into desired bite-sized squares or bars.
- Store: Store the Keto Peanut Butter “PayDay” Bites/Bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months, or in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks (they will be softer in the fridge).
Enjoy! ❤️
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
This recipe is a fantastic keto-friendly indulgence!
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is high protein. Peanut butter is a good source of plant-based protein, and the peanuts themselves contribute significantly. This makes it a satisfying snack that can help manage hunger.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All ingredients are carefully selected to minimize carbohydrate content: natural peanut butter (no sugar), powdered monk fruit sweetener (zero net carbs), and peanuts (low-carb in moderation).
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly.
- Butter: A staple keto fat source.
- Natural Peanut Butter: Crucial for keto. Crazy Richard’s is an excellent choice as it’s 100% peanuts. Many conventional peanut butters contain added sugar and undesirable oils, so always check labels.
- Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener: A perfect zero-carb sweetener for keto. Using powdered form helps with the smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Negligible carbs.
- Lightly Salted Peanuts: Peanuts are generally considered keto-friendly in moderation. They are higher in fat and protein than carbs.
- Coarse Pink Salt: Keto-friendly.
