Keto Payday Bar is a low-carb, high-fat, no-bake take on the classic candy bar, offering a healthier alternative without the refined sugars and industrial additives found in many store-bought bars.
This recipe yields a satisfying peanut log with a creamy nougat coating and a rich caramel center. It’s high in healthy fats and protein, while remaining low in carbs—perfect for a keto-friendly treat that keeps you full longer.
These no-bake copycat Payday bars are made from simple ingredients: peanut butter, almond flour, a sugar-free maple syrup, and chopped peanuts. They avoid common additives found in many conventional candy bars such as high-fructose corn syrup, vegetable oils, and artificial flavors.
I developed this recipe because I love the flavor of Payday bars but wanted a version that’s easy to make at home with cleaner ingredients.
Ingredients
Caramel Ingredients
Nougat Ingredients
Peanuts & Garnish
Caramel Filling
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup peanut butter
- 2½ tablespoons sugar-free maple syrup
Nougat Coating
- ⅔ cup blanched fine almond flour
- ⅓ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup sugar-free maple syrup
Nut Topping
- ½ cup roughly chopped peanuts
Optional Garnish
- 3 tablespoons sugar-free chocolate chips (optional)
Yield: about 10 bars. See printable recipe card below for nutrition and serving details.
Instructions
Combine the heavy cream, peanut butter, and sugar-free maple syrup in a glass measuring cup or bowl. Heat in the microwave for 25–30 seconds, then whisk until the mixture thickens.
Pour the caramel into a silicone- or parchment-lined rectangular dish or loaf pan. Freeze for 1–2 hours, or until firm.
In a separate bowl combine the almond flour, peanut butter, and sugar-free maple syrup for the nougat. Chill in the freezer for about an hour until it forms a firm, dough-like texture.
When the caramel is firm, scoop ½ tablespoon portions and roll into balls.
Place the caramel balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Take 1 tablespoon portions of the nougat mixture, place on parchment or a silicone mat, and flatten into oval discs.
Center a caramel ball on each nougat disc, fold the nougat over the caramel, and roll gently into a log, tucking the ends under.
Roll each log in the chopped peanuts, pressing them in so they stick.
Place the bars on a lined tray or in a covered container and return them to the freezer for about an hour, or until fully firm.
If desired, drizzle with melted sugar-free chocolate before serving. Keep the bars stored in a sealed container in the freezer.
Equipment
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Baking tray
- Silicone loaf pan or rectangular dish
Storage
Store the Payday bars in a sealed container in the freezer for up to three weeks. They remain slightly soft and chewable straight from the freezer; refrigeration is not recommended because they can become too soft and doughy.
📖 Printable Recipe Card
Keto Payday Bar
Ingredients
- Caramel Filling: ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream, ⅓ cup peanut butter, 2½ tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
- Nougat Coating: ⅔ cup almond flour, ⅓ cup peanut butter, ¼ cup sugar-free maple syrup
- Nut Topping: ½ cup roughly chopped peanuts
- Optional: 3 tbsp sugar-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine caramel ingredients, heat 25–30 seconds, whisk until thickened.
- Pour into a lined loaf pan and freeze 1–2 hours until firm.
- Mix nougat ingredients and chill until dough-like, about an hour.
- Form caramel into ½-tablespoon balls and freeze 30+ minutes on a tray.
- Flatten 1-tablespoon nougat portions into ovals, center a caramel ball on each, then wrap and roll into logs.
- Press chopped peanuts onto each log, freeze until firm (about 1 hour).
- Optional: drizzle with melted sugar-free chocolate. Store in a sealed container in the freezer.
Notes
All nutritional data are estimates based on the ingredients used. Yield: 10 bars. Net carbs per serving approximately 5 g.
Related
You might also enjoy these peanut-based keto treats:
Snickers Keto Fat Bombs-
Keto Iced Peanut Butter Bars
-
Keto Peanut Butter Cookie Fat Bombs
-
Keto Frozen Yogurt Buster Bars
