Payday Pie

Wish every day could be payday? With this Payday Pie, it will feel like it! This delightful dessert features gooey peanut butter nougat and roasted peanuts, making it a candy bar favorite transformed into pie form. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply as a treat to brighten your day, this pie offers a flaky buttery crust filled with chewy nougat and plenty of peanuts in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and roasted peanuts brings an addictive sweetness that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels, ensuring success every time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a casual family dinner, this pie is sure to impress.
• Customizable Treat: Feel free to add your own twist with different toppings or nut varieties for a personalized touch.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Its rich flavors and appealing presentation make it a hit at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Being prepared will enhance your experience and lead to better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie plate
• Rolling pin
• Saucepan
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie plate: A sturdy base is essential for holding your delicious filling while baking without spilling.
• Saucepan: Ideal for melting ingredients together evenly, ensuring a smooth, creamy filling.
• Rolling pin: Helps you achieve the perfect thickness for your pie crust without tearing.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Payday Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Crust

• unbaked pie crust

For the Filling

• 10 ounces peanut butter chips
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 Tablespoons salted butter
• 2 cups miniature vegan marshmallows
• 1 1/2 cups dry roasted unsalted peanuts

For the Caramel Topping

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 3 Tablespoons salted butter (cubed)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

How to Make Payday Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, roll out the pie crust on a floured surface. Carefully transfer it to your 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges and prick the bottom and sides with a fork to prevent bubbling.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes. After that time, remove the weights and parchment paper. Continue baking for another 15 minutes until golden brown. Set aside once done.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine peanut butter chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Cook while stirring until everything is melted together smoothly.

Step 4: Add Vegan Marshmallows

Add miniature vegan marshmallows to the melted mixture. Stir continuously until they are completely melted and well combined with the peanut butter mix.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Pour this delicious filling into your baked pie crust. Evenly sprinkle dry roasted unsalted peanuts over the top of the filling for added crunch.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Topping

In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook granulated sugar while stirring constantly until melted and turns amber in color. Add cubed butter immediately after melting.

Step 7: Combine Caramel Ingredients

Once the butter has melted, add heavy cream to the mixture. Stir until fully combined and bring to a boil for about one minute.

Step 8: Final Touches

Remove caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract and kosher salt. Allow it to cool for about five minutes before drizzling it evenly over the peanuts on top of your pie.

Step 9: Refrigerate Before Serving

Refrigerate your Payday Pie for at least four hours until set before slicing into servings. Enjoy this decadent dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite!

How to Serve Payday Pie

Payday Pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in several creative ways. Its rich flavors and textures make it perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.

For Family Gatherings

• Slice and Share: Cut the pie into generous slices and serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic touch.
• Mini Pies: Consider making individual mini Payday Pies in muffin tins for easy serving and portion control.

For Parties

• Dessert Platter: Arrange slices of Payday Pie alongside an assortment of other desserts to create an eye-catching dessert platter.
• Garnish with Peanuts: Sprinkle extra roasted peanuts on top for added crunch and visual appeal.

As a Snack

• Pie Bites: Cut small squares of Payday Pie for bite-sized snacks, perfect for afternoon tea or movie nights.
• Pair with Coffee: Serve with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting treat.

How to Perfect Payday Pie

Perfecting your Payday Pie ensures it turns out delicious every time. Here are some tips to enhance your baking experience.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially the peanut butter chips, are fresh for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the crust; overbaking can lead to a tough texture. Aim for golden brown without burning.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool completely before cutting. This helps set the filling and makes slicing easier.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding different toppings like chocolate drizzle or crushed candy bars for a fun twist.

Best Side Dishes for Payday Pie

Pairing side dishes with your Payday Pie can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich flavors.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the pie.
2. Chocolate Mousse: Silky chocolate mousse adds an indulgent contrast that pairs wonderfully with the nutty flavors.
3. Whipped Cream: Classic whipped cream can enhance each slice, providing creamy richness that complements the pie’s texture.
4. Ice Cream Sundae: Create ice cream sundaes with scoops of vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge sauce for extra decadence.
5. Cheesecake Bites: Light cheesecake bites offer a creamy option that contrasts nicely with the crunchy peanuts in the pie.
6. Caramelized Bananas: Sweet caramelized bananas add warmth and depth, making them a perfect pairing with Payday Pie’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Payday Pie, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your baking experience and ensure a delightful dessert.

• Skipping the Pre-Bake: Not pre-baking the pie crust can result in a soggy bottom. Always ensure you bake the crust until golden for the best texture.
• Overheating Ingredients: Cooking peanut butter chips and sweetened condensed milk too quickly can cause them to seize. Use medium heat and stir constantly for smooth results.
• Ignoring Measurement Precision: Incorrect measurements of sugar or peanuts can alter the pie’s flavor. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups accurately for consistency.
• Not Allowing Enough Chilling Time: Cutting into the pie before it has set can make serving messy. Refrigerate your pie for at least 4 hours to achieve the perfect texture.
• Neglecting Caramel Temperature: If the caramel is not cooked to an amber color, it may not set properly. Keep an eye on it while cooking to achieve the right consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Payday Pie in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Payday Pie

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Payday Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes to warm through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Payday Pie.

What is Payday Pie?

Payday Pie is a delicious dessert inspired by the popular candy bar, featuring gooey peanut butter nougat and roasted peanuts.

Can I substitute ingredients in Payday Pie?

Yes! You can use almond butter instead of peanut butter or different nuts based on your preference for variety.

How long does it take to prepare Payday Pie?

The total time from preparation to chilling is approximately 50 minutes, but remember to allow 4 hours for it to set in the refrigerator.

Is there a vegan option for Payday Pie?

Yes! By using vegan marshmallows and ensuring that all other ingredients are plant-based, you can easily make this pie vegan-friendly.

How should I serve Payday Pie?

Slice it into wedges and serve chilled. It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!

Final Thoughts

Payday Pie is not just a treat; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and textures. This versatile dessert allows for customization with various nut types or chocolate drizzles. Try it out today, and indulge in this delightful version of your favorite candy bar!