Discover the ultimate Fall indulgence with these delightful Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars. If you’re a fan of classic candy corn, the rich flavors of Salted Nut Roll Candy Bars, or the satisfying chewiness of Payday Bars, prepare to fall in love with these exceptional peanut butter and candy corn treats! Each bite delivers an irresistible blend of sweet and salty goodness, making them the perfect seasonal dessert.
Embrace Autumn Flavors with Homemade Salted Nut Roll Bars
My original recipe for Salted Nut Roll Bars has long been a cherished favorite among readers of this blog. These bars are a staple in my kitchen, especially during the holiday season, making an appearance on every Christmas cookie plate. Without fail, they are always one of the first treats to disappear, a testament to their widespread appeal.
The inspiration for this festive twist came in the fall of 2013. I wanted to create a dessert that captured the spirit of autumn and Halloween for a football party. Adding vibrant candy corn to my beloved Salted Nut Rolls instantly transformed them into a seasonal sensation. From that moment on, these Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars became a cherished tradition for our tailgate parties, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried them. They offer a unique blend of nostalgic candy flavors with a homemade touch, perfect for any fall gathering or simply enjoying at home.
Why These Candy Corn Salted Nut Bars Are a Must-Try
As an ardent admirer of the classic salted nut roll candy bar, discovering an easy recipe to recreate this homemade delight fills me with immense joy. If you’ve yet to experience the magic of a salted nut roll, now is the opportune moment to indulge in its blissful layers. Imagine the perfect harmony of soft, fluffy marshmallow, rich peanut buttery goodness, and luscious caramel, all elevated by the quintessential sweetness of candy corn.
These bars offer all the familiar, comforting flavors of a traditional salted nut roll, but with an exciting, seasonal twist. The addition of candy corn isn’t just for decoration; it provides an extra boost of sugary sweetness that beautifully complements the salty crunch of peanuts and the chewy marshmallow base. The resulting flavor profile is reminiscent of popular “scarecrow bars,” making these an ideal dessert for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any festive fall occasion. They are incredibly easy to make, yet impressive enough to share with friends and family, promising a delightful treat that satisfies every craving.
Looking for more irresistible fall dessert bar recipes to add to your repertoire? Don’t miss these other crowd-pleasers: Pumpkin Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust, offering a comforting classic in bar form; Raisin Spice Bars, a warmly spiced treat; and Iced Snickerdoodle Bars, a chewy, cinnamon-sugar delight with a sweet glaze.
Essential Ingredients for Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars
Crafting these irresistible bars requires a blend of common pantry staples and a few special additions to achieve that signature sweet and salty balance. You’ll find the complete list of precise measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post, ensuring you have everything you need for success.
For the Perfect Crust:
- Flour – All-purpose flour is recommended for its consistent texture and ability to create a sturdy yet tender base for these bars.
- Brown Sugar – Whether you opt for light or dark brown sugar, its molasses content adds a lovely depth of flavor and moisture to the crust, complementing the sweet toppings.
- Baking Powder – This leavening agent helps create a slightly soft, cake-like texture for the crust, ensuring it’s not too dense.
- Vanilla Extract – Always use 100% pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. It provides a warm, aromatic note that enhances all the other ingredients.
- Salt – A touch of salt is crucial in the crust to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Baking Soda – Working in conjunction with the brown sugar, baking soda helps the crust achieve a tender crumb.
- Butter – High-quality butter is key for a rich, flavorful crust. While butter substitutes exist, I strongly recommend sticking with real butter for optimal taste and texture, unless dietary restrictions apply.
- Egg Yolks – This recipe specifically calls for egg yolks, which contribute to the richness and binding properties of the crust without adding excess moisture from egg whites.
Irresistible Topping Elements:
- Miniature Marshmallows – These create a soft, gooey, and chewy layer on top of the crust, mimicking the nougat found in traditional salted nut rolls. While some recipes suggest marshmallow creme, I find mini marshmallows yield the best texture here.
- Corn Syrup – Light corn syrup is generally preferred for its neutral flavor, allowing other ingredients to shine. However, dark corn syrup can be used if that’s all you have, though it will impart a slightly richer, molasses-like flavor. Karo is my trusted brand for consistent results.
- Butter – Yes, more butter! This additional butter in the topping mixture is essential. It contributes significantly to the rich, smooth, and utterly decadent caramel-like texture that truly makes these nut roll bars special.
- Vanilla Extract – Essential for rounding out the sweetness and adding aromatic depth to the gooey topping.
- Peanut Butter Chips – These are indispensable for achieving the authentic peanut butter flavor characteristic of a salted nut roll. While butterscotch chips could be an experimental alternative, they won’t provide the same classic profile.
- Rice Krispies – The addition of Rice Krispies cereal introduces a fantastic light, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the chewiness of the marshmallows and the crunch of the peanuts.
- Peanuts – For that crucial “salted” element, make sure to use salted and roasted peanuts. For maximum peanut flavor and a satisfying crunch, seek out Virginia peanuts; their larger size and robust texture are perfect for these bars.
- Candy Corn – Last but certainly not least, there is no substitute for candy corn in these candy corn peanut bars! Their iconic flavor and festive colors are what make this recipe a unique seasonal delight.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Homemade Salted Nut Rolls with Candy Corn
Making these delightful Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars is surprisingly straightforward, involving a few simple layers that come together beautifully. Follow these steps to create a truly unforgettable fall treat.
FIRST: Prepare and Bake the Crust. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine all the crust ingredients until well-mixed. Once combined, firmly press this mixture evenly into a prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. For easy removal and cleanup, spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray and line it with non-stick foil or parchment paper. Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges.
SECOND: Add the Marshmallow Layer. Once the crust is baked, remove the pan from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven for just 3 more minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed and slightly golden. This creates a beautifully soft and gooey layer. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for the layers to set properly.
THIRD: Prepare and Layer the Peanut Butter Topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and peanut butter chips. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until all the ingredients are fully melted and smoothly combined into a luscious sauce.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently stir in the Rice Krispies cereal and the salted, roasted peanuts. Ensure they are well coated by the peanut butter mixture. Finally, carefully fold in the candy corn. This ensures the candy corn retains its shape and signature chewiness.
Promptly spread this warm peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled, gooey marshmallow layer. For an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor, I often press a few additional candy corn pieces into the top of the mixture before it sets.
FOURTH: Cool, Cut, and Enjoy! Allow the bars to cool completely and set before attempting to cut them. Patience is key here, as this ensures clean, neat squares. Once fully cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into your desired square or rectangular shapes. Now, it’s time to enjoy these incredible homemade Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars!
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re already dreaming of making these amazing Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars, make sure you don’t lose this fantastic recipe! Pin it to your favorite dessert or Fall treats board on Pinterest before you leave, so you can easily find it whenever the craving strikes. Share the joy of these sweet and salty delights with your followers!
Frequently Asked Questions About Salted Nut Roll Bars
Let’s address some common queries about salted nut rolls and their delicious characteristics.
- What exactly is a salted nut roll? The iconic Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll is a distinctive candy bar renowned for its exquisite balance of flavors and textures. It features a creamy vanilla nougat core, enveloped in rich, golden caramel, and generously coated with crunchy, roasted peanuts. This combination delivers a truly unique salty-sweet experience.
- What is the history behind Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll? This beloved candy bar made its debut during the challenging times of the Great Depression, introduced by Pearson’s Candy in 1933. Interestingly, it arrived on the scene just a year after the equally popular PayDay candy bar. This close timing has led to decades of friendly comparisons between these two similarly tempting confections.
- What differentiates a Payday from a Salted Nut Roll? Both candy bars undeniably share a fantastic sweet and salty dynamic, highlighted by peanuts, peanut butter, and caramel. However, the key distinction lies in the center. The Payday bar lacks the fluffy nougat center that is a signature component of the Salted Nut Roll.
“Is that white filling in the middle of a Salted Nut Roll nougat?” Yes, absolutely! That nougat center is truly a game-changer. It not only contributes a touch more sweetness but also imparts a wonderfully softer and chewier texture to the candy bar. In this homemade nut roll bar recipe, we achieve a similar delightful chewiness and sweetness with a soft marshmallow center, offering a fantastic alternative to traditional nougat.
- Are salted nut rolls considered healthy? While I wouldn’t go as far as labeling these nut rolls as a health food, they do offer a notable amount of protein, primarily from the generous portion of peanuts. However, it’s also true that they contain a fair share of fat and sugar, making them an indulgent treat. If you’re going to enjoy a candy bar, a salted nut roll, with its protein content, could be considered one of the more satisfying choices among confections.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars
Maximize the enjoyment and longevity of your homemade nut roll bars with these practical tips.
- Storage: If you happen to have any of these delicious salted nut roll bars remaining (a rare occurrence!), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. While refrigeration is not strictly necessary, it can prolong their freshness slightly.
- Freezing: These bars also freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or saving for future cravings. Simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When properly stored, they will maintain their quality in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
More Creative Recipes That Utilize Candy Corn
- Double Peanut Butter Puppy Chow Recipe (pictured above) – A crunchy, sweet, and incredibly addictive snack perfect for Halloween.
- Sweet & Savory Halloween Snack Board with Peanut Butter Dip – Create an impressive spread for your next spooky celebration.
- Cocoa Krispy Owls – Adorable and delicious treats that are fun to make with kids.
- Candy Corn Pretzel Bark – A delightful combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures.
- Halloween Candy Corn Fudge – A creamy, rich fudge bursting with candy corn flavor.
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Print Recipe
Candy Corn Salted Nutrolls
These Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars are a fun Fall treat. If you love candy corn, Salted Nut Roll Candy Bars or Payday Bars…you’ll go nutty for these candy corn peanut bars! Layers of sweet & salty goodness in each and every bite.
Equipment
- Rubber Spatulas
- OXO 3- Piece Wooden Spoon Set
- Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 1-Quart Saucepan with Lid
- Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
- KitchenAid Hand Mixer
- Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper
- 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1 1/2 c flour
- 2/3 c brown sugar
- 1/2 t baking powder
- 1 t vanilla
- 1/2 t salt
- 1/2 t baking soda
- 1 stick of butter
- 2 egg yolks
- Topping:
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 2/3 c light corn syrup
- 1/4 c butter
- 2 t vanilla
- 1 – 10 oz bag of peanut butter chips
- 2 cups of Rice Krispies
- 2 cups salted and roasted peanuts.
- 1/2 cup of candy corn
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the crust ingredients together and press into a foil lined 9×13 pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray OR line with non-stick foil.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Top with 3 cups miniature marshmallows and bake for 3 minutes more. Cool.
- Place corn syrup, butter, vanilla and peanut butter chips in a saucepan over low heat stir until melted. Stir in Rice Krispies and peanuts. Then add candy corn.
- Spread over the top of the marshmallows. Cool. Cut into squares.