Payday Pie

Wish every day could be payday? With this Payday Pie, it will feel like it! This dessert combines gooey peanut butter nougat and roasted peanuts, transforming a candy bar favorite into a pie. Perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings, this pie promises to delight with its rich flavors and indulgent texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, this pie is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Decadent Flavor: The blend of peanut butter, marshmallows, and peanuts creates a rich and satisfying taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dessert: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy family dinner, this Payday Pie suits any occasion perfectly.
• Impressive Presentation: Layered with caramel and nuts, it looks as good as it tastes, making it a showstopper on any dessert table.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its combination of sweet and salty flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking this delightful Payday Pie, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• 9-inch pie plate
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out your pie crust evenly for a perfect base.
• Saucepan: Used for melting ingredients together; ensures smooth and consistent mixtures without lumps.

Ingredients

For this delicious Payday Pie, you will 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. Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges for decoration and prick the bottom and sides with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Afterward, remove the weights and parchment paper, then bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine peanut butter chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Cook while stirring until melted and smooth. Add in vegan marshmallows and stir until completely melted and combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Pour the peanut butter filling into the baked pie crust. Evenly sprinkle dry roasted unsalted peanuts over the top of the filling.

Step 5: Make Caramel Topping

In another small saucepan over medium heat, cook sugar while stirring constantly until melted and turned amber in color. Add cubed butter and stir until fully melted. Pour in heavy cream carefully while stirring until combined; bring to a boil for one minute.

Step 6: Finish Preparing

Remove caramel from heat; stir in vanilla extract and kosher salt. Let cool for 5 minutes before drizzling evenly over the peanuts on top of your completed pie.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate your Payday Pie for at least 4 hours until set before slicing into pieces to serve.

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Payday Pie—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on any day!

How to Serve Payday Pie

Payday Pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on its own for a classic presentation. Pair with whipped cream for extra creaminess.

À la Mode

• Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the warm, gooey filling perfectly.

With Fresh Fruit

• Add fresh berries on the side, like strawberries or raspberries. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the pie beautifully.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Enhance the flavors by drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice. This adds richness and depth to each bite.

Chopped Nuts Garnish

• Sprinkle additional roasted peanuts on top for added crunch and texture. It makes for an appealing visual and taste contrast.

How to Perfect Payday Pie

To achieve the ultimate Payday Pie, follow these helpful tips to ensure every slice is as delicious as possible.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensuring that your butter and sweetened condensed milk are at room temperature helps them combine smoothly without clumps.

• Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on your crust while baking. A golden brown color indicates it’s just right; overbaking can lead to a tough crust.

• Cool Completely – Allow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating. This helps set the filling properly and enhances the texture.

• Chill Longer for Best Results – If time permits, refrigerate the pie overnight. This allows all flavors to meld together beautifully.

• Experiment with Toppings – Feel free to get creative! Adding shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips can give your pie a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for Payday Pie

Pairing your Payday Pie with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light contrast to the rich pie.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream – Classic and creamy, ice cream is a perfect companion that enhances the pie’s flavor.
3. Whipped Cream – Light and airy, whipped cream balances out the dense filling of the pie.
4. Chocolate Mousse – Rich and decadent, this dessert pairs well with Payday Pie’s sweetness for chocolate lovers.
5. Coffee or Tea – A warm beverage provides a nice contrast and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
6. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can serve as an interesting savory contrast to the sweet pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Payday Pie can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skipping the cooling step: Don’t rush the cooling process after making the caramel. Allowing it to cool properly ensures a perfect texture and flavor.
• Boldly neglecting to pre-bake: Failing to pre-bake your crust can result in a soggy bottom. Always bake it until golden for best results.
• Boldly overmixing the filling: Stirring too much can lead to a grainy texture. Mix just until combined for a smooth filling.
• Boldly ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold ingredients can affect melting times. Make sure your butter is softened and other ingredients are at room temperature.
• Boldly skipping refrigeration: Not chilling the pie long enough will prevent it from setting properly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing for optimal firmness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Payday Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 5 days.

Freezing Payday Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Payday Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Payday Pie?

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

How do I make Payday Pie gluten-free?

To make Payday Pie gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free pie crust instead of traditional crust.

Can I use different nuts in my Payday Pie?

Absolutely! While peanuts are traditional, you can experiment with almonds or cashews for a unique twist.

How should I serve Payday Pie?

Payday Pie is best served chilled, sliced into wedges, and optionally topped with whipped cream or extra roasted peanuts.

What can I substitute if I don’t have peanut butter chips?

You can replace peanut butter chips with chocolate chips or any nut butter of your choice for different flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Payday Pie offers a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that make it irresistible. Its versatility allows you to customize toppings or fillings based on your preferences. Don’t hesitate—give this delightful dessert a try!