Indulge in the irresistible decadence of Payday Cake, a luscious dessert inspired by the beloved candy bar. This crowd-pleasing treat starts with a moist vanilla cake base, topped with a rich, buttery caramel sauce, a generous sprinkling of salted peanuts for an addictive crunch, and a drizzle of creamy peanut butter frosting. Perfectly balancing sweet and salty flavors, this cake is an elevated take on everyone’s favorite nostalgic snack. It’s easy to prepare, requiring just 25 minutes of prep time, and serves up to 12, making it the ultimate dessert for gatherings, celebrations, or whenever you’re craving comfort food with a twist. Whether you’re a peanut lover or a caramel enthusiast, Payday Cake is a must-try recipe that promises to be the highlight of your dessert table!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the softened unsalted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the caramel sauce by combining soft caramels and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the cooled cake, spreading it with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
Sprinkle the salted peanuts over the caramel layer, pressing them lightly into the caramel to help them stick.
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the confectioners' sugar and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk to thin it to a spreadable consistency.
Drizzle the peanut butter mixture over the peanuts and caramel layer, creating a decorative swirl or pattern.
Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Calories |
9124 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 495.1 g | 635% | |
| Saturated Fat | 197.0 g | 985% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 60.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1095 mg | 365% | |
| Sodium | 4536 mg | 197% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1073.2 g | 390% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 40.4 g | 144% | |
| Total Sugars | 768.7 g | ||
| Protein | 170.1 g | 340% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.9 mcg | 40% | |
| Calcium | 1036 mg | 80% | |
| Iron | 20.6 mg | 114% | |
| Potassium | 4399 mg | 94% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.