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A close-up slice of no-bake Payday Pie on a white plate, showing the distinct layers of peanut crust, creamy nougat filling, and caramel topping.

Payday Pie: The Ultimate Salty & Sweet No-Bake Treat

The ultimate Payday Pie recipe! This no-bake dessert features a crunchy honey-roasted peanut crust, a creamy nougat filling, and a gooey topping of caramel and salted peanuts. It's the perfect easy, crowd-pleasing salty and sweet treat.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Peanut Crust
  • 1.5 cups honey roasted peanuts Coarsely ground
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For the Creamy Nougat Filling
  • 8 ounces cream cheese full-fat, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream cold
For the Caramel Peanut Topping
  • 11 ounces caramel bits or soft caramels
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1.5 cups salted peanuts roasted

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch pie plate
  • 1 Food Processor
  • 1 Electric Hand Mixer

Method
 

Prepare the Peanut Crust
  1. In a food processor, pulse the honey-roasted peanuts into coarse crumbs. Transfer to a medium bowl.
  2. Add the melted butter to the peanut crumbs and mix until fully combined.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Freeze for at least 20 minutes.
Make the Nougat Filling
  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until combined.
  2. In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the 1.5 cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.
Assemble and Chill
  1. Pour the filling into the chilled crust and spread evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Add Topping and Serve
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel bits and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
  2. Let the caramel cool for 5-10 minutes, then stir in the salted peanuts.
  3. Pour the caramel peanut topping over the chilled pie. Serve immediately.

Notes

Tip 1: Ensure your cream cheese is fully at room temperature to avoid a lumpy filling.
Tip 2: Do not rush the chilling time! The pie needs a minimum of 6 hours to set up for clean slices.
Tip 3: Let the melted caramel cool slightly before pouring it over the pie to prevent it from melting the filling.