Discover the magic of these incredible Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars – a truly irresistible Fall delight! If you’re a fan of classic candy corn, the beloved Salted Nut Roll, or even the iconic Payday candy bar, prepare to go absolutely nutty for these homemade peanut bars. Each delectable bite offers a perfect harmony of sweet and salty goodness, making them an ideal festive treat for any autumn gathering or Halloween celebration.

The Irresistible Allure of Homemade Salted Nut Roll Bars

My original recipe for Salted Nut Roll Bars has long been a cherished favorite among readers of my blog! For years, these delightful bars have graced our Christmas cookie plates, always disappearing first due to their undeniable charm. There’s just something inherently comforting and satisfying about a homemade version of a classic candy bar, especially when it delivers that quintessential sweet and salty combination.

Back in the vibrant fall of 2013, as Halloween approached and football parties were in full swing, I found myself brainstorming ways to add a festive twist to my beloved Salted Nut Rolls. The solution? Candy corn! A simple addition transformed them into a seasonal sensation. These Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars were an instant hit at our Halloween-themed football party, perfectly capturing the spirit of autumn. Ever since that moment, they’ve become a must-make for all our tailgate gatherings, Halloween parties, and fall potlucks. People absolutely adore them!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Candy Corn Salted Nut Bars

For me, the salted nut roll reigns supreme as the ultimate candy bar. The sheer joy of being able to recreate this incredible treat at home with such an easy recipe is truly a delight. If you’ve never experienced the delightful symphony of flavors and textures in a salted nut roll, now is your chance to indulge. Imagine layers of soft, chewy marshmallow, creamy peanut butter, rich caramel, and crunchy peanuts all coming together in one glorious bite. And with the addition of candy corn, these bars get an extra boost of festive sweetness, making them truly unique!

If the classic combination of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors of a traditional salted nut roll already has your heart, then this autumnal twist is sure to captivate your taste buds. The candy corn isn’t just a seasonal garnish; it’s a natural complement, enhancing the sugary notes and adding a playful texture to this already fantastic sugary and salty dessert. These bars share a similar cozy, harvest-time vibe with popular “scarecrow bars,” making them the perfect centerpiece for your fall dessert table or a delightful snack for any cozy autumn evening.

Looking for more amazing fall dessert bar recipes to savor? Don’t miss out on these other crowd-plepleasers: Pumpkin Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust, comforting Raisin Spice Bars, and the delightfully sweet Iced Snickerdoodle Bars. Each one promises a taste of autumn perfection!

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars

Crafting these delectable bars requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients for both the rich, buttery crust and the gooey, peanut-packed topping. You’ll find the precise measurements and detailed instructions conveniently located in the printable recipe card at the very bottom of this post, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.

For the Flavorful Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our crust, ensuring a tender and perfectly baked base.
• Brown Sugar: Whether you choose light or dark brown sugar, it adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and moisture to the crust.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps achieve a light and slightly soft texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: I always recommend 100% pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. It adds warmth and depth to the crust.
• Salt: Crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the crust.
• Baking Soda: Works with the brown sugar to create a tender crumb and a hint of rise.
• Butter: High-quality butter is key here. It provides rich flavor and a tender consistency. While butter substitutes can be used, for the best results and taste, I strongly advise against substituting butter unless absolutely necessary due to allergies.
• Egg Yolks: This recipe specifically calls for egg yolks, which contribute to the richness and binding of the crust, making it wonderfully tender without being overly dry.

For the Signature Sweet & Salty Topping:

• Miniature Marshmallows: These form the soft, chewy layer just above the crust, melting into a perfectly gooey foundation. While some recipes suggest marshmallow crème, I prefer the texture and ease of mini marshmallows for these bars.
• Light Corn Syrup: Essential for creating that classic chewy, caramelly texture in the topping. Light corn syrup is recommended for its neutral flavor, though dark corn syrup can be used in a pinch. Karo brand is a trusted choice.
• More Butter: Yes, another dose of butter! This extra butter is critical for achieving the luscious, rich caramel-like consistency that defines a perfect salted nut roll topping.
• Vanilla Extract: A second addition of vanilla brightens the flavors of the topping, adding another layer of aromatic sweetness.
• Peanut Butter Chips: These are absolutely vital for capturing the authentic flavor of a salted nut roll. While you could technically experiment with butterscotch chips, for that true, unmistakable taste, stick with peanut butter chips.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: Adds a wonderful, subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey marshmallow and caramel-peanut mixture.
• Salted and Roasted Peanuts: The cornerstone of these “salted nut rolls”! You need truly salty peanuts to achieve the desired sweet and salty balance. For maximum peanut flavor and satisfying crunch, I highly recommend seeking out Virginia peanuts – they are notably larger and deliver a superior bite compared to other varieties.
• Candy Corn: And of course, the star of our “candy corn” peanut bars! There is simply no substitute for candy corn to give these bars their festive look and unique, sugary sweetness that defines this particular recipe.

How to Make Homemade Salted Nut Rolls with Candy Corn: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting these amazing Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars is surprisingly straightforward, yielding impressive results that taste like they came straight from a gourmet candy shop. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time!

Step One: Prepare and Bake the Crust

FIRST: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). In a spacious mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the crust until they are well integrated. This will form a crumbly yet cohesive mixture. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by either spraying it generously with non-stick cooking spray or, for easier removal, lining it with non-stick foil or parchment paper – the non-stick foil is a true game-changer! Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the crust is set. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!

Step Two: Add the Marshmallow Layer

SECOND: Once the crust is baked, sprinkle the mini marshmallows generously over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for just 3 more minutes. This brief baking time allows the marshmallows to become wonderfully puffy and soft without browning too much. Remove from the oven and allow the pan to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial, as it allows the marshmallows to set slightly, creating that perfect chewy layer.

Step Three: Create the Peanut Butter Topping

THIRD: 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 have fully melted and are smooth and well combined. This mixture will form the rich, caramel-like base for our nutty topping. Patience is key here to avoid burning the ingredients.

Once the peanut butter mixture is smooth, remove it from the heat. Carefully stir in the Rice Krispies and the salted and roasted peanuts until they are evenly coated. Finally, gently fold in the candy corn. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the candy corn to retain its shape and texture.

Carefully spread this decadent peanut butter mixture evenly over the top of the cooled, gooey marshmallow layer. For an extra visual appeal and a burst of candy corn flavor, I like to press a few additional candy corn pieces directly into the top of the warm topping after it’s spread out. This makes the bars look even more festive!

Step Four: Cool, Cut, and Enjoy!

FOURTH: Allow the entire pan of bars to cool completely to room temperature. This patience is rewarded, as proper cooling ensures the bars set up perfectly, making them much easier to cut into clean squares. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into your desired size. Now, gather your loved ones and enjoy these incredible, sweet, and salty Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars!

Love this Recipe? Pin It for Later!

If you’re already dreaming about making these delightful Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars, don’t let this fantastic recipe slip away! Be sure to pin it to your favorite dessert or Fall treats board before you leave. That way, you’ll always have it ready for your next baking adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions About Salted Nut Roll Bars

Let’s dive into some common questions about salted nut rolls and their delicious history.

• What exactly is a salted nut roll? The original Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll is a legendary candy bar known for its distinct sweet and salty profile. It features a creamy vanilla nougat core, expertly wrapped in a layer of golden, chewy caramel, and then generously coated with crunchy roasted peanuts. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors!
• What’s the history behind Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll? This iconic salted nut candy bar made its debut during a challenging time – the Great Depression, in 1933. Interestingly, it emerged just one year after the PayDay candy bar hit the market. Ever since, these two similar confections have often been compared by candy enthusiasts.
• What differentiates a Payday from a Salted Nut Roll? Both candy bars excel in delivering that irresistible sweet and salty combination, featuring peanuts, peanut butter, and caramel. However, the key distinction lies in the center: a Payday bar typically lacks the fluffy nougat found at the heart of the Salted Nut Roll. That nougat center is truly a game-changer! It not only adds a touch more sweetness but also contributes to a wonderfully softer and chewier texture. In our homemade Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars recipe, we substitute the traditional nougat with a soft, gooey marshmallow center, which perfectly replicates that beloved chewy sweetness and satisfying mouthfeel.
• Are salted nut rolls a healthy treat? While I wouldn’t go so far as to label these delicious nut rolls as “healthy,” they do offer a notable amount of protein thanks to the generous inclusion of peanuts. However, it’s also true that they contain a fair share of fat and sugar. But hey, if you’re going to indulge in a candy bar (and we all do!), a salted nut roll, especially a homemade one packed with real ingredients, is certainly one of the more satisfying and flavorful choices you can make. It’s all about balance and enjoying your treats responsibly!
• Can I use different nuts in this recipe? While peanuts are traditional for salted nut rolls and truly give it its distinctive flavor, you could experiment with other nuts if you wish! Roasted and salted cashews or almonds might offer an interesting twist, though the overall flavor profile would naturally change. For the authentic experience, stick with the Virginia peanuts!
• What if I don’t have corn syrup? Corn syrup is crucial for the chewy, caramel-like texture of the topping. There isn’t a direct 1:1 substitute that yields precisely the same result. However, some bakers have used honey or maple syrup as a partial substitute, but be aware that it will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the final product.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars

Ensure your Candy Corn Salted Nut Roll Bars are perfect every time with these helpful tips and tricks for preparation, storage, and more!

• Storage Made Easy: Should you happen to have any of these delicious salted nut roll bars remaining (a rare occurrence!), they can be stored efficiently. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh and delightful for 2-3 days. While they can be refrigerated, it’s not strictly necessary and they might become a bit firmer.

• Freezing for Future Enjoyment: These bars are also excellent candidates for freezing, allowing you to enjoy them long after they’re made. To freeze, simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Stored properly, they will retain their quality for 2-3 months, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for holidays or unexpected cravings.

• Achieving Clean Cuts: For neatly cut squares, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. If you’re struggling with stickiness, lightly grease your knife with non-stick spray or run it under hot water and wipe dry between cuts. This helps prevent the gooey topping from clinging to the blade.

• Customizing Your Candy Corn: While candy corn is essential for the festive theme, feel free to adjust the amount to your personal preference. You can chop some of it to disperse the flavor more evenly, or leave it whole for bigger bursts of sweetness.