Peanut Butter Candy Bars

Introducing peanut butter candy!

These small candy bars are inspired by a Vietnamese peanut candy called “keo bo dau phong”. It’s basically the peanut version of halva. It’s sweet, has a subtle crystallized texture, and is usually coated with a thin and crispy layer of sugar. Here, we will skip the sugar coating to make it easier. Worry not, it’s just as delicious!

⭐️ Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Full of peanut flavor. These candy bars are PACKED with peanut flavor. With over 50% peanut butter in each bar, you won’t miss the nuttiness!
• Quick and easy. This recipe takes about 10 minutes from start to finish and requires just peanut butter, sugar, and, optionally, vanilla extract. The only tool you will need is a candy thermometer.
• It keeps very well. Stored in an airtight container, these little bites of deliciousness will keep for weeks!

🥜 Ingredient Notes

This homemade vegan candy requires just super basic ingredients you most probably already have on hand! Here is what you will need:

• Peanut butter – Use natural and unsweetened peanut butter. I recommend using peanut butter with a smooth and runny consistency.
• Sugar – Since we will be making sugar syrup, you want to use granulated white sugar. I strongly advise against using coconut or brown sugar.
• Vanilla extract – For extra flavor and some freshness. Use store-bought or homemade vanilla extract.

🥣 How To Make Peanut Butter Candy

The process of making these bars is simple and pretty straightforward.

1. Heat the peanut butter. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract to a small saucepan and heat it until it gets a runny consistency. Set aside.
2. Make the sugar syrup. Add the granulated sugar and water to another saucepan and heat it until it reaches a temperature of about 257°F (125°C).
3. Combine. Immediately transfer the warm peanut butter into the sugar syrup and stir until fully combined. You will have to work quickly as the mixture will crystallize and harden very quickly. As soon as everything is combined, transfer it to the pan.
4. Transfer to a mold and let it set. Transfer the mixture to a small pan and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into small bars!
5. Let it cool completely. Finally, let the bars cool completely before enjoying!

Be aware that these candy bars are crumbly just like halva, so handle them carefully!

📔 Tips

• Do not omit to heat the peanut butter. The sugar syrup will crystallize too quickly if your peanut butter is cold or at room temperature.
• Monitor the temperature of the sugar. For the best texture, use a candy thermometer to make sure the sugar has reached the desired temperature. Your candies will be too soft if the sugar syrup is not hot enough. On the contrary, if you heat the sugar to a too-high temperature, your bars will be too hard and crumbly.
• Slice while still warm. As they cool down, the bars will harden and become crumbly. Slice into bars using a very sharp knife while the mixture is still slightly warm.
• Slice into tiny bars. These peanut butter candy bars are pretty sweet and should be enjoyed as a treat, so I recommend cutting them into 1-inch-long bars.

💬 What to Serve These With

While these little bites are delicious on their own as an afternoon snack, they shine while served alongside coffee (like Vietnamese Coffee), tea, or your favorite hot beverage!

🧁 More Peanut Butter Sweets

• Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cereals
• Fudgy Peanut Butter Protein Bars
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe!