Payday Bars

This recipe is a long time family tradition. We make on our holiday goodie plates...it has been requested at family celebrations...and most importantly the recipe is a recipe the whole family can get in on. The kids love squishing the cake layer into the bottom of the pan, sprinkling the marshmallows onto the cooked cake layer...and then watching the marshmallows fluff up in the oven. I loved making this with my mom and I love making it with my kids. The recipe alone would be worth it just for the memories...but the bars are absolutely delicious. They aren't too rich so you can eat lots of them and not feel guilty...hahaha. Is that ever the case for dessert?! In any case, this recipe is delicious and definitely worth keeping!!

1 Yellow cake mix
1 Egg
3/4 cup butter

 3 cups mini marshmallows

2/3 cup light Karo syrup
1 pkg Reese's peanut butter chips
1/4 cup butter
2 tsp vanilla

 2 cups salted peanuts

Melt 3/4 cup butter in microwave, mix melted butter with egg and cake mix. Pat into the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Bake for 10 minutes at 325 degrees. When cake comes out of the oven, immediately sprinkle marshmallows over the top and then bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed up and toasty.

 While the marshmallows are toasting, mix together the remaining ingredients - with the exception of the peanuts. Melt in the microwave until completely melted and smooth.

When the cake comes out of the oven with the marshmallows nice and toasty, spread the melted mixture over the top and spread to evenly coat the entire cake. Sprinkle the peanuts over the top and lightly press into the mixture to make sure they stick. Cool completely and then cut into bars and serve!