Bold, salty, sweet, and delightfully unexpected, Frito Bars are one of those whimsical treats that never fail to become the life of the party. Imagine crunchy corn chips drenched in gooey peanut butter caramel, with an optional swirl of chocolate and butterscotch chips on top — it’s impossible not to fall in love at first bite. Perfect for any gathering, movie night, or whenever a craving strikes, these bars truly put the “fun” in functional snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fritos Corn Chips:
4 cups slightly crushed,
Granulated Sugar:
1 cup,
Light Corn Syrup:
1 cup,
Creamy Peanut Butter:
1 cup,
Semisweet Chocolate Chips (optional):
1/2 cup,
Butterscotch Chips (optional):
1/4 cup
How to Make Frito Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or, for easy cleanup, line it with parchment paper. This little step ensures your Frito Bars come out easily later, with perfect edges ready for slicing and sharing.
Step 2: Lay the Crunchy Foundation
Spread the slightly crushed Fritos evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. Don’t pulverize them — you want bite-sized pieces that hold their crunch and create little nooks for the caramel to weave into.
Step 3: Cook Up the Peanut Butter Caramel
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Stir gently and frequently, bringing the mixture just to a boil. The goal is to fully dissolve the sugar without overcooking — you want a glossy, smooth caramel, not hard candy!
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter
Once the sugar syrup starts to bubble, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the creamy peanut butter right away, mixing until the caramel is completely smooth and everything’s perfectly blended. This is where the magic happens — the aroma is irresistible!
Step 5: Pour and Spread
Immediately pour the warm peanut butter caramel over the Fritos, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover every corner. Work quickly here for even coverage before the caramel starts to set, capturing all those crunchy chips under a dreamy, sticky blanket.
Step 6: Top and Cool
If you’re all about maximum indulgence, sprinkle chocolate and/or butterscotch chips over the top while the mixture is still warm. Let them melt slightly; you can spread them out for a marbled look or leave sweet pools for extra bursts of flavor. Let your Frito Bars cool completely at room temperature before slicing into squares or rectangles. Patience pays off — cutting too early will make them messy and gooey!
How to Serve Frito Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after you add the chips adds a gourmet flair and highlights the sweet-salty divine clash. For an extra pop of color and crunch, try drizzling with melted white chocolate or tossing on some roasted peanuts before the bars set.
Side Dishes
Pairing Frito Bars with something cool and refreshing is always a hit: think bowls of fresh berries, small scoops of vanilla ice cream, or a tangy fruit salad. If you’re serving them at a party, they complement savory snacks like popcorn, pretzels, or even a platter of mixed cheeses.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Frito Bars on a cake stand for a striking centerpiece, or wrap individual bars in wax paper with a colorful ribbon for on-the-go treats. For a fun dessert platter, mix bite-size Frito Bars with other no-bake sweets or even use them as a surprising base in sundae bars — just add a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Frito Bars hold up beautifully at room temperature. Simply place them in an airtight container with a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay perfectly chewy and crunchy for up to five days, ready for whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
Need to make ahead? No problem! Once your bars are sliced and fully cooled, arrange them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between the layers. They’ll keep fresh for up to two months. Just make sure to thaw at room temperature before serving so the caramel isn’t too hard.
Reheating
If you love a slightly gooey Frito Bar, pop a bar (or a few!) into the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the caramel and bring out the peanut butter aroma. Don’t overheat — too long and the caramel can separate, so keep it brief for the best bite.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s well stirred before adding it to avoid oily pockets or uneven texture in your Frito Bars. Some natural peanut butters are a bit thinner, but the caramel mixture still holds up beautifully.
What if I don’t have butterscotch chips?
No worries — butterscotch chips are optional. You can use all chocolate chips, white chocolate, or skip the chips entirely for a pure peanut butter caramel bar. Experiment to find your perfect combo!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger rimmed sheet pan and keep a close eye when cooking the caramel so it doesn’t overcook. The bars are very rich, so bite-sized pieces are ideal for sharing at big gatherings.
Is it possible to make these bars less sweet?
You can try reducing the sugar by a few tablespoons or use a bit less corn syrup, but keep in mind it may affect the caramel’s structure. Adding a good pinch of sea salt does a great job of balancing the sweetness, too!
Can Frito Bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Fritos are naturally gluten-free (always double-check your bag), and all other ingredients in this recipe are safe for gluten-free diets. This makes Frito Bars a fantastic option for parties where allergies are a concern.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend Frito Bars enough if you’re after a recipe that’s easy, wildly delicious, and delightfully quirky. Whether you’re a first-timer or already a fan, I hope you give them a try and enjoy every sweet, salty, crunchy bite as much as my family does!
Print
Frito Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 20 bars
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge your sweet and salty cravings with these easy-to-make Frito Bars. A delightful combination of crunchy Fritos, creamy peanut butter, and a hint of chocolate, these bars are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fritos Corn Chips:
4 cups slightly crushed,
Granulated Sugar:
1 cup,
Light Corn Syrup:
1 cup,
Creamy Peanut Butter:
1 cup,
Semisweet Chocolate Chips (optional):
1/2 cup,
Butterscotch Chips (optional):
1/4 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Layer the Fritos: Spread the crushed Fritos evenly in the bottom of the pan.
- Make the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Fritos, spreading it evenly. Add optional chocolate and butterscotch chips.
- Cool and Slice: Let the mixture cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use well-stirred natural peanut butter for best results.
- Enhance with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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