Frito Bars are a playful, no-bake dessert that marries the satisfying crunch of salty Fritos with the sweet, gooey richness of peanut butter and caramel. This quick and easy treat hits all the right notes—salty, sweet, chewy, and crisp—making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties, holidays, or a spontaneous dessert fix.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors with minimal effort and no oven required. The unique combination of Fritos and caramel may sound unexpected, but one bite reveals why it works so well. They’re fun to make, endlessly customizable, and ready in under an hour. Whether you’re craving something sweet and salty or need a last-minute party treat, these bars deliver.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups Frito corn chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for topping

directions

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease the surface.
Spread the Frito corn chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir continuously until the sugars dissolve and the mixture begins to bubble gently.
Remove from heat and quickly stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Immediately pour the mixture evenly over the Fritos. Use a spatula or spoon to gently press and spread the mixture, ensuring the chips are coated and set evenly.
If using, sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped peanuts on top while the mixture is still warm so they stick.
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Once set, slice into 9 squares and serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: 290 kcal

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle over the cooled bars for an extra indulgent finish.
Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter for an allergy-friendly version.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels or Rice Krispies for an additional texture boost.
Marshmallow Mix-In: Stir mini marshmallows into the caramel-peanut butter mixture for a chewy twist.
Butterscotch Flavor: Substitute some of the brown sugar with butterscotch chips for a rich, toffee note.

storage/reheating

Store Frito Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week. Serve at room temperature for the best texture. These bars are not suitable for freezing, as it can alter the texture of the caramel layer.

FAQs

What kind of Fritos should I use?

Use regular salted Frito corn chips. Avoid flavored varieties, which may clash with the sweetness of the topping.

Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, they can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature or refrigerated until ready to serve.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Fritos and the other ingredients are generally gluten-free, but always check product labels to confirm.

How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?

Lining the pan with parchment paper and lightly greasing it ensures easy removal and clean slices.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and smooth. Natural peanut butter may slightly alter the texture.

How sweet are these bars?

They are richly sweet due to the caramel and peanut butter mixture. You can slightly reduce the sugar for a milder version.

What if my mixture hardens too quickly?

Work quickly once the caramel mixture is made. Having everything prepped in advance helps prevent issues.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients proportionally for a larger batch.

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

Yes, chunky peanut butter adds extra texture and a bit of crunch to the bars.

Do these bars travel well?

Yes, they hold up well for potlucks, parties, or lunchbox treats—just keep them in a cool place to prevent softening.

Conclusion

Frito Bars are an addictive sweet-and-salty treat that’s delightfully crunchy, chewy, and gooey all in one bite. With no baking required and just a handful of pantry staples, they’re perfect for when you want a fun, fuss-free dessert that satisfies every craving. Whether served at a party or enjoyed at home, these bars are sure to disappear fast.

Frito Bars (Salty + Sweet)

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A crunchy, chewy bar made with salty Fritos, rich peanut butter, and gooey caramel—a fun no-bake dessert that’s an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cups Frito corn chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for topping

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Instructions

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Spread Fritos evenly in the prepared dish.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until sugars dissolve and mixture just starts to bubble.
Remove from heat and quickly stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour mixture evenly over the Fritos and gently press to set.
Optionally, sprinkle with chocolate chips or chopped peanuts while still warm.
Let cool completely at room temperature before slicing into bars.

Notes

Use parchment for easy removal and clean slicing.
Customize with your favorite toppings like sea salt or mini marshmallows.
Bars can be stored at room temperature for several days in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 290 kcal
Sugar: 21g
Sodium: 240mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg