Description
Frito bars are a salty-sweet no-bake treat combining crunchy corn chips with gooey caramel, creamy peanut butter, and a rich layer of melted chocolate and butterscotch chips. These bars are easy to prepare and perfect for parties, potlucks, or satisfying a craving for a unique and addictive snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 1 bag (9.25 oz) Fritos corn chips, lightly crushed
Caramel Mixture
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it for easy removal of the bars after setting.
- Layer Fritos: Spread the lightly crushed Fritos evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crunchy base layer.
- Make Caramel Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Stir constantly until the mixture starts to boil, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately after boiling and stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Coat Fritos: Pour the hot caramel-peanut butter mixture evenly over the Fritos. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure all the chips are coated well and compacted slightly.
- Melt Chocolate and Butterscotch: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
- Top Bars: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the caramel-coated Fritos and spread it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Set the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate topping is set and firm.
- Serve: Once set, cut into 24 squares and serve as a delicious salty-sweet snack or dessert.
Notes
- You can omit the butterscotch chips or substitute with additional chocolate chips if preferred.
- For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top before the chocolate layer sets.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
