My first Peanut Butter Frito Bars were tested and approved by a gaggle of teenagers when we gathered at our daughter's place over Memorial Day. Their Lake Place is often where recipes get a test run because it's a great mix of age groups, three generations, in fact. They got at least ten thumbs up.
These yummy bars have that irresistible sweet and salty flavor combo, the one that keeps you eating more and more even though your brain says you should stop.
These amazing treats require only five or six ingredients (toffee chips are optional), no baking, and absolutely no skill to make.
Gather the simple ingredients before you begin. You can also use chocolate almond bark for the chocolate drizzle.
Grease a 13" x 9" pan and spread the entire bag of Fritos evenly on the bottom of the pan. Now put the sugar and the corn syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium heat and bring them to a boil. (Hint: I like to spray the measuring cup with non-stick spray when I measure corn syrup. It slides right out!)
You'll want to stir this mixture frequently to prevent it from scorching and make sure the sugar is completely dissolved. Cook the mixture to a gentle boil just until the sugar is completely dissolved. Don't overcook it becuase it can get hard.
Take the pan off the stove and stir in the peanut butter until everything is smooth and yummy. I also like to spray the measuring cup when I measure peanut butter. 😉
Pour that amazing stuff over the corn chips. If you decide to use toffee bits, add them now. We left them off because we thought it might be too sweet. What were we thinking? Skip toffee? Why? (Still absolutely delicious!)
Next, drizzle some melted chocolate over the bars. It's easy when you melt it in zip-lock-type bags in the microwave. I love Amanda Rettke's website and her refreshing common sense, so here is her terrific chocolate-melting tutorial from I Am Baker!
Here's the hard part: wait until the bars are completely cool to cut them! You can also make this decadent mixture into drop cookies. Plop spoonfuls onto wax paper or a silicone mat and drizzle away! That way, you can wolf them down while they're still warm!
Sprinkles are a fun addition if you want to have some fun with the presentation! You can also skip the chocolate drizzle entirely if you prefer, and it might be a good idea if you are toting them to a picnic where it's hot.
I researched to be sure and discovered that Fritos original corn chips, lightly salted corn chips, Scoops, and Doritos are all gluten-free! You will need to crush Doritos or Scoops a little, but either would work well in this recipe!
Fritos as a gluten-free option is exciting news for someone who must be mindful of gluten in their diet! How fun to find such a delicious option that everyone can enjoy!
Frito bars are sweet, salty, chewy, peanut buttery, and absolutely delicious! No baking! How's that for awesome?
Never hesitate to comment or ask questions, and if I slip up, I'd be so grateful if you tell me! I'm just an ordinary grandma who loves hearing from you- your kitchen stories make my day every time! 🐝
It's always fun to find new recipes for every season! These peanut butter Frito bars will show up at our cookouts, lake days, tailgates, post-game potlucks, and many other fun gatherings!
Do you have a favorite go-to recipe for bars? What dessert do you tote along to a picnic or a potluck? Here are some of our favorite bar cookies that are quick and easy to make: Easy Cake Mix Lemon Bars, Easiest Coconut Bar Cookies Ever, and Easy Sugar Cookie Bars.
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Love, GB (Betty Streff)
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I made these and they are hard as a brick, I followed the recipe to a tee! Wondering what I did wrong!
Oh, I’m so sorry yours turned out hard — I know how disappointing that must have been. 😥 I'm so sad! I went back and added a little note to the instructions, because these bars can set up too firm if the sugar mixture cooks even a minute or two too long. It really just needs to come to a gentle boil, then off the heat. The corn syrup helps keep the texture chewy, and the peanut butter helps keep it soft, so that’s an important part too. Thank you for letting me know — I always want to make sure my recipes work beautifully in your kitchen, not just mine. I hope you’ll give them another try, because when they set up just right, they’re salty-sweet, chewy perfection!