Say hello to your newest sweet-and-salty obsession: Peanut Butter Fritos Candy. This treat is outrageously simple, yet complex in flavor, balancing crunchy, salty Fritos with a silky, peanut-buttery coating and (if you like) a flourish of melty chocolate on top. With just a handful of pantry staples and no oven required, you’ll have a batch of chewy, crispy candy bars that are as addictive as they are easy. If you find yourself craving a fun, unique homemade dessert that wows everyone at the table, Peanut Butter Fritos Candy delivers every single time.

Peanut Butter Fritos Candy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fritos Candy:
- 10 oz bag of Fritos corn chips
Peanut Butter Mixture:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Optional:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make Peanut Butter Fritos Candy

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Fritos

Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or give it a light mist of nonstick spray. Pour the Fritos into the dish and spread them out evenly—breaking up some of the chips a bit. You want a mix of chunky and crushed corn chips so every piece of candy will have a satisfying crunch.

Step 2: Make the Candy Syrup

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cup of granulated sugar and corn syrup. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. When the mixture starts to bubble around the edges and the sugar is fully dissolved, you’re ready for the next step. Don’t walk away—it comes together quickly!

Step 3: Stir in Peanut Butter

Take the pan off the heat and immediately add the creamy peanut butter. Stir enthusiastically and quickly until it’s perfectly smooth and unified, calling out to all peanut butter fans. This process happens fast, so have your peanut butter ready to go.

Step 4: Combine With Fritos

Without delay, pour the warm peanut butter mixture evenly over the waiting Fritos. Use a spatula (or the back of a spoon) to spread and gently press so all the chips get coated, but don’t flatten them completely—you want little peaks and valleys of texture.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chip Swirls (Optional)

If you’re going for extra decadence, scatter the chocolate chips over the top while the candy is still warm. Let them sit for a minute or two so they melt, then drag a butter knife through for gorgeous swirls and a marbled look. It’s a simple flourish that turns your Peanut Butter Fritos Candy into a true showstopper.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow your pan of candy goodness to cool completely at room temperature. Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the whole slab out and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into bars or squares, and marvel at how professional they look (and smell!).

How to Serve Peanut Butter Fritos Candy

Garnishes

Add even more character to your candy by sprinkling flaky sea salt on top just after adding the chocolate, or drizzle a little extra melted peanut butter, white chocolate, or caramel to take it over the top. A few chopped roasted peanuts add crunch and toasty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty combo.

Side Dishes

Since Peanut Butter Fritos Candy is already a flavor bomb, keep sides simple and refreshing. Fresh fruit like apples or grapes offers a crisp counterpoint, while a glass of ice-cold milk or hot coffee is just right for balancing the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

This treat is just begging to be shared, so cut it into bite-sized squares and pile them into a cellophane bag with a ribbon for gifting. Or, stack the bars on a tiered dessert stand at your next party, or crumble a few pieces over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sundae that tastes like pure joy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Peanut Butter Fritos Candy in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious and crunchy for up to five days—if they last that long! Just be sure they’re fully cooled before sealing, so they don’t stick together.

Freezing

Want to stash some for later cravings? No problem! Wrap individual bars or squares in wax paper, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to a month. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

This candy is meant to be enjoyed at room temperature, but if you like your chocolate tops a little gooey, pop a piece in the microwave for about 5 seconds. It’ll taste fresh and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, just like the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter gives your Peanut Butter Fritos Candy even more texture and a nutty surprise in every bite. Just swap it in for the creamy version and proceed as directed.

Is there a way to make this recipe nut-free?

Yes—if peanut allergies are a concern, use sunflower seed butter or almond butter instead. The taste will change a bit, but you’ll get that same creamy-salty-sweet effect that makes this candy so irresistible.

Do I have to use the chocolate chips?

Nope! The chocolate is totally optional. The bars are absolutely delicious on their own, but if chocolate is your thing, the melted swirl takes this treat up a notch and adds gorgeous color.

Will other types of chips work besides Fritos?

Fritos are classic for that corn crunch and saltiness, but you can experiment with other corn chips or even pretzel pieces. Tortilla chips are a little thinner, so stick with the original for the best texture!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Peanut Butter Fritos Candy is a dream for parties or potlucks. Double the ingredients and use two pans, or one extra-large baking sheet, to make plenty for a crowd. Just be sure to spread the candy mixture quickly so you get that signature crunch in every bar.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste your first bite of Peanut Butter Fritos Candy, you’ll understand why it’s my go-to for quick cravings and crowd-pleasing treats. With its lovable blend of textures and flavors, this recipe makes it just as fun to make as it is to share. I can’t wait for you to show off these bars to friends, family, or even just for yourself—give them a try and brighten up someone’s day with a little sweet-and-salty magic!

Peanut Butter Fritos Candy Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes plus cooling time
Yield: 24 pieces 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the perfect blend of salty and sweet with these Peanut Butter Fritos Candy bars. Crunchy Fritos corn chips coated in a smooth peanut butter mixture, with an optional chocolate swirl, make for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Fritos Candy:

10 oz bag of Fritos corn chips

Peanut Butter Mixture:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup creamy peanut butter

Optional:

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Spread Fritos: Spread the Fritos evenly in the dish, lightly crushing some for better texture.
Make Peanut Butter Mixture: In a saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup, boil, then remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth.
Coat Fritos: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the Fritos, spread gently to coat.
Add Chocolate (Optional): Sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm candy, let them melt, then swirl for a marbled effect.
Cool and Cut: Let the candy cool, then cut into bars or squares.