Sweet & Salty Frit Bars: Crunchy, Creamy & Addictive

Get ready for a flavor and texture explosion with these incredibly addictive Frit Bars! This recipe takes the humble Fritos corn chips (or similar corn chips, often called “Frit” in some regions) and transforms them into a delightfully crunchy base, smothered in a sweet, creamy, and irresistible peanut butter topping. They’re a no-bake wonder that’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for satisfying your sweet and salty cravings, and guaranteed to be a huge hit at any gathering!

Why I Love This Recipe

I am absolutely obsessed with these Frit Bars because they hit all the right notes: sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy – pure bliss in every bite! What I love most is how simple they are to make, with no baking required, making them perfect for hot summer days or when you need a quick dessert fix. The surprising use of corn chips provides a unique, savory crunch that perfectly balances the rich peanut butter and sweet caramel-like topping. They come together in minutes, set quickly, and are dangerously delicious. They truly are hard to resist!


Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightfully addictive Frit Bars:

  • One 9.25 oz bag of Frit (Fritos corn chips or similar brand)
  • 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
  • 1 cup sugar (granulated)
  • 1 cup corn syrup

Swaps and Notes

  • Frit (Corn Chips): While the recipe uses “Frit,” it refers to classic Fritos corn chips or a similar brand of plain, salted corn chips. The saltiness is crucial here!
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter will give you a smoother bar. Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture. Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet taste.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard.
  • Corn Syrup: Light corn syrup is usually preferred. It helps create a smooth, non-crystallized topping. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile, but the texture might vary slightly.
  • Optional Additions:
    • Chocolate Drizzle: Melted chocolate chips drizzled over the top once set would be an amazing addition.
    • Sprinkles: For a festive touch.
    • Mini Marshmallows: Stirred into the hot peanut butter mixture right before pouring.
    • Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon added to the peanut butter mixture can enhance the flavor.

Directions

Let’s get these sweet, salty, and crunchy Frit Bars assembled!

  1. Prepare Baking Dish: Start by generously spraying a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This crucial step will prevent any sticking and ensure easy removal of your bars later.
  2. Create the Crunchy Base: Evenly spread the entire 9.25 oz bag of Frit (corn chips) into the prepared baking dish. Gently press them down to form a relatively even layer. Trust me, this crunchy, salty base is what makes these bars absolutely amazing!
  3. Make the Peanut Butter Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly, heating it gently until everything is completely melted and perfectly blended into a smooth, cohesive, warm mixture. Don’t boil this mixture.
  4. Pour Over Frit: Carefully pour that delicious warm peanut butter concoction evenly over the Frit (corn chips) in the baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the topping and make sure to cover all the chips.
  5. Chill to Set: Pop the baking dish into the refrigerator. Let it chill until the mixture is completely set and firm to the touch. This usually takes at least 1-2 hours, but can be done overnight.
  6. Cut and Enjoy: Once fully set, remove the dish from the fridge. Cut the Frit Bars into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors!

Tips for Success

  • Fresh Frit/Corn Chips: Use fresh, crisp corn chips. Stale chips won’t give the same satisfying crunch.
  • Even Layer of Chips: Spread the chips out evenly so each bar has a good amount of crunchy base.
  • Melt Slowly: When combining the peanut butter, sugar, and corn syrup, melt them gently over medium heat, stirring constantly, to prevent burning and ensure a smooth mixture.
  • Chill Completely: Do not rush the chilling step! The bars need to be completely set to cut cleanly and hold their shape.
  • Non-Stick Spray is Key: Seriously, don’t skip this. It makes getting the bars out so much easier.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Frit Bars are perfect on their own as a snack or dessert, but you can also elevate them:

  • Ice Cream Topping: Break into crumbles and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for a salty-sweet crunch.
  • Coffee or Milk: A perfect companion for a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.
  • Party Platter: Cut into small squares and arrange on a dessert platter for parties.
  • Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate, caramel, or white chocolate over the top once the bars are set for extra decadence.
  • For other incredibly addictive no-bake treats, you might love our These Old-School No-Bake Cookies Never Fail Me and I’ve Made Them 100 Times!

Storage and Leftover Tips

These Frit Bars store well, making them great for prepping ahead!

  • Room Temperature: Store cooled Frit Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They might soften slightly in very warm environments.
  • Refrigeration: For a firmer bar and longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
  • Freezing: These bars freeze well! Store cut squares in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the sweet, salty, and easy no-bake nature of these Frit Bars, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic dessert and snack recipes:


Final Thoughts

These Frit Bars are a testament to how simple ingredients, combined in a clever way, can create an incredibly satisfying and addictive sweet and salty treat. They’re easy to make, fun to share, and always a huge hit, proving that sometimes the most straightforward recipes are the most delicious.

Give this recipe a try, and prepare to discover your new favorite no-bake dessert! What’s your go-to sweet and salty snack? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy snacking!