South Dakota Frito Treats

Frito Treats are a delicious no-bake candy that combines the crunchiness of corn chips with the sweetness of chocolate chips and peanut butter caramel. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy treat, with a satisfying salty-sweet flavor. Whether you’re preparing for a bake sale or just a sweet craving, these Frito treats will be a crowd favorite!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (9-3/4 ounces each) corn chips, divided

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 cup light corn syrup

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter

Directions

  1. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan and spread one package of corn chips on the bottom. Sprinkle with 1 cup of chocolate chips.

  2. In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter.

  3. Pour half of the peanut butter mixture over the chip and chocolate layer.

  4. Top with the remaining package of corn chips and the other 1 cup of chocolate chips. Drizzle the remaining peanut butter mixture over the top.

  5. Let the mixture stand until set, then cut into bars.

Nutrients

1 bar: 337 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.

Why Frito Treats are the Perfect Snack

Frito Treats stand out as a unique dessert because of the surprising use of corn chips in a sweet treat. While chips and chocolate are often thought of as separate snack categories, combining them creates a satisfying contrast that is both unexpected and delightful. The crunchy texture of the corn chips provides a solid base for the chocolate and peanut butter layers, giving each bite a satisfying crunch. The sweet, gooey peanut butter caramel layer perfectly complements the salty crunch of the chips, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. This combination is both nostalgic and innovative, making it a fun treat for people of all ages. Whether served at a party, as an after-school snack, or simply as a homemade treat to share with family, Frito Treats are bound to be a hit.

Sweet and Salty Perfection

One of the defining characteristics of Frito Treats is their perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The salty crunch of the corn chips contrasts beautifully with the rich sweetness of the chocolate and the creamy peanut butter. The corn chips, which are typically savory on their own, absorb the sweetness of the caramelized peanut butter mixture, creating a flavor profile that is satisfying and indulgent. The chocolate chips add an extra layer of richness, melting slightly to form a gooey, sweet coating that ties everything together. This combination of flavors makes Frito Treats irresistibly addictive, offering both the comfort of a familiar snack and the excitement of a new flavor experience. It’s a simple recipe that provides complex and satisfying results, perfect for anyone who loves the contrast between salty and sweet.

Easy to Make with Minimal Ingredients

Frito Treats are incredibly easy to make, which makes them an excellent option for both beginners and experienced bakers. The recipe requires only a few simple ingredients: corn chips, chocolate chips, peanut butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Despite the limited number of ingredients, the treat is full of flavor and texture. There is no baking involved, making the recipe even more convenient, especially when you need a quick dessert for a gathering or event. This no-bake factor also makes it a great choice for kids or those who are new to cooking, as it requires only a few simple steps and minimal preparation time. All you need to do is prepare the base, pour over the peanut butter mixture, and allow it to set—no complicated steps or long waiting periods are involved.

A Great Dessert for Any Occasion

Frito Treats are versatile and can be served for nearly any occasion. Their sweet and salty flavor profile makes them a perfect treat for gatherings like birthday parties, family barbecues, holiday celebrations, and potlucks. The ease of preparation and minimal clean-up involved also make them a stress-free choice for busy hosts or anyone who is short on time. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or a more formal event, these treats offer an affordable and crowd-pleasing option. They are also great for bake sales, as they are easy to package and transport. Since they can be cut into bars, they are also easy to serve, making them a practical yet delicious addition to any dessert table.

The Creamy Peanut Butter Caramel Layer

At the heart of Frito Treats is the creamy peanut butter caramel layer, which adds richness and depth to the dessert. The peanut butter is melted and combined with sugar and corn syrup to create a smooth, gooey mixture that coats the chips and chocolate. The sweetness of the corn syrup and sugar perfectly balances the savory flavor of the peanut butter, creating a rich and creamy layer that holds everything together. This peanut butter caramel layer not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the chewy texture that makes Frito Treats so satisfying. The melting of the chocolate chips into this mixture further binds the flavors, ensuring that every bite delivers a burst of sweetness alongside the salty crunch of the corn chips.

Chocolate Chips for Added Richness

The semi-sweet chocolate chips in Frito Treats add a layer of richness that complements the peanut butter caramel and corn chips. The chocolate chips melt slightly when mixed into the warm peanut butter mixture, creating a smooth, sweet coating that enhances the overall flavor of the treats. This gooey chocolate layer balances the salty corn chips and adds a depth of flavor that makes the dessert feel indulgent and satisfying. The chocolate also adds a glossy finish to the bars, giving them a polished look that elevates their visual appeal. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a timeless pairing, and in Frito Treats, it’s a key component that ties all the flavors together into a harmonious treat.

Convenience and Customization

One of the best features of Frito Treats is their convenience. With only a handful of ingredients and no need for baking, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create a sweet treat quickly and easily. However, the simplicity of the recipe also leaves plenty of room for customization. While the original recipe uses semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can easily swap them for milk chocolate or white chocolate chips, depending on your preferences. You can also add additional toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for added texture and flavor. This recipe can easily be tailored to suit your tastes or the preferences of your guests, allowing you to get creative with different flavor combinations.

How to Store Frito Treats

After preparing Frito Treats, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their texture and freshness. These treats should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer them chilled, you can store them in the refrigerator for a firmer texture. If you plan to keep them for a longer period, you can also freeze them. Simply wrap the bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Frito Treats are a great option for make-ahead desserts or snacks, as they hold up well over time and continue to maintain their flavor and texture.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Salty Treat for All Ages

Frito Treats are a fun and delicious dessert that combines the crunchiness of corn chips with the sweetness of chocolate and peanut butter caramel. Their no-bake nature, combined with their sweet and salty flavor profile, makes them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a special event, a casual family snack, or a bake sale, these treats are sure to be a hit with everyone. Their ease of preparation and ability to customize make them a versatile and practical dessert option, while their irresistible flavor ensures they will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. With Frito Treats, you can bring together the best of both salty and sweet in one delicious and satisfying snack.

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