Frito Candy: A Sweet and Salty Treat You’ll Love

Sweet, salty, and completely addictive—Frito Candy is the ultimate treat you didn’t know you needed. This one-of-a-kind snack combines crunchy corn chips with gooey peanut butter, melted chocolate, and festive sprinkles for a flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist. It’s ridiculously easy to make and so addictive, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it for years.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a holiday party or a quick dessert to share, it’s super simple to make and takes just minutes to prep. Ready to experience your favorite salty snack in a whole new way? Let’s get started.

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What Is Frito Candy?

Frito Candy might sound a little unconventional—mixing corn chips with sugar, peanut butter, and chocolate—but trust me, it works. This treat has roots in the realm of no-bake, pantry-friendly desserts that anyone, even non-bakers, can whip up in minutes.

It’s a perfect balance of salty crunch from the Fritos and rich sweetness from the peanut butter mixture. Plus, a drizzle of melted chocolate ties it all together. Don’t be fooled by its humble ingredients; this stuff is crowd-pleasing gold.

Popularity and Variations of Frito Candy

Over the years, Frito Candy has gone from a simple concoction to a treat that lends itself to customization. Some people add white chocolate or butterscotch chips, while others sprinkle on crushed pretzels or M&Ms for extra color and texture. It’s like those salty-and-sweet snack mixes but with a caramel and chocolate twist.

For a festive spin, I love using seasonal sprinkles. During Christmas, red and green sprinkles are a must in our house. I’ve even tried making a Halloween batch with orange candy melts in place of chocolate. The possibilities are endless, so you can truly make it your own.

Frito Candy Recipe

The best thing about Frito Candy is how simple it is to make. It’s a kid-friendly recipe! You don’t need a mixer, oven, or fancy equipment—just a saucepan, some parchment paper, and about 15 minutes of your time. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Frito Candy

Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of Frito Candy:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 6-7 cups Fritos corn chips (regular, not flavored)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Christmas sprinkles (or any sprinkles you like)

Simple, right? Chances are, you’ve already got most of these ingredients in your pantry.

Preparation Steps

This recipe comes together faster than you’d think, so make sure you have everything ready before you start.

Prep your workspace. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Make the candy base. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, and peanut butter. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.

Mix the Fritos. Remove the candy mixture from the heat and pour it over the Fritos in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss to coat, making sure every chip gets a good layer of that sticky, golden goodness.

Form the candies. Using a spoon (or your hands if you’re brave), drop spoonfuls of the coated Fritos onto the prepared parchment paper. Work quickly so the mixture doesn’t harden before you’re done.

Let it set. Allow the candy to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

Add the chocolate drizzle. While the candy sets, melt the chocolate chips by microwaving them in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the Frito clusters, then sprinkle with festive sprinkles.

Chill. Pop the tray into the fridge for about an hour so everything firms up.

That’s it. You’re done! Once the candy is set, it’s ready to serve (or devour).

Tips for Perfect Frito Candy

• Don’t crush the chips. Use the Fritos straight from the bag to ensure maximum crunch.
• Work quickly. The sugar-peanut butter mixture starts to firm up fast, so have everything ready to go.
• Even drizzle. For that picture-perfect look, let the melted chocolate drizzle from a spoon in a thin stream.
• Storage. Store your candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—but let’s be real, it won’t last that long.

Serving Suggestions

Frito Candy shines all on its own, but there are plenty of ways to make it stand out even more at your next get-together.

Ideal Pairings

Want to create a full dessert spread? Pair Frito Candy with these easy Christmas favorites:

• S’mores Graham Cracker Bark – Another sweet treat that’s heavy on the chocolate and easy to share.
• Snowman Pretzels – These adorable snacks add a whimsical touch.
• Mexican Wedding Cookies – Their powdered sugar coating makes them a beautiful contrast to the caramel tones of Frito Candy.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain joy that comes from sharing a treat like Frito Candy. It’s simple enough to make on a whim but special enough to turn even regular evenings into something festive. That perfect balance of salty and sweet keeps people coming back for more, making it a guaranteed winner at any gathering.

Ready to try it yourself? Grab your Fritos, raid your pantry, and get cooking! When you’re done, don’t forget to snap a pic and share it—everyone’s going to want the recipe.