Irresistible Sweet & Salty Frito Candy: Your New Favorite No-Bake Treat!
Welcome back, snack enthusiasts! It’s [Current Year, e.g., 2024], and my love affair with Frito Candy is as strong as ever. This delightful concoction, born from a playful experiment in my kitchen, has become a beloved staple. And for those looking for a slight twist, there’s an equally delicious version made with Bugles. Get ready to discover your next obsession!
This Frito Candy recipe was initially conceived as a gloriously “trashy but undeniably delicious” snack, and it lives up to that reputation with every single bite. Imagine a delightful jumble of crunchy Fritos, salty pretzels, and creamy peanut butter cups, all bound together in a luscious, shimmering matrix of buttery brown sugar. When I first whipped this up, I was cautiously optimistic, certain it would at least satisfy my insatiable craving for something sweet and salty. What I didn’t anticipate was how utterly addictive it would become, to the point where I proudly brought it to a party, unsure of the reception it would receive.
The reaction from my friends to a candy made with Fritos was nothing short of astonishing! They devoured it in mere seconds, and for months afterward, the requests for “more Frito Candy!” kept pouring in. This unexpected success led me to a newfound appreciation for Fritos. I even learned that Fritos do not contain MSG, which was a pleasant discovery. While it might be a stretch to call them a “wholesome, trans-fat free snack food,” they’re certainly not all bad, and in this context, they transform into an incredible dessert component that rivals even the most gourmet sweet treats.
The finished product is a visually appealing, delightfully messy, and intensely flavorful confection that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). It’s a true testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in an unexpected way.
Choosing the Right Pan Size for Your Frito Candy (and Boosting Salty Crunch!)
Over the years, I’ve consistently made this Frito Candy in a standard 9×13 inch baking pan. This size works perfectly for creating a thick, robust candy bar. However, I’ve been experimenting with a larger 15×10 inch pan. The wider surface area allows for a thinner layer of candy, which means more crispy edges and an even higher ratio of salty pretzels and Fritos to the sweet caramel and chocolate. If you prefer a more substantial, chunkier candy, stick with the 9×13. But if you crave that extra crunch and a more spread-out, bark-like experience, the 15×10 is definitely worth trying. When adjusting the pan size, you might also consider increasing the amount of pretzels to further amplify that delightful salty-sweet balance, which is something I highly recommend!
Here’s a sneak peek at a recent batch before it fully set. I often like to use a combination of chocolates for added depth of flavor and visual appeal. Dividing the pan for half milk chocolate and half dark chocolate allows for a fantastic contrast and caters to different chocolate preferences. The rich, slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate beautifully complement the sweet caramel and salty chips, while milk chocolate adds a creamy, classic sweetness that’s hard to resist.
During one particular batch, I found myself running low on Fritos and decided to improvise by throwing in some regular potato chips. While the resulting candy was certainly “okay,” I can confidently say that the unique corn flavor and robust crunch of Fritos truly make this candy shine. For the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend sticking with Fritos, or consider their equally fantastic alternative: Bugles. Years ago, I used Bugles out of necessity, and they proved to be an excellent substitute, offering a similar crunch and a fun, unique shape that catches the caramel beautifully.
Exploring the Delicious World of Bugle Candy: A Fantastic Alternative
As I mentioned, Bugles are a truly wonderful stand-in for Fritos in this recipe. There have been times when I simply ran out of Fritos, or perhaps I was looking for an excuse to buy a bag of Bugles, and each time, they’ve performed splendidly. While Fritos offer a classic, straightforward corn chip flavor, Bugles bring their distinctive conical shape and a slightly different, often more buttery, corn flavor. They catch the caramel and chocolate in their nooks and crannies, creating an even more textural and visually interesting candy. So, if you’re a fan of Bugles or just curious to try something new, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a go with Bugles either in place of, or in addition to, the Fritos. It’s a delightful variation that adds a unique twist to an already amazing treat.
A Note for Our Canadian Friends: The Bugles Situation
As of November 2022, I received the rather unfortunate news that Bugles are no longer available in Canada. My sincerest apologies to all my Canadian readers who were hoping to try this delicious variation. It’s always a shame when a beloved snack disappears from shelves. However, speaking purely from a culinary perspective, I would gladly trade Bugles for your widely available and truly superior Kit Kats. Perhaps this bittersweet news will inspire a new Canadian-inspired Frito Candy variation? For now, if you’re in Canada, stick with the classic Fritos, or explore other crispy, salty corn-based snacks that might offer a similar texture to the original Bugles.
- Chipotle Peanut Butter Frito Candy: For those who love a little heat with their sweet and salty!
- Every Day Food Candy Corn Sugar Cookies: A festive treat for autumn.
- Candy Bar Bars: Another delightful no-bake candy creation.
- Big Top Candy in Austin: A visit to a nostalgic candy store.
- Candy Corn Oreos Halloween Cookie Bark: Perfect for holiday celebrations.
Sweet, Salty, Frito Candy Recipe
Ready to make this magic happen in your own kitchen? This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal cooking skills but delivering maximum flavor. The combination of textures and tastes makes it an absolute showstopper, perfect for parties, gifts, or simply indulging your own cravings. The secret lies in the quick caramel coating and the generous layer of chocolate. Let’s get started!
Sweet, Salty, Frito Candy
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups pretzels you can use mini pretzels or slightly broken regular pretzels for varying textures, feel free to add more for extra saltiness
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips or substitute with Bugles for a fun, different shape and crunch
- ½ cup unsalted peanuts adds extra crunch and nutty flavor, can be omitted if preferred
- 8 mini peanut butter cups such as Reese’s miniatures; adjust quantity based on your love for peanut butter and chocolate
- 1 stick unsalted butter equivalent to 8 tablespoons, essential for the rich caramel base
- ½ cup packed brown sugar dark or light brown sugar will work, dark adds a deeper molasses flavor
- 6 oz chopped dark chocolate or 1 cup chocolate chips use good quality chocolate for best results, a mix of milk and dark is also fantastic
- Optional: Some extra chopped peanuts or sprinkles for garnish on top
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures everything is ready for a quick bake.
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Line a large rimmed baking sheet (approximately 17×12 inches, or a 9×13 inch pan if you prefer a thicker candy) with nonstick foil or parchment paper. Make sure the foil extends up the sides to prevent any sticky overflow.
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Spread 2 cups of broken pretzels (or mini pretzels) evenly across the lined baking sheet. Next, add 2 cups of Fritos corn chips – you can leave them whole for bigger crunch or gently break them into smaller pieces. Finally, scatter the ½ cup of peanuts over the mixture.
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Unwrap all your mini peanut butter cups, but resist the urge to add them to the pan just yet. They’ll be added after baking.
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In a large, non-stick saucepan, melt the stick of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, stir in the ½ cup of brown sugar. Bring this mixture to a full rolling boil and continue to boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring gently once or twice to prevent burning. This step creates the delicious caramel coating.
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Working quickly and carefully (the sugar mixture is very hot!), drizzle the hot caramel mixture evenly over the Fritos, pretzels, and peanuts on the baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to gently stir and coat the chips and pretzels as best as you can. Immediately transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. This short bake time helps the caramel adhere and slightly toast the chips.
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After 8 minutes, carefully pull the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the unwrapped peanut butter cups evenly over the hot candy mixture. The residual heat will start to melt them beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add some extra Reese’s candies or chocolate chips at this stage for an extra layer of indulgence.
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Allow the mixture to cool slightly on the counter for about 5-10 minutes, giving the peanut butter cups a chance to soften before spreading.
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While the candy cools, prepare your chocolate topping. Put the chopped dark chocolate (or chocolate chips) in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 30 seconds. Stir well, and repeat in 15-20 second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler method. Drizzle the melted chocolate generously over the cooled candy. If desired, sprinkle with additional peanuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt. Allow it to set at room temperature until firm, or for a quicker set, let it cool somewhat on the counter and then transfer it to the freezer for about 15-30 minutes.
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Once the chocolate has fully set, carefully lift the candy from the pan using the foil. Break the candy into irregular pieces, similar to how you would break almond toffee. You can enjoy it immediately while it’s still cold and crisp, or allow it to come back to room temperature for a slightly chewier texture. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.