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Cornflake Crack is a super easy treat made with only three ingredients — cornflakes cereal, butter, and brown sugar—this quick treat bakes into a caramelized layer of goodness that’s perfect on its own or even better when dipped in melted chocolate. This can also be called Cornflake Crunch or Cornflake Candy.
Oh, do I have an easy yet addicting treat for you! I was actually blown away by this. I don’t want to overhype it but I was pleasantly surprised by how easy they were to make and the buttery, caramel, toffee flavors that came through. And then you had the crunch so you have sweet, salty, AND crunchy all in one treat.
You all have loved my Toffee Pretzel Crack Recipe because it is super simple and tastes amazing so I wanted to share another easy Christmas treat recipe. I also have my Chocolate Pretzel Caramel Bark Recipe as well. And you can’t sleep on a Christmas favorite — Homemade Chocolate Peppermint Bark.
What is Cornflake Crack?
Cornflake crack is essentially cornflake cereal enrobed in a simple toffee-like mixture, then baked until crisp and flavorful. After baking, you break it into bite-sized pieces. You can leave it as is and have caramel cornflake crunch or dip or drizzle it with melted chocolate for some extra rich decadence. It’s sweet, crunchy, and dangerously easy to snack on…hence the name “cornflake crack.” You can call it Cornflake Crunch or Cornflake Crack or can even call it Cornflake Candy.
Cornflake Crack Ingredients:
This Cornflake Crack is so easy to make and is made with 3 simple ingredients (and 4 ingredients if you dip in melted chocolate). You don’t get much easier than this!
- Cornflakes Cereal: The base of the treat. Use a fresh, crunchy cereal for best results.
- Butter: It gives richness and depth to the toffee layer.
- Brown Sugar: Provides caramel flavor and helps form the crisp toffee coating.
- Chocolate (for dipping): Good-quality chocolate chips or chopped bar chocolate.
- Sea Salt Flakes (optional): I love to sprinkle Maldon sea salt flakes on top of melted chocolate for a sweet and salty combination.
How to make Chocolate Covered Cornflake Crack:
Here are your step-by-step instructions on how to make Cornflake Crack or Cornflake Crunch. It is super simple!
Prep the Pan:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the cornflakes evenly on the sheet. You want a single layer so the toffee can coat them well.
Make the Butter and Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to melt. Once it is melted, continue cooking for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. How do I know it’s done? The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened. You’ll notice it getting glossy and pulling away from the sides of the pan as you stir.
Pour and Bake:
Carefully pour the butter-sugar mixture over the cornflakes, stirring gently with a heat-resistant spatula to coat evenly. Bake the mixture in a preheated 350 degree oven for 9-12 minutes. Why do I need to bake it?
Baking helps the butter and sugar mixture caramelize and set it.
Cool and Break:
Once baked, allow the tray to cool completely. The mixture will harden as it cools. Once set, break into pieces of your desired size.
Dip in Chocolate (Optional):
Melt your chosen chocolate (see tips below) and dip half of each piece into the chocolate. Lay on parchment to set. For extra salty sweet combination, sprinkle with Maldon sea salt flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
What type of chocolate is best for melting?
High-quality chocolate bars (like Ghirardelli or Callebaut) or couverture chocolate are ideal. They have a higher cocoa butter content and melt more smoothly. Chocolate chips work in a pinch, but they often contain stabilizers that may affect texture.
Should I add oil to the chocolate before melting?
Generally, you don’t need to add oil. If your chocolate is well-tempered and good quality, it should melt smoothly on its own. However, if you are using chocolate chips or your chocolate is seizing or too thick, a tiny amount of neutral oil (canola or vegetable works well) can help thin it out.
Can I melt chocolate in the microwave?
Absolutely! For best results, microwave chocolate in short 20-30 second bursts, stirring after each interval until just melted. Stop heating when small lumps remain and stir until those lumps melt from the residual heat. This prevents overheating and burning.
How long does cornflake crack last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it can stay fresh for about a week.
How to Use Your Cornflake Crack:
- Holiday Dessert Platters or Christmas Cookie Boxes: Add these crunchy Cornflake candy to a cookie and candy tray.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble it over ice cream or frozen yogurt for a sweet and crunchy sundae topping.
- Gift Giving: Pack in cellophane bags or tins and give as homemade holiday gifts.
- Party Snack: Set out a bowl for a sweet munch at a festive gathering or movie night.
More Treat Recipes:
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Cornflake Crack
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Salted Butter
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 3 cups Cornflakes Cereal * (NOT heaping)
- 12 ounces Chocolate
- Maldon Sea Salt Flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the cornflakes evenly on the sheet. You want a single layer so the toffee can coat them well.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to melt. Once it is melted, continue cooking for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Carefully pour the butter-sugar mixture over the cornflakes, stirring gently with a heat-resistant spatula to coat evenly. Shape into a rectangle, pressing the cornflakes together.
- Bake the mixture in a preheated 350 degree oven for 9-12 minutes. Check on it halfway through and take a spatula and press the edges into the center if needed. Why do I need to bake it? Baking helps the butter and sugar mixture caramelize and set it.
- Once baked, allow the tray to cool completely. The mixture will harden as it cools. Once set, break into pieces of your desired size.
- Melt your chosen chocolate (see tips below) and dip half of each piece into the chocolate. Lay on parchment to set. For extra salty sweet combination, sprinkle with Maldon sea salt flakes.
To melt chocolate:
- Put chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 30 second increments until the chocolate is melted, stirring after each time. Once it is melted, dip each piece of cornflake crack into the chocolate and then lay on parchment paper to set up.
Notes
- When measuring the cornflakes, do NOT measuring heaping cups of cereal. If anything, lean towards a little less than 3 cups of cornflakes instead of more cornflakes.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
