Crunchy Cornflake Toffee Treat

Featured in Sweet Delights for Every Occasion.

Transform simple pantry staples into a delightful treat with this crunchy cornflake toffee. Combining salted butter, brown sugar, and crispy cornflakes creates a golden, caramelized snack. Dip the toffee clusters into melted chocolate for a luscious finish, and sprinkle with Maldon sea salt flakes for an amazing salty-sweet experience. It’s perfect as a quick dessert or snack to share!

A young woman with wavy hair is gazing down contemplatively in a warmly lit kitchen filled with plants.
Updated on Sun, 27 Apr 2025 15:11:06 GMT
Chocolate covered cookies on a paper towel. Pin it
Chocolate covered cookies on a paper towel. | cookingkeys.com

This crunchy, sweet Cornflake Crack has become my secret weapon for last-minute gatherings and holiday gifting. The magical transformation of simple pantry staples into a crave-worthy treat never fails to impress, and the addition of chocolate takes it to another level of deliciousness.

I discovered this recipe during a snowstorm when I was desperate for something sweet but couldn't get to the store. Now it's requested at every family gathering, and my nieces and nephews have nicknamed it "cereal candy" because they can never get enough.

Ingredients

  • Salted Butter: Provides richness and a savory note that balances the sweetness. Make sure it's at room temperature for even melting.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates that irresistible caramel flavor. The molasses content gives depth you can’t get from white sugar alone.
  • Cornflakes Cereal: Is the star of the show. Use fresh cereal for maximum crunch. The exact measuring is critical here.
  • Chocolate: Transforms this from delicious to extraordinary. Choose high quality chocolate for the best flavor and melt.
  • Maldon Sea Salt Flakes: Add a sophisticated finishing touch and enhance both the sweetness and chocolate notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:
Spread your cornflakes in a single even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This ensures every piece gets coated properly with the caramel mixture. Take time to arrange them well as this affects the final texture.
Create the Caramel:
Melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring continuously until completely smooth. This takes about 3 minutes. Watch carefully as the mixture can burn quickly. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns slightly darker and develops a glossy appearance.
Coat and Shape:
Pour the hot caramel carefully over the cornflakes, using a heat-resistant spatula to gently fold and coat every piece. Work quickly but gently to avoid crushing the cereal. Press into a rectangle shape about half an inch thick for the perfect bite size pieces later.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake at 350°F for 9-12 minutes, checking halfway to press any spreading edges back toward the center. This baking step is crucial as it allows the sugar to caramelize properly, creating that signature crunch and toffee flavor that makes this treat so addictive.
Cool and Set:
Allow to cool completely undisturbed. This takes patience but is necessary for the perfect texture. The mixture transforms from soft and pliable to crisp and breakable as it cools, usually taking about 30 minutes.
Chocolate Dipping:
Melt chocolate slowly using the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds. Dip each piece halfway for that perfect chocolate-to-crack ratio. The chocolate should be smooth but not too hot, which could melt your creation.
Final Touches:
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired. This enhances both the sweetness and the chocolate flavor while adding a gourmet touch that makes the treat look professionally made.

The brown sugar is the ingredient that truly makes this recipe special. I discovered its importance when I once tried to substitute white sugar in a pinch, and while still tasty, it lacked that deep, complex flavor that makes everyone ask for the recipe. My grandmother used to make a similar treat during the holidays, and the smell of the caramelizing sugar always brings me back to her kitchen.

Chocolate and orange cake balls. Pin it
Chocolate and orange cake balls. | cookingkeys.com

Perfect Pairings

This Cornflake Crack works beautifully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert. The contrast between warm and cold, crunchy and creamy creates a memorable dessert experience. For an afternoon treat, pair with a cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.

Storage Success

Store your Cornflake Crack in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. It stays fresh at room temperature for about two weeks, though in my house it rarely lasts more than a few days. For longer storage, you can freeze the uncoated pieces for up to three months, then thaw and dip in chocolate when ready to serve.

Creative Variations

While the classic recipe is perfect as is, you can easily customize it to create different flavor profiles. Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the caramel mixture for a warm spice note. White chocolate with crushed peppermint makes a festive holiday version. For a more grown up treat, consider mixing in a tablespoon of bourbon to the caramel or sprinkling with chopped nuts before the chocolate sets.

The Science Behind the Crunch

The magic of this recipe lies in the perfect chemical reaction between sugar and heat. When brown sugar caramelizes, it creates new compounds with complex flavors. The baking step is essential as it allows the Maillard reaction to occur, developing hundreds of flavor compounds that give this simple treat its addictive quality. The cornflakes provide the perfect vehicle, with their honeycomb structure ideal for capturing the caramel.

Chocolate covered raisins on a table. Pin it
Chocolate covered raisins on a table. | cookingkeys.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the key to perfect toffee cornflakes?

Ensure the butter and sugar mixture is well-cooked and evenly coats the cornflakes for a consistent caramelized crunch.

→ Can I substitute cornflakes?

Yes, you can try crisp rice cereal or other crunchy cereals, but the texture may differ slightly.

→ How do I store the finished treat?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.

→ Can I use dark or white chocolate for dipping?

Absolutely! Both dark and white chocolate pair well, allowing you to customize the flavor to your preference.

→ How can I avoid over-cooking the caramel mixture?

Keep the heat medium and stir continuously to prevent burning. Watch for the sugar to melt and blend smoothly with the butter.

Cornflake Crack Toffee Treat

Crunchy toffee treat with chocolate-dipped cornflakes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup salted butter
02 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
03 3 cups cornflakes cereal (not heaping)
04 12 ounces chocolate
05 Maldon sea salt flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the cornflakes evenly on the sheet in a single layer for even coating.

Step 02

Melt the butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until smooth and melted. Cook the mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 03

Pour the butter-sugar mixture over the cornflakes. Gently stir with a heat-resistant spatula to coat the cornflakes evenly. Shape into a rectangle, pressing the coated mixture together.

Step 04

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cornflake mixture for 9-12 minutes. Check halfway through and press the edges into the center with a spatula if needed. Baking allows the mixture to caramelize and set.

Step 05

Allow the baked tray to cool completely. Once cooled and hardened, break the mixture into pieces of your desired size.

Step 06

Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval. Dip half of each cornflake piece into the melted chocolate and lay them on parchment paper to set. Optionally, sprinkle with Maldon sea salt flakes for a salty-sweet finish.

Notes

  1. Measure cornflakes accurately and avoid heaping cups to ensure even coating.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Saucepan
  • Heat-resistant spatula
  • Microwave-safe bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter and chocolate).
  • May contain gluten depending on the type of cornflakes used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 2 g