If you love the satisfying crunch of cornflakes combined with rich, melty chocolate and a hint of saltiness, you are going to adore this Cornflake Chocolate Brittle Recipe. It’s a no-fuss, no-bake treat that comes together in minutes but delivers maximum flavor and texture in every bite. This delightful homemade candy is perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself when a sweet craving hits. Lightly crushed cornflakes provide crispness, while semi-sweet chocolate and optional butterscotch add creamy sweetness, and toasted nuts bring a wonderful nutty depth. It’s a snack that strikes the perfect balance between crunchy and chewy, sweet and salty, simple ingredients, and extraordinary taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cornflake Chocolate Brittle Recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients that are pantry-friendly yet essential to building layers of texture and flavor. The mix of crunchy cornflakes, smooth chocolate, and buttery goodness creates a harmony that’s tough to resist.
- Cornflakes, 2 cups (lightly crushed): Adds the iconic crunch and light texture that makes this brittle so addictive.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup: Melts smoothly to coat everything with rich chocolate flavor.
- Butterscotch chips, ½ cup (optional): Introduces a warm caramel note that elevates the chocolate.
- Chopped toasted almonds or peanuts, ½ cup: Brings a toasty, nutty bite to balance the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons: Helps the chips melt beautifully and adds a silky mouthfeel.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweet balance in check.
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional): A final sprinkle that adds a spark of salty crunch and elevates the snack’s appearance.
How to Make Cornflake Chocolate Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift out the brittle once it’s set. Having this ready before you melt your chocolate ensures a smooth workflow.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a heatproof bowl, combine your semi-sweet chocolate chips, optional butterscotch chips, and butter. Microwave the mix in 30-second intervals, stirring after each burst until the mixture is silky smooth. This gentle melting process prevents scorching and ensures a glossy coating for your brittle.
Step 3: Flavor and Salt It
After melting, stir in the ¼ teaspoon of salt. This little addition balances the sweet chocolate and enhances the overall flavor, making every bite more interesting and satisfying.
Step 4: Add Cornflakes and Nuts
Gently fold the lightly crushed cornflakes and chopped toasted nuts into the melted chocolate mixture. Take your time to coat everything evenly without crushing the flakes too much—you want to keep that delightful crunch intact.
Step 5: Spread and Chill
Spread the mixture evenly onto your prepared baking sheet, aiming for about a ½ inch thick layer. If you love a finishing touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top now. Pop the tray into the refrigerator for about one hour, or until the brittle is fully set and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Break and Enjoy
Once chilled, break the brittle into irregular pieces by hand. This rustic break makes it look homemade and inviting. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container to keep it crisp.
How to Serve Cornflake Chocolate Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
While flaky sea salt is a classic garnish that adds a sparkle of flavor, you can also sprinkle finely chopped dried fruit like cranberries or a dusting of cocoa powder to make it extra special. These touches add pops of color and deepen the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Cornflake Chocolate Brittle pairs beautifully with creamy desserts or drinks. Think of a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance its sweetness. These sides create a delightful contrast that makes each bite feel indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or entertaining, arrange the brittle pieces in a decorative jar layered with parchment or stack them in a pretty box tied with ribbon. You can even sprinkle crushed brittle on top of cupcakes or desserts to add texture and chocolatey crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and broken into pieces, store your Cornflake Chocolate Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This keeps it crisp and prevents moisture from making it soggy. It’s best to consume within a week for optimal freshness.
Freezing
If you want to keep your brittle longer, you can freeze it. Place the pieces in a freezer-safe airtight container with parchment paper between layers. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for 20–30 minutes—this helps retain that perfect crunch without condensation.
Reheating
This recipe is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If your brittle softens, simply pop it into the fridge for a short time, and it will firm right back up to its crunchy glory.
FAQs
Can I make the Cornflake Chocolate Brittle Recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the nuts or substitute them with your favorite dried fruits or seeds to keep it safe for nut allergies while maintaining a great texture.
What type of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate is ideal for its balance of sweetness and richness, but feel free to experiment with dark or white chocolate to discover your favorite twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most cornflakes contain gluten, so unless you find a certified gluten-free brand, this recipe is not gluten-free. Always check your cornflake packaging to be sure.
Can I use fresh nuts instead of toasted?
Toasting nuts brings out their flavor and enhances texture, but if you’re short on time, fresh nuts will still work—they just won’t have that same depth of flavor.
How long does the brittle keep its crunch?
Stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, this brittle stays crisp for up to a week. Keep it away from humidity to maintain its perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Cornflake Chocolate Brittle Recipe is a fantastic treat that combines simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s easy to make, irresistibly crunchy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute dessert or looking for a sweet snack to share with friends, this recipe is a total winner. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast — I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Cornflake Chocolate Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cornflake Chocolate Brittle is a delightful no-bake dessert that combines the crunch of lightly crushed cornflakes with rich semi-sweet chocolate and butterscotch, enhanced by toasted nuts. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for quick homemade candy or a crunchy chocolate bark variation, offering a sweet and satisfying snack or dessert option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cornflakes (lightly crushed)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup butterscotch chips (optional)
- ½ cup chopped toasted almonds or peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the brittle does not stick and to make cleanup easier.
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter. In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips (if using), and unsalted butter. Melt them together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Salt. Stir ¼ teaspoon of salt into the melted chocolate mixture to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
- Mix in Cornflakes and Nuts. Gently fold the lightly crushed cornflakes and chopped toasted almonds or peanuts into the melted chocolate mixture until the cornflakes and nuts are thoroughly coated.
- Spread the Mixture. Transfer the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly to about a ½ inch thickness for uniform setting.
- Add Topping and Chill. Optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt over the spread mixture for added texture and taste. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for about 1 hour or until the brittle is firm and set.
- Break and Serve. Once the brittle has set completely, break it into pieces of your desired size. Serve immediately or store the pieces in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
Notes
- You can substitute the toasted nuts with dried fruit or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
- Using white or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips offers a delicious variation.
- Store the brittle in the refrigerator to keep it crisp and extend shelf life.
