If you’re looking for a blissfully crunchy, chocolatey treat that begs to be shared with friends—or hidden in the back of your pantry (just me?)—Cornflake Chocolate Brittle is the answer. This deeply addictive no-bake snack combines crisp, golden cornflakes and a rich, glossy layer of melted chocolate, resulting in a dessert that’s both nostalgic and completely irresistible. Best of all, it requires only a handful of pantry staples and comes together in under half an hour—no candy thermometer or baking required! Whether you’re making it for a holiday platter, an after-school nibble, or a midnight snack, this Cornflake Chocolate Brittle is destined to become one of your favorite homemade treats.

Cornflake Chocolate Brittle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a short list of common ingredients comes together for a treat this special. Each component of Cornflake Chocolate Brittle adds its own magic, from the base crunch to the chocolatey finish—so a little attention to each one goes a long way!

Cornflake cereal: The hero of this brittle, cornflakes provide the satisfying crunch and a subtle, toasty flavor. Lightly crushing them helps the syrup and chocolate cling to every piece.
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips: Using high-quality chips gives you a rich, luscious chocolate layer. Go with dark chocolate for extra depth, or opt for semi-sweet if you prefer a classic flavor balance.
Butter: This adds richness and carries the flavors, helping the syrup come together silky-smooth.
Light corn syrup: Essential for that signature chewy snap, corn syrup keeps the brittle from turning grainy.
Granulated sugar: The sweetness that binds it all—this caramelizes in the syrup for a golden finish.
Vanilla extract: Just a little vanilla boosts the overall flavor and adds a warm, bakery-fresh aroma.
Pinch of salt: Never skip it! Salt sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Sea salt flakes (optional): A final sprinkle adds gourmet flair and brings out the best in the chocolate.

How to Make Cornflake Chocolate Brittle

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Crush Cornflakes

Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, this will save you so much cleanup later and makes lifting the brittle a breeze! Pour the cornflakes into a large bowl, then gently crush them with your hands—just enough to break them into smaller bites, not powder. Smaller pieces help the syrup coat everything more evenly and ensure every bit is packed with layered crunch.

Step 2: Make the Sticky Syrup

Add the butter, corn syrup, and sugar to a saucepan. Heat everything gently over medium, stirring non-stop as it comes to a cozy bubble. When it starts boiling, keep stirring and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes. The goal is a syrup that’s thick, glossy, and golden—don’t wander away, as it can bubble up quickly! Once it’s looking perfect, pull the pan off the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and that pinch of salt. The fragrance at this stage is absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Coat the Cornflakes

Without dawdling, pour the hot syrup all over your bowl of crushed cornflakes. Working quickly, mix everything together to coat each flake with that amber syrup. It can get sticky, but that’s part of the fun. Don’t worry if everything’s not perfectly coated—a few rustic bits give the Cornflake Chocolate Brittle wonderful character.

Step 4: Spread and Top with Chocolate

Tip the sticky cornflake mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer using a spatula or your hands (greased, if you like). While the mixture is still warm, scatter the chocolate chips over the top. Wait a minute or two until the heat softens them, then use a spatula to smooth the melted chocolate into a glossy, marbled layer. If you love salty-sweet combos, now’s the time to sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top.

Step 5: Cool, Break, and Serve

Let the chocolate-topped brittle cool at room temperature or pop the pan in the fridge if you’re in a hurry. Once everything has set and hardened, break the Cornflake Chocolate Brittle into deliciously jagged pieces. It’s ready to share—or squirrel away for later!

How to Serve Cornflake Chocolate Brittle

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of sea salt flakes just before the chocolate sets is a game-changer, highlighting the sweet and cocoa notes. For a festive look, try adding a handful of chopped toasted nuts, candied ginger, or even a drizzle of white chocolate over the top. If you’re making Cornflake Chocolate Brittle for a gathering, edible gold dust or colorful sprinkles make it instantly party-ready!

Side Dishes

Cornflake Chocolate Brittle pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream, adding a playful crunch to every bite. For a retro dessert plate, serve it alongside seasonal fruit or a swirl of whipped cream. It’s also right at home with coffee, tea, or even a chilled glass of milk for instant comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Break the brittle into big, rustic shards and pile them high on a cake stand for a dramatic effect, or package smaller pieces in clear bags with ribbon for gifting. You can even crumble Cornflake Chocolate Brittle over parfaits, yogurt, or cupcakes for an unexpected crunchy twist. Set out bowls at a party for an irresistible snackable nibble—watch it disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the Cornflake Chocolate Brittle has cooled and set, transfer the pieces to an airtight container. Tucked away at room temperature, it will stay crisp and delicious for up to a week. Just make sure to keep it out of humid spots, as moisture can make it lose that signature snap.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, you can absolutely freeze Cornflake Chocolate Brittle. Layer the pieces between parchment in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes—good as new!

Reheating

Brittle doesn’t really need reheating, but if it gets too cold or seems a bit firm straight from the fridge or freezer, just let it warm up to room temperature for that perfect snappy texture. Microwaving isn’t recommended, as it can melt the chocolate and make the syrup sticky again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While classic cornflakes give the best crunch and flavor for Cornflake Chocolate Brittle, you can experiment with rice cereal or even bran flakes. Each swap changes the texture and taste a bit but keeps the recipe fun and flexible.

Is it possible to make Cornflake Chocolate Brittle gluten-free?

Yes—just make sure to use certified gluten-free cornflakes and double-check your other ingredients for hidden gluten sources. The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free apart from the cereal, so it’s easy to adapt for special diets.

What chocolate works best in this recipe?

Both dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips melt beautifully and give a rich layer on top. You can also use milk or white chocolate for a different twist, or even mix chocolates for a marbled effect. The key is to use a chocolate you love, since it’s a starring flavor in Cornflake Chocolate Brittle!

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Definitely—stir in a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit with the coated cornflakes before spreading the mixture onto your pan. Toasted almonds, pecans, or dried cranberries all work wonderfully and add new flavor notes.

How do I keep the chocolate layer smooth and shiny?

Allow the chips to sit on the warm brittle long enough to melt fully before spreading, and use a gentle hand with your spatula. If you want a glossy finish, you can temper the chocolate first, but it isn’t necessary for this homey treat. The chocolate will set beautifully as is!

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to whip up a batch of Cornflake Chocolate Brittle soon—it’s simple, lightning-fast, and downright addictive. Whether you keep it all for yourself or share with friends and family, each crunchy, chocolatey bite promises pure joy. Happy snacking!

Cornflake Chocolate Brittle Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus cooling time)
Yield: 20 pieces 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful treat combining the crunch of cornflakes with the richness of chocolate, this Cornflake Chocolate Brittle is a simple and satisfying dessert that you can whip up in no time.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornflake Brittle:

2 cups cornflake cereal

Chocolate Layer:

1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
¼ cup butter
¼ cup light corn syrup
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: sea salt flakes for topping

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Cornflake Brittle: Crush cornflakes and spread on the baking sheet.
Make Syrup Mixture: In a saucepan, cook butter, corn syrup, and sugar until thickened.
Add Flavors: Stir in vanilla extract and salt, then pour over cornflakes.
Add Chocolate Layer: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm brittle and spread evenly.
Set and Serve: Let cool, break into pieces, and enjoy!