When it comes to holiday treats, few things are as irresistibly crunchy and sweet as Cornflake Christmas Crack. This festive snack combines the rich flavors of buttery caramel, chocolate, and crispy cornflakes, creating a delicious bite that is sure to become a holiday favorite. Known for its satisfying crunch and sweet-and-salty combination, Cornflake Christmas Crack is a perfect addition to any holiday gathering, cookie tray, or gift basket. It’s simple to make, and best of all, it requires just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute treat or a new holiday tradition, this recipe will definitely be a hit!

Ingredients

To create Cornflake Christmas Crack, gather the following ingredients. Each element adds its own distinct flavor and texture, making the final result a well-balanced snack.

For the Base:

5 cups cornflakes (crispy and unsweetened)
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup light corn syrup (or honey as an alternative)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor depth)

For the Chocolate Topping:

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter option)
1/4 cup peanut butter (optional for added creaminess and flavor)

Instructions

Making Cornflake Christmas Crack is a fun and easy process. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you create this delightful treat:

Step 1: Prepare the Cornflake Base

Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will make removing the crack later a lot easier. Next, add the 5 cups of cornflakes into a large mixing bowl, ensuring that the cornflakes are evenly distributed and not crushed.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add the 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup of light corn syrup. Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes while stirring occasionally, ensuring that the caramel sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Once the sauce is ready, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will enhance the flavor and add a delightful aroma to your caramel. Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the cornflakes, making sure to coat all the cornflakes evenly. Stir gently to mix the caramel into the cornflakes without crushing them.

Step 3: Spread the Mixture in the Pan

Once the cornflakes are well-coated with the caramel sauce, pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Using a spatula, gently press the mixture into an even layer. Don’t press too hard; you want to maintain the crispy texture of the cornflakes.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping

While the cornflake base is cooling, it’s time to prepare the chocolate topping. In a heatproof bowl, combine the 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of peanut butter (if using). Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The peanut butter adds a creamy texture and a subtle richness to the chocolate, but it’s optional if you prefer a pure chocolate topping.

Once the chocolate mixture is fully melted, pour it evenly over the cooled cornflake layer. Use a spatula to gently spread the chocolate over the entire surface, ensuring it completely covers the cornflakes.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the pan in the refrigerator to allow the chocolate and caramel to set. This process typically takes about 1-2 hours. Once the chocolate is firm and the caramel has cooled, you can easily cut the Cornflake Christmas Crack into squares or bars.

Conservation and Storage

Cornflake Christmas Crack is easy to store and can be kept for several days, making it an excellent make-ahead treat for the holidays.

Room Temperature Storage: Store the Cornflake Christmas Crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. It will stay crunchy and fresh.
Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or simply prefer a firmer chocolate topping, you can store the Cornflake Crack in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: If you want to keep the Christmas Crack longer, you can freeze it. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. The Cornflake Crack will keep for up to 1-2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Variations

Cornflake Christmas Crack is wonderfully versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

1. Nutty Christmas Crack

Add chopped nuts to the base for extra crunch and flavor. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds all make great additions. Simply fold 1/2 cup of chopped nuts into the cornflake mixture before pressing it into the pan.

2. Peanut Butter Twist

For those who love peanut butter, increase the amount of peanut butter in the chocolate topping. You can also drizzle some peanut butter over the top of the chocolate before it sets for a marbled effect.

3. White Chocolate Version

For a sweeter variation, substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips. This creates a lighter, creamier texture and a more delicate flavor profile.

4. Mint Chocolate Christmas Crack

Add a festive touch with mint flavoring. Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract into the chocolate mixture, or use mint chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips for a refreshing holiday twist.

5. Gluten-Free Option

Cornflakes are typically gluten-free, but it’s important to check the packaging to ensure that the cornflakes you choose are certified gluten-free. You can also experiment with other gluten-free cereals if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

Cornflake Christmas Crack is a great holiday snack, but there are plenty of fun ways to serve it to guests and incorporate it into your holiday celebrations.

1. Giftable Treat

Pack the Cornflake Christmas Crack into festive tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a lovely homemade gift. This treat makes for a great stocking stuffer or holiday party favor.

2. Holiday Dessert Table

Serve the Cornflake Christmas Crack on a holiday dessert table along with other treats like cookies, fudge, and chocolate truffles. It’s a fun addition to any spread.

3. Snack for Movie Night

Perfect for cozy nights at home, Cornflake Christmas Crack can be served as a crunchy, indulgent snack for movie marathons or family gatherings.

4. Ice Cream Topping

Crush the Cornflake Crack into smaller pieces and use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. The combination of chocolate and crunch is the perfect complement to a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.

Conclusion

Cornflake Christmas Crack is a simple, yet delicious holiday treat that is guaranteed to impress. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a sweet, salty, and crunchy snack that’s perfect for the holidays. The versatility of this recipe means you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore different variations, Cornflake Christmas Crack is a must-try treat that will quickly become a holiday favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this irresistible snack with friends and family, and savor the sweet crunch of the season!

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Cornflake Christmas Crack: A Sweet and Crunchy Holiday Treat

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 1-2 hours chilling)
Yield: 16–24 squares (depending on size) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cornflake Christmas Crack is a crunchy, sweet, and salty holiday treat that combines buttery caramel, rich chocolate, and crispy cornflakes. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, it’s a perfect addition to holiday gatherings, dessert tables, or gift baskets. This recipe will quickly become a favorite festive snack!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:

5 cups cornflakes (crispy and unsweetened)

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

1 cup brown sugar (packed)

1/2 cup light corn syrup (or honey as an alternative)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor depth)

For the Chocolate Topping:

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter option)

1/4 cup peanut butter (optional for added creaminess and flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cornflake Base

Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy removal. Place 5 cups of cornflakes into a large mixing bowl, ensuring the cornflakes stay crisp and aren’t crushed.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of light corn syrup. Stir the mixture together and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken and become glossy.

Once the caramel sauce is ready, remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the cornflakes, coating them evenly. Stir gently to combine without crushing the cornflakes.

Step 3: Spread the Mixture in the Pan

Transfer the caramel-coated cornflakes into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Using a spatula, gently press the mixture into an even layer, maintaining the crispy texture of the cornflakes.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping

In a heatproof bowl, combine 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of peanut butter (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. The peanut butter adds richness and creaminess, but you can skip it if you prefer pure chocolate.

Once the chocolate mixture is smooth, pour it evenly over the cooled cornflake base, and use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm and the caramel has cooled. Once set, cut the Cornflake Christmas Crack into squares or bars.

Notes

For extra texture and flavor, you can add chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts to the cornflake mixture before pressing it into the pan.

If you prefer a sweeter version, substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips or add an extra layer of white chocolate.

Peanut butter can be omitted if you want a classic chocolate topping. However, it adds a creamy texture and depth of flavor if you enjoy peanut butter with chocolate.

To make it gluten-free, check that your cornflakes are certified gluten-free, or use another gluten-free cereal.