These No Bake Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. With creamy peanut butter binding crispy cornflakes and a hint of honey, every bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. Best of all, they come together in just 45 minutes—no oven required!
Packed with 5g of protein and a touch of natural sweetness, these bars are as wholesome as they are indulgent. The rich, nutty aroma and golden clusters make them irresistible, whether you’re snacking or sharing. Perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings, they’re a quick, delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter (smooth works too, but crunchy adds texture)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- ½ cup corn syrup (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- 3 cups corn flakes, crushed (measure before crushing for accuracy)
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet chocolate can be used for a richer taste)
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars
- Prepare the base: In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to boil. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add peanut butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the peanut butter until fully melted and smooth.
- Mix in corn flakes: Gently fold in the crushed corn flakes until evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture to a greased 8″x11″ pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it firmly into an even layer.
- Melt chocolate: Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval, until fully melted and smooth.
- Top with chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Cool and set: Let the bars cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm, about 1-2 hours. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Creative Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Bars
While the melted chocolate topping is delicious on its own, you can take your No Bake Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars to the next level with a few fun additions. Try sprinkling crushed peanuts or mini marshmallows over the melted chocolate for extra texture. For a salty-sweet twist, add a light sprinkle of sea salt before the chocolate sets. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle caramel sauce or white chocolate over the top for a decadent finish.
How to Store and Keep Your Bars Fresh
These bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Quick Tips for Perfect No-Bake Bars
To save time, use a pre-crushed cornflake cereal or crush the cornflakes in a sealed bag with a rolling pin. When melting the chocolate chips, stir between each 30-second interval to avoid burning. For easier cutting, let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife dipped in warm water. If the mixture feels too sticky when pressing into the pan, lightly grease your hands or use a piece of parchment paper to press it down evenly.
Fun Recipe Variations to Try
Customize your bars to suit your taste! Swap out the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile. You can also replace the cornflakes with rice cereal or oats for a chewier texture. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. Add a handful of mini M&Ms or dried fruit to the mixture for a pop of color and sweetness.
No Bake Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 3 cups corn flakes, crushed
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Heat sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to boil, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and add in the peanut butter. Stir until it has melted.
- Stir in crushed corn flakes.
- Press mixture into a greased 8″x 11″ pan.
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl in 30-second increments until melted.
- Stir chocolate until smooth and spread on top of the peanut butter mixture.
- Let cool until firm.