Name: Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 level cups cornflake cereal; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 12 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

There’s something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about a crunchy, chocolaty treat like this Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe. The combination of buttery, caramelized cornflakes with a smooth chocolate coating makes it such a fun and satisfying snack to whip up anytime you want something sweet with texture and a bit of homemade charm.

The image shows chocolate-covered treats on a baking sheet with parchment paper. The main focus is on one piece broken in half, revealing three layers: a rough orange-colored inside, a thick dark brown layer of chocolate coating, and a thin crunchy outer shell around the orange part. The broken treat pieces have a slightly bumpy texture and the chocolate looks smooth and shiny. Around the main piece, there are more chocolate-covered treats, some blurry in the background. The surface under the sheet has a white and red checkered cloth, on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore how quickly you can come together this Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe with basic pantry staples and still end up with an irresistible bite. It feels like a treat but requires surprisingly little fuss.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything at home for this crunchy, chocolatey delight.
Quick to Make: You’ll be enjoying these lovely crackles in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Perfect Texture: A fantastic mix of crispy cornflakes coated in buttery caramel and smooth, melting chocolate.
Fun to Customize: Add your own twists like nuts, dried fruit, or sprinkles for seasonal flair or special occasions.

A close-up view of a small chocolate-covered treat held between a woman's thumb and forefinger. The treat has two layers: a thick dark brown chocolate outer layer with a rough texture and a golden yellow crumbly inner layer that looks soft and moist. In the background, there are more similar treats on a baking tray with parchment paper, all blurred out. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All these ingredients marry perfectly to create the rich, sweet, and crunchy vibe you want in a Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe. Here’s a quick peek at each key player and why they matter:

Flat lay of a small pile of golden cornflake cereal, a stick of unsalted butter with a smooth surface, a small white bowl filled with packed brown sugar, a small white bowl holding clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl containing fine salt crystals, a handful of semisweet chocolate chunks with a glossy texture, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cornflake cereal: The base of the crackle, giving you that crisp, airy texture perfect for snapping up chocolate coating.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the sugar melt smoothly without overpowering the mix.
Brown sugar: For that deep caramel flavor that transforms simple cornflakes into something special.
Vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and aroma that rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sugar and enhance flavors — don’t skip this part!
Semisweet chocolate: The perfect coating that hardens with a glossy finish and adds a wonderful bittersweet contrast.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe is how versatile it is. I like to mix things up or adapt it for holidays, but the base recipe is a winner every time.

Variation: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or hazelnuts into the mixture before baking for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor boost — it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Dietary tweak: For dairy-free, swap the butter with coconut oil and pick a dairy-free chocolate—works surprisingly well.
Flavor twist: Adding a touch of cinnamon or chili powder to the caramel mix can bring some unexpected warmth that makes this treat even more special.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe

Step 1: Prep your pan and cornflakes

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the cornflakes evenly on the pan—it’s key to have an even layer so they bake uniformly and get that irresistible crunch.

Step 2: Make the caramel coating

On medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar in a saucepan, stirring constantly. Once melted, keep stirring for another 1–2 minutes to help the sugars caramelize lightly without burning. Then, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt. This part smells so heavenly—it’s the caramel magic that makes the crackles addictive.

Step 3: Coat the cornflakes and bake

Pour your caramel mixture over the cornflakes, gently stirring to coat evenly—take care here, so you don’t crush the flakes. Use a spoon or rubber spatula to press the coated cornflakes into a neat rectangle. Bake for 5 minutes, then press them gently with your spatula to help them stick together. Bake for another 5 minutes. This baking step helps everything crisp up beautifully.

Step 4: Cool and break into chunks

Let the cornflake crackle cool completely on the sheet. Once cool, break it into your favorite bite-sized chunks—this is the fun part, almost like making edible confetti!

Step 5: Dip in chocolate and let set

Gently melt the semisweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth and glossy. Dip each cornflake chunk into the chocolate, fully coating it, then shake off the excess. Place them back on parchment and let the chocolate set. If you want, sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt on top of the warm chocolate—it really makes the flavors pop!

Top Tip

Through my many batches of this Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe, I discovered a few nuggets that really help it turn out perfectly every time:

Even Coating: When mixing the caramel with cornflakes, gently fold rather than stir vigorously to keep those flakes intact and crunchy.
Chocolate Melting: Take your time melting the chocolate—stir after each short interval to avoid burning and ensure a smooth texture.
Pressing Cornflakes: Pressing the flakes firmly before baking helps them stick together without becoming soggy—just gentle enough!
Cooling Time: Allow crackles to cool completely before breaking to prevent crumbling and help clean chunks.

How to Serve Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe

chocolate cornflake treats - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the chocolate just before it sets; it adds a lovely contrast that stops these treats from feeling overly sweet. Sometimes, I’ll dust them lightly with powdered sugar or toss on some edible glitter for festive occasions.

Side Dishes

These crackles pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. Around the holidays, I serve them alongside other treats like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark to keep things festive and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve placed the Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe chunks in pretty glass jars tied with ribbon, or arranged them on tiered serving trays with fresh berries and mint leaves. They also make great edible gifts when wrapped in cellophane and tied with a bow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature; they keep their crunch for up to a week. Just keep them out of humid environments to avoid sogginess. I've found layering parchment paper between layers of crackles keeps them from sticking together.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to stash some for later. I wrap individual chunks in wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving to regain that perfect texture.

Reheating

Technically, you don’t need to reheat these since they’re perfect as-is, but if you want melty chocolate, a few seconds in the microwave (10-15 seconds) softens the coating nicely without losing the crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cereals besides cornflakes for this recipe?

Yes! While cornflakes provide the best classic crunch and structure for the crackles, you can experiment with rice cereal or crisped wheat. Just keep in mind that different cereals have varying textures and may absorb the caramel differently, affecting the final crispness.

How do I prevent the chocolate from melting and sticking to my fingers?

To avoid messy fingers, ensure the chocolate is fully set before handling the crackles. You can chill them in the fridge for about 10 minutes after dipping. Also, dipping the chunks quickly and tapping off excess chocolate helps achieve a thinner coating that sets faster.

Can I make this recipe ahead for holiday parties?

Absolutely. This Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe stores wonderfully at room temperature for several days, and even freezes well. Prepare it a day or two ahead, and store in airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy, making it an excellent make-ahead treat for gatherings.

What type of chocolate works best for coating?

Semisweet chocolate is my go-to because it balances sweetness with a slight bitterness that complements the caramel and cornflakes perfectly. However, you can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter touch or dark chocolate for a richer flavor—just choose chocolate with a minimum of 60% cacao for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate-Coated Cornflake Crackle Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a quick, budget-friendly way to make something that feels like a real treat. Every time I make it, the crunch and chocolate combo brings a smile to my face—and I’m betting you’ll feel just the same. Try it next time you want an uncomplicated, joyous sweet snack that’s a little bit nostalgic and a whole lot delicious!