Christmas Cornflake Brittle is the kind of treat you make when your holiday to-do list is full, time is short, and you still want something that makes people light up when they take a bite. It’s crunchy, sweet, a little salty, and it comes together fast with pantry staples. If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen thinking, I need a crowd-pleaser and I need it now, this recipe is your new best friend. No oven, no fuss, and no fancy skills required. Just a pot, a bowl, and a bit of stirring. Ready to make your kitchen smell like caramel magic? Let’s do it.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cornflake Recipe
What makes this holiday snack such a repeat winner? It’s the balance of fast and festive. The texture is that perfect crackle that melts into sweet peanut butter flavor. The glossy finish looks special on a platter without begging for a piping bag or sprinkles. This is the kind of candy that disappears from the dessert table first, and there’s always one cousin quietly wrapping a few pieces to take home.
The Story Behind This Recipe
From my kitchen to yours—Deliciously Easy Christmas Cornflake Brittle Recipe mixes classic comfort with a cozy aroma. Tested, tasted, and ready for your table. Christmas Cornflake Brittle is the kind of treat you make when your holiday to-do list is full, time is short, and you still want something that…
If you’ve never tried it, think of it like a mash-up of peanut butter fudge and crunchy cereal bars. The syrup hugs every flake and sets into thin, brittle sheets you can snap apart. And here’s a bonus: this is a very forgiving recipe. If you can stir and pour, you can make it. I keep this in my back pocket for last-minute gatherings, neighbor gifts, and that inevitable moment when someone texts, Can you bring a dessert tonight?
Also, if you’re building out a holiday treat tray, this pairs beautifully with easy Christmas chocolate bark and a batch of marshmallow pops for the kids. They look festive together, and the textures play so well.
Bottom line: you’ll love how simple it is to make, how quickly it sets, and how happy everyone is to crunch into it. Even the picky ones go back for seconds. And yes, it absolutely counts as gifting if you sneak a few pieces into a tin lined with parchment.
Ingredients Needed for Cornflake Candy
These are straightforward ingredients you might already have. Measure before you start so the syrup doesn’t overcook while you dig around the pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed by hand for even coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural peanut butter can work if fully stirred)
- Pinch of salt for balance
- Optional: holiday sprinkles or flaky sea salt for finishing
Substitutions and swaps:
No peanut butter at home? Try sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Want more crunch? Mix in a handful of chopped salted peanuts. Crave more holiday sparkle? A quick dusting of sprinkles before it sets will do the trick. If you’d like something to contrast the sweetness on your snack board, consider adding a few squares of classic Christmas toffee too.
How to Make Christmas Cornflake Brittle
Prep your space first because once the syrup is ready, you’ll want to move fast. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Lightly grease a spatula to make spreading easier. Set your cornflakes in a large mixing bowl so they’re ready for the hot syrup.
Step 1: Warm the peanut butter
Place the peanut butter in a medium bowl and microwave it for 20 to 30 seconds. You don’t want it hot, just loosened and silky. This helps it blend smoothly when the syrup is ready.
Step 2: Make the syrup
In a medium pot, add the sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar looks dissolved and the mixture turns glossy. When it starts to bubble around the edges, let it simmer gently for 1 minute. No need to push for a specific temperature here. The key is to melt the sugar so it sets firm but not rock hard.
Take the pot off the heat and stir in the vanilla, then whisk in the warmed peanut butter until completely smooth and even.
Step 3: Coat the cornflakes
Pour the hot mixture over the cornflakes. Use a wide spatula to fold the cereal from the bottom up. You want every flake coated without crushing them into dust. It should look shiny and evenly covered. If a few pockets of flakes peek through, keep folding gently until it’s all sticky and golden.
Step 4: Spread, set, and snap
Scrape the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin, even layer. I aim for about a quarter inch thickness so it sets fast and breaks cleanly. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or sprinkles if you like. Let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Once firm, break into pieces with your hands or a butter knife.
That’s it. You just made a platter of pure joy with minimal dishes. If you’re serving with drinks, a chilled mistletoe margarita on the side is a fun match for the sweet and salty bite.
“I made this for a cookie swap and it vanished in ten minutes. Someone asked what bakery it came from, which made me laugh because it took me fifteen minutes start to finish.”
Cornflake Brittle Tips and Tricks
- Measure first. Have everything ready to go so the syrup doesn’t sit and thicken while you prep.
- Don’t crank the heat. Medium is your friend. It keeps the sugar smooth and prevents scorching.
- Warm the peanut butter. A quick zap makes it blend like a dream.
- Crush lightly. Gently crush the cornflakes in the bag with your hands. It helps coat evenly and makes cleaner snaps.
- Line the pan. Parchment or a silicone mat saves you from sticky cleanup.
- Work quickly. The mixture sets as it cools. Spread it fast for that thin brittle finish.
- Flavor twists. Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or add a handful of mini marshmallows for chewy pops. For a festive dessert board, pair with bright treats like red and green cookie bites or even fun cake pops from this Christmas cake pops guide.
- Make ahead. This holds well for several days in an airtight tin, which makes it perfect for gifting and party prep.
If you’re planning a spread, a little variety goes a long way. Stack your brittle pieces tall, tuck in a few peppermint candies, and scatter a handful of pretzels for extra crunch. It’s easy, it’s pretty, and it looks like you planned way more than you actually did.
Storing Leftover Christmas Cornflake Brittle
Let your brittle cool completely before storing, or else steam will sneak in and soften the crunch. Place pieces in an airtight container lined with parchment. If you’re stacking, add sheets of parchment between layers so nothing sticks together.
Room temperature storage is best for up to a week. If your kitchen runs warm, keep the container in a cool spot away from heat. You can refrigerate it, but it might pick up a little moisture. If that happens, lay pieces out on a sheet pan for a few minutes to crisp back up. Freezing works too. Freeze in layers with parchment, then thaw loosely covered on the counter. The texture will still be snappy and the flavor stays bright.
One more idea: pack a small tin of brittle with a couple of other treats like crispy sugar cookies or a tiny loaf from this cozy festive Christmas bread. People love a mix.
Common Questions
Can I make Christmas Cornflake Brittle without peanut butter?
Yes. Try sunflower seed butter for nut-free or almond butter for a different flavor. Make sure it’s well stirred and not too oily so the brittle sets firmly.
How thin should I spread it?
Aim for about a quarter inch. Thinner gives you a classic brittle snap. Thicker pieces will be chewier. Both are delicious, so do what you prefer.
Do I need a candy thermometer?
No. This recipe is simple and forgiving. Simmer the syrup for about a minute after it starts bubbling, just until it looks smooth and glossy. That’s enough to set the candy.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a bigger pot and two lined baking sheets. Spread quickly because a larger batch cools fast. If you’re new to it, try a single batch first to get a feel for the texture and timing.
How do I keep it from sticking to my hands?
Lightly grease your spatula and hands with a tiny bit of neutral oil. It makes spreading neat and easy, and the top will stay smooth.
A Sweet Little Tradition to Share
This brittle looks fancy, tastes nostalgic, and takes less time than a grocery run during peak holiday hours. With a few basic pantry ingredients and a little stirring, you get a tray of crunchy, glossy candy that everyone recognizes and loves. It’s the perfect add-on to cookie boxes, potlucks, and cozy movie nights, and it fits right in with other holiday classics on your table.
Want more ideas kids will cheer for? Check out this take on Christmas Cornflake Brittle That Kids Love and another simple version from Christmas Cornflake Brittle – The Cookin Chicks. If you make a batch, I’d love to hear how it turned out and what twists you tried. Happy cooking and happy crunching.
Christmas Cornflake Brittle
Ingredients
Method
- Prep your space first. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Lightly grease a spatula to make spreading easier. Set the cornflakes in a large mixing bowl.
- Warm the peanut butter in a medium bowl in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until loosened.
- In a medium pot, add the sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer gently for 1 minute when it starts bubbling.
- Take off the heat and stir in the vanilla, then whisk in the warmed peanut butter until completely smooth.
- Pour the hot mixture over the cornflakes. Use a wide spatula to fold the cereal until coated.
- Scrape the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin, even layer about a quarter inch thick.
- If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or sprinkles. Let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour until firm.
- Break into pieces with your hands or a butter knife.
