Crunchy Peanut Butter Corn Flake Treats
Indulge in these delightful Crunchy Peanut Butter Corn Flake Treats, a perfect blend of sweet and crunchy that will satisfy your cravings! This easy-to-make candy combines the wholesome goodness of corn flakes with the rich flavor of smooth peanut butter, making it a delicious treat for any occasion. Perfect for sharing at parties, pack in lunch boxes, or enjoy as a sweet snack at home. Bring people together with this nostalgic, no-bake recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
30
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn Flakes
8 cups (Uncrushed)
Granulated Sugar
1 1/2 cups (Granulated)
Light Corn Syrup
1 1/2 cups (Liquid)
Smooth Peanut Butter
2 cups (Creamy)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup over medium heat.
2
Stir the mixture constantly until it comes to a rolling boil.
3
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the smooth peanut butter, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
4
In a large mixing bowl, add the corn flakes and pour the peanut butter mixture over them. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon until the corn flakes are evenly coated.
5
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto sheets of wax paper, shaping them into clusters as desired.
6
Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature until firm, usually about 30 minutes to an hour.
7
Once set, store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crunchy Peanut Butter Corn Flake Treats?
They are a nostalgic, no-bake candy treat made from a blend of corn flakes, smooth peanut butter, sugar, and corn syrup.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes approximately 30 individual treats.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The ingredients are 8 cups of corn flakes, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups of light corn syrup, and 2 cups of smooth peanut butter.
Should the corn flakes be crushed for this recipe?
No, the corn flakes should be used uncrushed to maintain the signature crunchy texture of the treats.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can substitute smooth peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter if you prefer extra bits of peanuts in your treats.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this is a completely no-bake recipe that only requires a stovetop for the syrup mixture.
How long does it take for the treats to set?
The treats usually take between 30 minutes to an hour to cool completely and become firm at room temperature.
How should I store these peanut butter treats?
Store the set treats in an airtight container at room temperature.
How long will these treats stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will last for up to one week.
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
Yes, you can use dark corn syrup, though it will give the treats a slightly deeper, more molasses-like flavor.
What heat setting should I use for the sugar mixture?
You should use medium heat to combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup.
Do I need to boil the sugar and syrup mixture?
Yes, you must stir the mixture constantly until it comes to a rolling boil before adding the peanut butter.
How do I shape the corn flake treats?
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the coated mixture onto sheets of wax paper.
Are these treats suitable for gluten-free diets?
They are gluten-free only if you use certified gluten-free corn flakes, as many standard brands contain malt flavoring derived from barley.
Can I make these in the microwave?
While the stovetop is recommended for better control, you can melt the sugar and syrup in the microwave in intervals until they boil.
What can I do if the mixture is too sticky to scoop?
You can lightly grease your spoon or scoop with a bit of butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the top once they are set or mix in chocolate chips after the cereal is coated.
Is it okay to use honey instead of corn syrup?
Honey can be used as a substitute, but it will result in a different flavor and the treats may be slightly softer.
What size saucepan is best for this recipe?
A large saucepan is best to ensure you have enough room for the sugar mixture to boil safely.
Why did my treats turn out too hard to bite?
If the sugar and syrup mixture is boiled for too long after reaching a rolling boil, the candy base will become very hard.
Why are my treats falling apart or too soft?
This usually happens if the sugar and syrup mixture did not reach a full rolling boil before the peanut butter was added.
Can I use a different cereal besides corn flakes?
Yes, you can use crispy rice cereal or even oat circles, though the texture and volume may vary.
Should I use salted or unsalted peanut butter?
Either works well. Salted peanut butter provides a nice contrast to the sweet syrup, while unsalted results in a milder flavor.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the mix?
Yes, feel free to fold in a half cup of peanuts, raisins, or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.
Do I need to grease the wax paper?
No, the treats should release easily from wax paper once they have cooled and set.
Can these treats be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months; just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Is this a good recipe for kids to help with?
Yes, kids can help with measuring ingredients and scooping the treats, but adults should handle the hot boiling syrup.
What kind of granulated sugar should I use?
Standard white granulated sugar is required for this recipe to ensure the proper texture.
Can I make these treats less sweet?
You can slightly reduce the sugar, but be careful as the sugar and syrup ratio is important for the treats to hold their shape.
What occasions are these treats best for?
They are perfect for parties, school lunches, bake sales, or as a simple sweet snack for the family.