Cornflake Brownies Recipe

The Crunchiest Cornflake Brownies Recipe Ever Made

Sweet chocolate meets crunchy cornflake brownies in a decadent dessert that promises pure indulgence.

The unexpected texture of cornflakes adds a delightful crunch to rich, fudgy brownies.

Layers of deep chocolate flavor mingle with crispy cereal fragments for an irresistible treat.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance between smooth chocolate and golden cornflake edges.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive dessert.

These brownies transform an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of delicious contrasts.

One taste will have everyone asking for seconds, so prepare to wow your crowd with this crowd-pleasing chocolate sensation.

Storing Cornflake Brownies Simply

  • Keep brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain fresh and moist. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their rich chocolate flavor and crunchy cornflake topping.
  • Store covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if you prefer a softer texture. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent caramel from melting.
  • Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let them defrost naturally at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve their original texture and taste.

FAQs

  • Why are cornflakes used in this brownie recipe?

Cornflakes add a delightful crunch and textural contrast to the rich, fudgy brownie base, creating an exciting sensory experience with every bite.

  • How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs when inserted – this indicates the brownies are cooked but still deliciously moist and fudgy.

  • Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Dark chocolate provides a deeper, more intense flavor that complements the caramel and cornflakes. Milk chocolate might make the brownies too sweet and less complex in taste.

Cornflake Brownies Sweet Benefits

  • Crunch Into Comfort: Elevate your classic brownie experience with an irresistible cornflake topping that adds a satisfying, crispy texture to every bite.
  • Master Gourmet Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, without requiring advanced baking skills.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Creativity: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and dessert parties, these brownies offer a unique twist that will surprise and delight guests with their unexpected combination of rich chocolate and crunchy cornflakes.
  • Sweet Versatility: Equally impressive as a make-ahead dessert or a spontaneous treat, these brownies can be prepared in advance and stored easily, making them ideal for busy home bakers who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed for Cornflake Brownies

Brownie Base Ingredients:
  • Dark Chocolate: A rich, intense chocolate that provides deep flavor and smooth texture to the brownies.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, moist brownie base.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the dense, fudgy brownie texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help create a light, airy brownie structure.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and body to the brownie base.
  • Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor and deepens the brownie's color.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
Cornflake Layer Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: Forms the base of the caramel with a golden, sweet flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth caramel sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides creaminess and helps stabilize the caramel mixture.
  • Salt: Enhances the caramel's flavor and balances its sweetness.
Crunchy Topping:
  • Cornflakes: Adds a delightful crispy texture and contrasts with the soft brownie base.

How to Make Cornflake Brownies from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 180°C (356°F).

Grab your baking tin and give it a light coating of grease, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate Magic

Create a silky chocolate base by melting:
  • Dark chocolate
  • Butter

Use low heat and stir until everything transforms into a smooth, glossy mixture.

Let it cool down for a few moments.

Step 3: Whip Up Egg Excitement

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Eggs
  • Brown sugar
  • White granulated sugar

Whisk energetically until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, almost doubling in volume.

Step 4: Marry Chocolate And Eggs

Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.

Gently whisk until perfectly combined.

Step 5: Create Brownie Batter

Softly fold in:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt

Mix just until a smooth, decadent batter forms.

Step 6: Bake The Brownie Base

Transfer batter to the prepared tin.

Bake for 35-40 minutes.

The brownies are ready when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Craft Caramel Crunch

In a non-stick pot, slowly melt sugar in four batches over medium heat.

Stir constantly until it turns a beautiful amber color.

Step 8: Build Caramel Layers

Remove from heat and stir in butter smoothly.

Add warm cream while mixing continuously.

Step 9: Create Cornflake Coating

Return to heat for 2 minutes to slightly thicken the caramel.

Sprinkle in salt and fold cornflakes until evenly coated.

Step 10: Assemble The Masterpiece

After brownies cool for 10 minutes, spread the crunchy cornflake mixture across the top.

Step 11: Set And Chill

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let everything set perfectly.

Step 12: Slice And Serve

Remove from tin, cut into delightful squares, and enjoy your crunchy chocolate creation!

Tips for Perfect Cornflake Brownies Every Time

  • Use high-percentage dark chocolate for rich, intense flavor that elevates the brownie's depth and complexity.
  • Watch sugar carefully when melting to prevent burning, aiming for a golden amber color that ensures perfect caramel texture.
  • Whip eggs and sugars thoroughly until mixture becomes pale and fluffy, creating a lighter, more aerated brownie base.
  • Gently fold dry ingredients into chocolate mixture to maintain a tender, soft brownie texture without developing tough gluten.
  • Allow brownies to set completely in refrigerator, which helps solidify layers and intensifies flavor development.

Cornflake Brownies Fresh Flavor Twists

  • Gluten-Free Cornflake Brownies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a similar texture and rich chocolate taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Chocolate Cornflake Treats: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free dark chocolate, and coconut cream instead of regular cream for a plant-based version that maintains the decadent flavor profile.
  • No-Refined-Sugar Version: Substitute brown and white sugars with coconut sugar or maple syrup, creating a naturally sweetened brownie that reduces processed sugar intake while keeping the indulgent essence.
  • Nut-Infused Cornflake Brownies: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the cornflake caramel layer for extra crunch and nutty depth, introducing a complementary texture and flavor enhancement.

Ideas for Serving Cornflake Brownies

  • Crunchy Caramel Companion: Pair these decadent brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
  • Coffeehouse Delight: Serve alongside a rich espresso or cappuccino to complement the deep chocolate and caramel notes of the brownie.
  • Sweet and Salty Celebration: Sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top right before serving to enhance the caramel's complexity and add a gourmet touch.
  • Party Presentation: Cut into smaller bite-sized squares for elegant dessert platters or potluck gatherings, making them easy to share and enjoy.
Print
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Cornflake Brownies Recipe

Cornflake Brownies Recipe


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4.5 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Crispy cornflake brownies blend rich chocolate with crunchy cereal for an irresistible dessert. Sweet meets salty in this delightful treat that will make chocolate lovers swoon and crave another bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 5 eggs
  • 225 grams (8 ounces) unsalted butter
  • 140 grams (5 ounces) dark chocolate
  • 180 grams (6.3 ounces) brown sugar
  • 180 grams (6.3 ounces) granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients:

  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) plain flour
  • 50 grams (1.8 ounces) cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 220 grams (7.8 ounces) cornflakes
  • 480 grams (16.9 ounces) granulated sugar

Liquid and Creamy Ingredients:

  • 300 milliliters (10.1 fluid ounces) double cream, warm
  • 150 grams (5.3 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt, adjustable to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 180°C and lining a 9×12 inch baking tin with parchment paper and a light grease.
  2. Create the chocolate base by gently melting dark chocolate and butter together over medium heat until smooth and glossy. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whip eggs with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes pale and significantly increases in volume, creating a light and airy texture.
  4. Gradually incorporate the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking carefully to ensure a uniform blend without deflating the eggs.
  5. Gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing just until a consistent batter forms without overmixing.
  6. Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared tin, spreading evenly, and bake for 35-40 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted reveals a few moist crumbs.
  7. Prepare the caramel by slowly melting sugar in a non-stick pot over medium heat, adding in gradual batches and stirring constantly until it transforms into a rich amber color.
  8. Remove the caramel from heat and carefully incorporate butter in two stages, stirring until completely smooth and integrated.
  9. Slowly stream warm cream into the caramel while continuously mixing to create a silky consistency.
  10. Return the caramel to medium heat and simmer for approximately 2 minutes to develop a slightly thicker texture.
  11. Take the caramel off the heat, season with salt, and fold in cornflakes until they are thoroughly and evenly coated.
  12. After the brownies have cooled for about 10 minutes, spread the cornflake mixture across the surface in an even layer.
  13. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow complete setting and flavor melding.
  14. When ready to serve, remove from the tin, slice into square portions, and present for enjoyment.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content to enhance the rich, deep brownie flavor and provide a more intense chocolate experience.
  • Whip eggs and sugars thoroughly until they become pale and fluffy, creating a lighter, more aerated brownie texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly before combining with eggs to prevent scrambling and maintain a smooth, silky batter consistency.
  • Use a spatula to gently fold dry ingredients, avoiding overmixing which can lead to tough, dense brownies with a less tender crumb.
  • Test brownies for doneness by inserting a toothpick – a few moist crumbs are perfect, indicating a fudgy, soft center that’s not overbaked.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 478
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Sodium: 0.4 g
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 63 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 139 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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