If you’re craving a treat that’s both nostalgic and bursting with peanut buttery goodness, look no further than this Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars Recipe. With just five simple ingredients, it strikes the perfect balance of crunchy cornflakes and chewy, sweet peanut butter that’s guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re packing a snack for the kids or need a quick dessert that’ll impress, these bars are as easy to whip up as they are delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl with wooden handles holds a thick, crumbly mixture of golden brown color that looks like crushed cereal or oat clusters. A spatula with a wooden handle and white head is resting inside the bowl on the right side, partially buried in the mixture. To the top left, there is a smaller white bowl with some smooth, light brown peanut butter spread inside and a little smeared around the edges. To the top right, there is another empty white bowl with just some crumbs scattered inside and a small metal measuring spoon with a wooden handle beside it. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface with some crumbs scattered around, and a textured orange cloth is folded near the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and overall deliciousness. From the rich depth of brown sugar to the crisp crunch of cornflakes, every element melts into an irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Light brown sugar (¼ cup, 50 g): Adds a subtle molasses richness and natural sweetness, giving the bars a warm, caramel-like undertone.
Light corn syrup (½ cup, 120 ml): Helps bind the ingredients together while keeping the bars chewy rather than hard.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the overall flavor with a fragrant, sweet aroma that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
Creamy peanut butter (1 cup, 255 g): The star of the dish, this gives the bars their signature nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Crushed cornflakes (3 cups): Provides an irresistible crunch and a light, crispy texture that contrasts perfectly with the chewy peanut butter base.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup

Start by placing the light brown sugar and light corn syrup in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently as you bring the mixture to a boil. This step melts the sugar into the syrup, creating a sticky, golden base that will bring everything together in perfect harmony.

Step 2: Blend in Vanilla and Peanut Butter

Once you’ve removed the saucepan from the heat, quickly stir in the vanilla extract and creamy peanut butter. Mixing these in while the syrup is hot ensures the peanut butter melts smoothly, infusing the mixture with that beloved creamy flavor.

Step 3: Folding in the Cornflakes

Next, it’s time to fold in the crushed cornflakes gently. The key here is to coat each flake evenly without breaking them down too much—this is what gives your bars that satisfyingly crunchy texture.

Step 4: Press into the Pan

Transfer the mixture evenly into a greased 9″ x 13″ pan for thinner bars or a 9″ x 9″ pan if you prefer them thicker. Press down firmly to ensure the bars hold together when sliced.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Pop the pan into the fridge and let the bars chill for about 2 hours until firm. This waiting game is worth it as the bars will come out perfectly set, holding their shape while remaining delightfully chewy.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars Recipe

The image shows fifteen square bars arranged on a white marbled surface lined with white parchment paper. The bars have a rough, crunchy texture on top and are golden brown with visible cereal flakes mixed throughout. Four bars are slightly apart from the main group, with one tilted on its side. In the bottom left corner, there is a spoon filled with creamy peanut butter resting on the marbled surface near the bars. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these bars shine on their own, a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate their appeal. Adding toasted peanuts on top before chilling also adds extra crunch and a visually inviting touch.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk for classic comfort. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to balance their rich sweetness, turning snack time into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper tied with a ribbon for charming gifts or party favors. Alternatively, cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter as a crowd-pleasing finger food at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them perfectly chewy and crunchy without any risk of drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen bars last up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready for a tasty snack.

Reheating

While these bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, you can warm them for a few seconds in the microwave if you prefer a gooey peanut butter experience. Just be careful not to overheat, or they may become too soft to handle.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add even more texture and peanut flavor, but keep in mind it might change the bars’ chewiness slightly due to the peanut bits.

Are there any gluten-free versions of this recipe?

Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free cornflakes to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Most regular cornflakes contain malt, which has gluten, so checking the label is essential.

Can I substitute honey for corn syrup?

You can try honey as a substitute, but it may affect the texture and sweetness. Corn syrup provides a neutral sweetness and consistency, while honey’s flavor is stronger and the bars might be a bit chewier.

What’s the best way to crush cornflakes?

Place cornflakes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or use your hands to break them up. Aim for mostly small chunks with some texture remaining for the best crunch.

Can I add chocolate chips to the bars?

Definitely! Mixing chocolate chips into the warm peanut butter mixture will add delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout your bars. Just fold them in before pressing the mixture into the pan.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars Recipe. It’s quick, fuss-free, and hits all the right notes of crunchy, sweet, and nutty flavors that everyone loves. Give it a try for your next snack attack or casual dessert and watch how it becomes an instant favorite in your recipe collection.