Mock Peanut Brittle

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A crunchy, sweet peanut brittle-inspired treat made with corn flakes and peanut butter, perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings with a rich, caramelized flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. dark corn syrup
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 c. peanut butter
  • 8 c. corn flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring the corn syrup and sugar to a boil in a saucepan.
  2. Remove from heat and add the peanut butter.
  3. Stir until the peanut butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Pour the mixture over the corn flakes and stir until the corn flakes are well coated.
  5. Press the coated corn flakes into a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan.
  6. Allow to cool and then cut into squares before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crunchier texture, let the mixture cool slightly before mixing in the corn flakes. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. Additionally, consider adding a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of vanilla extract to enhance the flavors. This recipe is great for using up leftover corn flakes from breakfast.

Serving Suggestions

These mock peanut brittle squares are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. They also pair beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate. For a festive touch, consider packaging them in decorative boxes as gifts during the holidays.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can layer them between sheets of wax paper. If you want to enjoy them warm, briefly microwave a square for about 10 seconds to soften slightly before eating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mock Peanut Brittle contains roughly 1094 calories, with 40g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (80% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 894mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).

1094 kcal 55% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 40.1g 80% DV
Total Fat 80.1g 100% DV
Carbs 72g 26% DV
Fiber 14.2g 51% DV
Sugar 30.2g 60% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 894mg 39% DV
Potassium 1262.8mg 27% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 196.2mcg 22% DV
Vitamin C 20.3mg 23% DV
Vitamin D 1.4mcg 7% DV
Calcium 77.2mg 6% DV
Iron 7.1mg 39% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Peanut

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, you can substitute corn flakes with other cereals like Rice Krispies or even granola for a different texture and flavor. Just ensure the cereal is light and crispy so it holds up well when coated with the syrup mixture.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, opt for a plant-based peanut butter that contains no added ingredients, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. You can also replace dark corn syrup with agave syrup or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.

What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Consider adding mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or chopped nuts to add variety and richness to the recipe. You could also sprinkle some flaked sea salt on top before it sets for a sweet and salty combination.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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