Peanut Cornflake Squares
Peanut Cornflake Squares offer a delightful combination of crunchy cornflakes, salted peanuts, and a rich peanut butter coating, topped with smooth chocolate. Perfect for satisfying sweet and salty cravings, they make a great treat for parties, picnics, or a quick homemade dessert that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cornflakes and salted peanuts in a large lightly buttered heat-proof mixing bowl.
- Place in a slow oven (250°F) for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Mix together the light corn syrup, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Place over medium heat and bring to a full boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chunky peanut butter and butter.
- Place over low heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil to the center of the pan, stirring constantly.
- Pour the hot mixture over the warmed cornflakes and nuts in the bowl.
- Mix well to coat evenly.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan and press down firmly.
- Melt the chocolate bits and shortening over hot water in a double boiler.
- Cool slightly and spread the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture.
- Cool in the fridge until the chocolate is set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchy texture, ensure the cornflakes are fresh and not stale. You can substitute salted Spanish peanuts with unsalted peanuts or even almonds for a different flavor. If you prefer a sweeter treat, add mini marshmallows to the mixture before pressing it into the pan. To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate bits instead of milk chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Cornflake Squares make a delightful snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty treat. Consider serving them at parties or as a sweet addition to lunchboxes. For a fun twist, you could serve them alongside a slice of Grammy Keef's Homemade Brownies for a dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Peanut Cornflake Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you'd like to keep them longer, refrigerate them, but be aware that the texture may change slightly. To enjoy them again, simply let them come to room temperature before serving; there's no need to reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Cornflake Squares contains roughly 908 calories, with 5g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make Peanut Cornflake Squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! These squares can be made a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They're perfect for preparing ahead for events or gatherings, making them a convenient treat to have on hand.
What can I use instead of chunky peanut butter?
If you don’t have chunky peanut butter, you can use creamy peanut butter instead. The texture will be smoother, but the flavor will still be delicious. Alternatively, almond butter can be used for a nut-free variation, keeping in mind it will alter the taste slightly.
Can I add other ingredients to the mix?
Definitely! Feel free to add ingredients like dried fruits, mini chocolate chips, or even shredded coconut for added flavor and texture. Just be sure to keep the proportions balanced so the mixture holds together well when pressed into the pan.
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).