Peanut Surprise

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Peanut Surprise is a delicious, crunchy treat combining sweet peanut butter and caramel flavors with crispy corn flakes, perfect for satisfying snack cravings or sharing with friends.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 c. Karo syrup (dark)
  • 1 1/4 c. peanut butter (plain or crunchy)
  • 6 c. corn flakes

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar and Karo syrup and heat in a large boiler just until the sugar melts (do not cook).
  2. Remove from heat and add peanut butter.
  3. Mix well.
  4. Add corn flakes and stir until evenly coated.
  5. Drop by tablespoon onto wax paper.
  6. Let cool before wrapping up.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy, or mix both for added flavor. If you want a bit of a twist, consider adding mini chocolate chips or dried fruit to the mixture before dropping them on wax paper. Ensure your corn flakes are fresh for the best crunch, and for a festive touch, you can add colorful sprinkles on top before they cool.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful treats are perfect for parties or as an after-school snack. Serve alongside a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert pairing. They also make great additions to gift baskets or party favors, especially when wrapped in clear cellophane. Consider them as a sweet complement to dishes like Mama'S Sweet Potato Souffle.

Storage & Reheating

Store the Peanut Surprise in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, refrigerate them to prevent stickiness. To reheat, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving; they don’t require heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Peanut Surprise contains roughly 430 calories, with 15g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

430 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.3g 31% DV
Total Fat 30.1g 39% DV
Carbs 32g 12% DV
Fiber 5.6g 20% DV
Sugar 13.2g 26% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 355.6mg 15% DV
Potassium 494.9mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 98.1mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 11mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 0.7mcg 4% DV
Calcium 31.5mg 2% DV
Iron 3.5mg 20% DV
Diet fit 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 syrup?

Yes, although Karo syrup adds a unique flavor and texture, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that these alternatives may slightly alter the final taste and sweetness level of your Peanut Surprise.

How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?

To avoid sticky fingers, lightly grease your hands with a bit of cooking oil before shaping the mixture into balls. Alternatively, you can use a spoon or a cookie scoop to drop the mixture onto wax paper without touching it directly.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Peanut Surprise can be made a few days in advance. Just prepare and store them in an airtight container. They will maintain their delicious flavor and texture, making them a convenient treat for upcoming events or gatherings.

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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