Cornflake brittle is everything I love about Christmas rolled into one sweet, crunchy treat. It’s festive, easy to make, and perfect for sharing.
I still remember the first time I whipped this up—purely out of necessity—when I completely forgot I was supposed to bring dessert to a Christmas potluck. There I was, frantically rummaging through the pantry, looking for something quick and festive to avoid showing up empty-handed. Enter cornflakes, butter, sugar, and a stroke of holiday luck.
That night, this humble dessert saved the day. It’s been a family favorite ever since, and I’ve even started including it in homemade gift baskets for friends and neighbors. Every time I break it into pieces, I’m reminded of that chaotic yet joyful moment of making it for the first time. It’s a sweet reminder of how Christmas is less about perfection and more about creating memories with those we love.
As the years went on, cornflake brittle became a holiday tradition in our house. My kids love helping drizzle the red and green candy melts, and it’s one of those rare treats everyone eagerly anticipates each year. Wrapping the brittle in little holiday bags for friends and neighbors feels like a small way to share the Christmas spirit. It’s amazing how something so simple has become such a beloved part of our celebrations.
Preparing this brittle is a joyful process in itself. The smell of the caramelized sugar and butter bubbling on the stove fills the kitchen with warmth, while the colorful candy melts add a playful touch. There’s something satisfying about breaking it into jagged pieces once it’s cooled, almost like opening a crunchy holiday surprise. Every step of the process feels like a celebration of the season.
Ingredients needed for Cornflake Crack Brittle
Here’s what you’ll need to make this 3-ingredient cornflake crack brittle:
- Cruncy Cornflakes: The star of the show, the corn flakes add that classic crunch.
- Butter: For richness and to bind everything together. Unsalted or salted butter can be used.
- Light brown sugar: Sweet and slightly caramel-y, perfect for the holidays.
- Milk Chocolate almond bark: A smooth base layer for the brittle.
- Red and green candy melts: For those essential Christmas colors.
- Christmas sprinkles: A fun finishing touch that adds sparkle.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Directions to Make Cornflake Brittle
Preparing the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking tray or sheet with parchment paper. Place cornflakes in a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and brown sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture melts and begins to simmer, then let it bubble for another two minutes. Quickly pour the hot mixture over the cornflakes and stir to coat evenly. Spread the coated cornflakes onto the lined baking sheet, smoothing them out into an even layer.
Baking the Brittle
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Bake the cornflake mixture in the preheated oven on a medium heat for 12-15 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. This step ensures the brittle sets properly and achieves that signature crunch.
Adding the Chocolate and Decorations
Melt the chocolate almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate over the brittle’s surface, ensuring an even layer. Melt the red and green candy melts separately, then drizzle them over the chocolate layer. Use a knife to gently swirl the colors together for a festive design, and top it off with a generous sprinkle of Christmas sprinkles. For a savory experience, add flaky sea salt on top as well.
Cooling and Serving Your Cornflake Candy
Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into jagged pieces and serve immediately or store for later enjoyment. Each piece is like a little shard of Christmas cheer, perfect for sharing or gifting.
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If giving as a gift, package it in holiday tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a festive touch. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to two weeks—but it rarely lasts that long in my house!
Top Tips for Easy Cornflake Brittle Recipe
- Let the brittle cool completely before breaking it to avoid sticky hands and uneven pieces.
- Work quickly when pouring the hot sugar mixture over the cornflakes to ensure even coating.
- Use good-quality chocolate almond bark for a smoother finish and richer flavor.
- If you don’t have candy melts, white chocolate works well for the colorful drizzle.
Accompanying Dishes
Pairing cornflake brittle with other festive treats creates a holiday table that’s as delightful as it is diverse. Sip on the festive Peppermint Candy Cane Mocktail or the spiced Christmas Gin Mocktail to bring out the dessert’s sweetness while adding a refreshing twist. Sweet accompaniments like Southern Christmas Pecan Pralines and the aromatic Soft Gingerbread Loaf Casserole round out a decadent dessert spread. On the savory side, the creamy Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts and the festive Chicken with Pomegranate provide a delightful contrast to the brittle’s sweetness.
For those who crave richer options, try the luscious Slow Cooker Gingerbread Fudge or the indulgent Boozy Sticky Date Pudding. Chocolate lovers will enjoy the decadent Raspberry and White Chocolate Molten Lava Cake, while nostalgic bites like Christmas Date Cookies and the zesty Chocolate Orange Tart add a touch of tradition. Each dish complements the cornflake brittle beautifully, ensuring your holiday table becomes a memorable feast for family and friends.
Recipe
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3-Ingredient Christmas Cornflake Brittle
Equipment
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 3 cups cornflakes
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ pound chocolate almond bark
- ½ cup red candy melts
- ½ cup green candy melts
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Place the cornflakes in a large mixing bowl.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar.
- Cook for about 2 minutes until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Allow the mixture to bubble for an additional 2 minutes.
- Quickly pour the hot mixture over the cornflakes.
- Stir until all the cornflakes are well coated.
- Spread the coated cornflakes evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate almond bark in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate over the brittle.
- In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the red candy melts in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Repeat the process with the green candy melts.
- Drizzle the melted red and green candy over the brittle and gently swirl with a knife.
- If desired, add sprinkles on top.
- Allow the brittle to cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
- Serve and enjoy!