Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic treat that combines crunch, sweetness, and that cozy peanut butter flavor you love, these Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars are exactly what you need. This recipe is a perfect blend of simple pantry staples that come together quickly to create bars that are wonderfully chewy and satisfyingly crunchy all at once. Whether you’re making a batch for an afternoon snack, a potluck dessert, or just because, Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars deliver big flavor with such an easy preparation that you’ll want to keep this one in your baking go-to list.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because it uses just a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients, each playing an essential part. The creamy peanut butter adds that rich, nutty base and creaminess, while the light corn syrup and sugar work together as the perfect sweet, sticky binder. Of course, the star of texture comes from the cornflakes, providing a light, crispy crunch that balances the softness perfectly.

• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter: Provides a smooth, nutty backbone and chewy texture that holds the bars together.
• 1 cup light corn syrup: Adds sweetness and a sticky consistency that makes the bars hold their shape.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps achieve just the right firmness upon cooling.
• 6 cups cornflakes: Brings that irresistible crunch and lightness that contrasts the dense peanut butter base.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by spraying a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with vegetable oil spray. This ensures your bars will come out easily once they have cooled and set, without any sticking or crumbling when slicing.

Step 2: Combine the Peanut Butter Mixture

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the creamy peanut butter, light corn syrup, and sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and well combined. This step is crucial because it melts the sugar just enough to bind everything without crystalizing later on. Once ready, take the pan off the heat promptly.

Step 3: Mix in the Cornflakes

Pour the cornflakes into a large mixing bowl, then immediately add the warm peanut butter mixture. Gently fold the mixture together, making sure every flake is coated but without crushing the crunch. The key here is to be gentle; you want to keep the cornflakes largely intact for maximum texture.

Step 4: Press the Mixture Into the Pan

Transfer your cornflake and peanut butter mixture to the sprayed pan. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly oiled or damp to prevent sticking) to press it down firmly and evenly. This compacts the bars so they hold their shape but keeps them light enough to easily slice once cooled.

Step 5: Cool Completely and Slice

Allow the bars to cool fully at room temperature. This step lets the peanut butter mixture set up firmly, giving the bars their chewy yet crisp texture. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles as you prefer.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars

Garnishes

These bars are so delightful on their own but adding a few simple garnishes can elevate your serving game. Consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top or sprinkling some crushed peanuts to add a little extra nutty crunch. A light dusting of sea salt can also bring out the richness of the peanut butter beautifully.

Side Dishes

Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or even a cup of hot coffee or tea. Their sweet chewiness complements drinks perfectly, making them a comforting snack or dessert. They also make a fun addition to an afternoon picnic alongside fresh fruit or yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter with other small treats for a party spread. You could also layer them with yogurt and berries in a parfait glass for a playful, textured dessert experience that showcases their crunch in a new way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars will keep well in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. This makes them an excellent make-ahead snack for busy days because they maintain their chewy crunch without getting stale quickly.

Freezing

If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them inside a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

Generally, these bars are served at room temperature or chilled. If you prefer a softer texture, you can microwave a bar for about 10 seconds to warm it slightly, making the peanut butter gooey and irresistible without losing its crunch.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and nutty bursts in your bars. Just keep in mind it might be slightly more challenging to melt smoothly, so stir carefully.

Is it possible to substitute corn syrup in this recipe?

You can try using honey or maple syrup as alternatives, but corn syrup helps achieve that classic chewy texture without crystallizing. If using a substitute, the bars may end up a bit softer or stickier.

What kind of cornflakes work best?

Regular cornflakes work best for their lightness and crunch, but you can experiment with gluten-free or flavored varieties if you want to customize the flavor and texture.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or raisins?

Sure! Adding chocolate chips, raisins, or even chopped nuts can be a delicious way to personalize your Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars. Just fold them in gently at the mixing stage.

How thick should I make the bars when pressing into the pan?

Pressing the mixture about 1 to 1.5 inches thick works well for sturdy bars that hold together without being too dense or fragile.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars are one of those timeless, joyful treats that instantly bring a smile. They’re easy enough to whip up on a whim but special enough to share with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try making these—once you do, they’ll likely become your go-to sweet snack when you crave that perfect balance of crunch and chewy peanut buttery goodness.

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