Cornflake Brownies

Fudgy chocolate brownies topped with crunchy caramel cornflakes for the perfect combination of gooey and crispy in every decadent bite. Cornflake Brownies are a unique dessert mashup that you never knew you needed.

Have you ever found yourself staring into your pantry, wondering how to satisfy that sweet tooth while also adding a bit of crunch to your life? Cornflake Brownies are the answer!

This delightful treat combines the fudgy goodness of classic brownies with the satisfying crunch of caramelized cornflakes for a dessert experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

this recipe

What are Cornflake Brownies

Cornflake Brownies are the magnificent love child of two beloved treats: rich, fudgy brownies and sweet, crunchy caramel cornflakes. The base is a decadent chocolate brownie recipe that’s perfectly balanced and not too sweet. But what makes these brownies truly special is the topping: a generous layer of cornflakes and almonds held together with an easy homemade caramel creating a fun textural contrast.

Think of it as the sophisticated cousin of a Rice Krispie treat that went to culinary school and came back with a chocolate degree. These brownies offer that perfect balance of soft and crunchy, sweet and slightly salty, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the brownies

• Butter
• Dark chocolate, chopped
• Medium eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Brown sugar
• Granulated white sugar
• All-purpose flour, sifted
• Cocoa powder, sifted
• Salt

For the caramel corn flakes

• Granulated white sugar
• Water
• Heavy cream
• Unsalted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Cornflakes
• Almonds, flakes or slivers

How to make Cornflake Brownies

Preparing the chocolate brownie base

Begin by melting and stirring the butter and dark chocolate together until smooth and glossy. You can do this using the microwave, or placing the mixture over the stove, but it’s safest to do it gradually using a double boiler over medium heat. Set it aside to cool. In a separate large bowl, whip the eggs with the vanilla extract and both types of sugar until the mixture becomes lighter in color and expands in volume. This step is crucial for that perfect brownie texture - not too dense, not too cakey.

Next, combine the cooled chocolate mixture with the fluffy egg mixture. Fold in the dry ingredients just until combined - overmixing is the enemy of a good brownie! Pour this brownie batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper, and bake until just set. The key is to pull them out when a toothpick comes away with a few moist crumbs.

Preparing the caramel cornflake layer

You can prepare the caramel cornflake topping while the baked brownies cool. Creating caramel can seem a tad intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple: In a saucepan or pot, cook the sugar and water until it transforms into a beautiful amber liquid. Then add cream, butter, and vanilla extract to form a caramel sauce that’s rich and buttery. Fold in the cornflakes and almonds until every piece is coated in that golden caramel goodness.

Pour this crunchy concoction over your cooled brownie layer, spread it evenly, and then exercise the hardest baking skill of all - patience. Let the whole thing chill in the refrigerator until set, at least 2 hours (but ideally overnight). Once ready, cut into your caramel cornflake brownies. Enjoy!

Tips

• Don’t overbake the brownies. They should still be slightly fudgy in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.
• Let the chocolate mixture cool before adding it to the eggs to prevent scrambling (I love scrambled eggs, but this is not the right time for them.)
• Watch your caramel like a hawk. It can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Make sure to gently and consistently stir it, and once it reaches that golden amber color, move quickly!
• Room temperature ingredients. Generally you want to use room temperature ingredients (unless otherwise specified), but it’s extra important when making caramel as cold butter or cream will start setting your caramel too early!
• Use fresh cornflakes for maximum crunch - stale ones will become soggy faster.
• Line your pan with parchment paper (with overhanging edges) for easy removal.
• Use a hot knife for clean cuts: Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts for picture-perfect brownie squares.

Variation ideas

The beauty of these Cornflake Brownies is how adaptable they are. Here are some delicious twists to try:

• Berry Beautiful. Add dried cranberries or cherries to the cornflake mixture for a fruity tang that complements the chocolate.
• Salted Caramel Cornflakes. Add 1-2 teaspoons of sea salt to your caramel before mixing in the cornflakes for that touch of saltiness!
• Cornflake Blondies. Switch it up completely by adding the cornflake layer to a blondies recipe for a super sweet dessert.
• Spice It Up. Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne to the brownie batter for a subtle warmth that enhances the chocolate flavor.
• S’mores Style. Substitute half the cornflakes with mini marshmallows and add crushed graham crackers to the topping for a campfire-inspired treat.
• Justice for other cereals. You can swap out the corn flakes for most other cereals (that maintain a similar crunch/texture).