Easy Cornflake Candy (No Corn Syrup)

Name: Easy Cornflake Candy (No Corn Syrup)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: ¾ Cup Superfine sugar (caster sugar (150g)); ¾ Cup Runny honey ((250g)); ¾ Cup Natural style peanut butter ((180g)); 4 Cups Cornflakes (4 cups) ((110g))

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

If you like cereal treats then you're going to absolutely adore this peanut butter Cornflake candy! It's a simple, no-fuss dessert that's quick to make with just 4 ingredients! It's great for festive gatherings and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

peanut butter cornflake candy without corn syrup on a white surface

If you've never heard of Cornflake candy, allow me to introduce you (and change your life in the process)! This is a classic American recipe I made with a friend a few years ago whilst visiting the States. It's sweet, it's crunchy, it's chewy, and it just tastes absolutely divine. You seriously HAVE to try it!

The recipe my friend and I used contained corn syrup but since that isn't super common in the UK, I decided to do a bit of experimenting with honey. It took me a couple of tries but the final result was SO GOOD! Just as delicious if not better than the corn syrup version!

I think this would make an adorable edible Christmas gift, or a tasty addition to a party buffet. It's a must-make recipe for anyone who likes peanut butter. Let me show you how to make it...

Only 4 ingredients!

Can you believe that?! Here's everything you'll need to make this easy sweet treat:

Sugar: I used caster sugar (superfine sugar) as it dissolves more easily, but granulated sugar should work fine too. I don't recommend using brown sugar as it will overpower the peanut butter flavour too much.
Honey: Because I made my Cornflake candy without corn syrup, I used honey to help it stick together instead and it worked really well! Make sure to use light, runny honey for best results.
Peanut butter: Smooth, natural-style peanut butter is best for this recipe, especially when omitting the corn syrup. You can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer but again, make sure it's natural-style.
Cornflakes: The star of the show! You'll need about 4 cups (110g) for this recipe.

And a few kitchen tools

Saucepan: To heat the ingredients in. I haven't tested this in the microwave so try to use the stove if you can!
Candy thermometer: This isn't totally essential but if you want to get guaranteed results on the first try, use a thermometer. We want the mixture to get to the soft ball stage so that it comes out nice and chewy, not too hard or soggy.
Baking tray: Or any large board or plate, to set the candy clusters onto.
Baking/parchment paper: To prevent sticking. Plastic wrap also works if you're in a pinch.
Spoons: I prefer to use a wooden spoon over a spatula because it's stronger, so it's much easier to mix the Cornflakes in. You'll also need a tablespoon for dividing the mixture.
Measuring cups or kitchen scale: I prefer using a scale for accuracy but cup measurements work great for this recipe too.

peanut butter cornflake candy piled on a plate

How to make peanut butter Cornflake candy step-by-step

Step 1: To a medium saucepan, add ¾ cup of superfine sugar, ¾ cup of honey and ¾ cup of natural-style peanut butter.

Step 2: Place the pan over medium heat on the stove and stir everything gently until it's all mixed together.

Step 3: Let the mixture gently simmer for around 5 minutes, until the mixture reaches 235°F (112°C) on a candy thermometer. It should look quite thick and glossy.

wet ingredients mixed together in saucepan

thickened peanut butter mixture in a pot

Step 4: Remove it from the heat and immediately stir in 4 cups of Cornflakes.

peanut butter cornflake mixture in a saucepan

Step 5: One heaped spoonful at a time, place mounds of the mixture onto your lined baking tray. You should get roughly 15 out of this recipe, or 25-30 smaller pieces.

mounds of cornflake mixture on a lined baked tray

Step 6: Leave the candy on the tray to set at room temperature for around 30 minutes. Then just peel them off the baking paper and enjoy!

Tips for the perfect candy

Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches exactly the right temperature. If you're just guessing, the candy can either turn out soggy or become too hard.
Use runny honey for the best consistency.
For extra texture, try using crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth.
You can use slightly damp hands to shape the mounds more precisely. Make sure to wait a few minutes though as the mixture will be hot.
For a festive version, add some coloured sugar or sprinkles on top of the clusters while they're still warm.

FAQs

How long does peanut butter Cornflake candy last for?

The clusters will keep well for about 7 days if you store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also pop them in the fridge to make them last an extra few days but make sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.

Why did my candy not set?

If your candy doesn't hold together when you pick it up, it means that the mixture wasn't cooked for long enough. Next time, try cooking for a bit longer or at a slightly higher heat, and use a thermometer for accuracy.

Why is my candy hard?

Again, this comes down to cooking time/temperature. If it sets hard and crunchy, this means the mixture was heated past the soft ball stage. For a nice chewy texture, remove the pan from the stove as soon as the mixture reaches 235°F (112°C).

Is Cornflake candy gluten-free?

It can be, if you use a gluten-free brand of Cornflakes. Make sure to also double-check your other ingredients for cross-contamination risks, as this can vary from brand to brand.

overhead image of cornflake candy mounds

More Cornflake desserts

I hope you like my take on peanut butter Cornflake candy without corn syrup! If you make it at home, let me know what you think by leaving a rating and comment below. Enjoy!