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    Recipes » Cookies and Bars » Corn Flake Candy

    Corn Flake Candy

    Published: Dec 12, 2022 · Modified: Dec 28, 2022 by Kate Shungu · This post may contain affiliate links

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    wreaths made out of corn flakes and dyed green, with mini M&Ms for holly.
    corn flake wreaths with red M&Ms for holly on a white platter.
    corn flake wreaths with mini red M&Ms for holly on a white platter.
    corn flake candy on a white platter.
    corn flake candy on a white platter.

    This easy Corn Flake Candy recipe is a quick way to make candy at home—no candy thermometer required! Drop it by spoonfuls for a quick treat, or shape it into wreaths for the holidays.

    corn flake candy on a white marble tray.

    I love an easy sweet treat, and this recipe for No-Bake Corn Flake Candy definitely qualifies as easy!

    It has just four ingredients, and takes 10 minutes to make. After the candy sets up (about 20 minutes), it’s ready to eat!

    You’ll need corn flakes, peanut butter, sugar, and corn syrup (the recipe is really similar to No-Bake Special K Bars, but with no chocolate).

    You can drop the candy by spoonfuls to create little peanut butter corn flake candy clusters, OR you can dye the mixture green and shape into wreaths.

    corn flake candy wreaths with mini red M&Ms for holly on a white platter.

    Whichever you choose, you and your family/guests will love these sweet, Southern, no-bake treats!

    Also, if you love peanut butter desserts, don’t miss my Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge!

    This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support Gift of Hospitality at no additional cost to you. I receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.

    Jump to:
    • Top tips
    • Ingredients
    • How to make peanut butter corn flake candy
    • How to make corn flake Christmas wreaths
    • Can I make corn flake candy in advance?
    • Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More old fashioned desserts
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Related recipes

    Top tips

    • You’ll need to work quickly as the candy sets up quickly. Make sure you have a sheet pan lined and ready to go before starting.
    • Use a regular creamy peanut butter (not natural).
    • Gel food coloring works best for dying the wreaths without using tons of liquid food coloring.
    • If you have some leftover corn flakes, check out my old fashioned Corn Flake Cookies!

    Ingredients

    corn flakes, peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar on a white table.
    • Corn flakes make the base of this recipe. Any brand is fine.
    • Use regular creamy peanut butter (not natural).
    • Sugar and corn syrup combine to form the sweet, gooey mixture to hold everything together.

    How to make peanut butter corn flake candy

    Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper, wax paper, or a silicone mat.

    Then, place the corn syrup and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.

    Cook JUST until it reaches a boil, and the sugar is dissolved.

    sugar mixture in a saucepan.

    Remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter until the mixture is smooth.

    Then, quickly stir in the corn flakes.

    peanut butter corn flake mixture in a saucepan with a spatula.

    Quickly drop onto the prepared baking sheets. You’ll get about 24 pieces if each piece is about 2 tablespoons.

    Let the corn flake candy cool until it’s at room temperature, about 20 minutes.

    corn flake candy on a silicone mat.

    How to make corn flake Christmas wreaths

    To make wreaths, follow the instructions as written, but add several drops of gel food coloring with the peanut butter to get your desired green color.

    Drop two-tablespoon sized dollops onto a baking sheet, and use your hands to shape them into wreaths. Press several mini red M&Ms onto the top to create “holly” (do this just after shaping so the M&Ms stick).

    corn flake christmas wreaths with red M&Ms as holly on a baking sheet.

    Allow to set for 20 minutes before eating.

    Can I make corn flake candy in advance?

    When stored in an airtight container, corn flake candy will keep for several weeks. I recommend making it no more than 3 days in advance of serving for the best texture.

    You do not need to refrigerate corn flake candy.

    Variations

    There are a number of ways to make corn flake candy your own, while still keeping it easy! Here are some ideas:

    • Top the candy with sprinkles just after scooping (before it hardens)
    • Drizzle the tops of the candy with melted chocolate
    • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the peanut butter
    • Use another cereal such as Chex, Cheerios, Rice Krispies, or Special K in place of the corn flakes
    • Spread the mixture into a 13×9 inch pan to create bars. Top with melted chocolate (similar to No-Bake Special K Bars).
    peanut butter corn flake candy on a white tray.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is my corn flake candy gooey?

    If the candy is too gooey, two things could have gone wrong: 1) the mixture didn’t reach a boil or 2) there aren’t enough corn flakes to hold it together.

    Why is my corn flake candy hard?

    Corn flake candy can become hard if it’s boiled for too long. Take the corn syrup mixture off the heat immediately after it starts boiling.

    How long does corn flake candy last?

    Corn flake candy will last for several weeks at room temperature in a covered container. It’s best served within one week though for freshness.

    Can I make these gluten-free?

    You can make gluten-free corn flake candy by using gluten-free corn flakes. Check any other labels to make sure they don’t contain gluten as well.

    green corn flake wreaths with mini red M&Ms on a white cake stand with a red rim.

    More old fashioned desserts

    • Special K Bars
    • Corn Flake Cookies
    • Grandma’s Rum Balls
    • Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies
    • Cocoa Drop Cookies
    • Pecan Brittle
    • Easy Marshmallow Fudge

    Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or comment below!

    cup of ambrosia and slice of banana cake.

    📖 Recipe

    corn flake candy clusters on a white marble tray.

    Corn Flake Candy

    Published by Kate
    You just need four ingredients for these easy no-bake treats!
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Resting Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 24 pieces
    Calories 157 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup light corn syrup
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
    • 5 cups corn flakes

    Instructions
     

    • Line a sheet pan with wax paper or parchment paper.
    • Place corn syrup and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, JUST until the mixture reaches a boil and the sugar is dissolved, about 4–5 minutes.
    • Take off the heat and stir in the peanut butter.
    • Place the corn flakes in a large bowl, and pour the peanut butter mixture over the top. Stir quickly to combine, then drop by spoonfuls onto the parchment or wax paper. Cool to room temperature—the candy will set as it cools.

    To make wreaths:

    • Add 4–5 drops green food coloring to the hot sugar mixture, along wit the peanut butter. Proceed with the recipe as directed, but use two spoons or your fingers to form the clusters into wreath shapes. Decorate the wreaths with mini red M&Ms before they cool completely.

    Notes

    If you want to add sprinkles on top, add them as you drop the candy, before it sets. You can also drizzle the tops with melted chocolate.
    You can substitute Chex, Cheerios, Rice Krispies, or Special K in place of the corn flakes. 
    You can make these into bars by pressing the mixture into a parchment-lined 13×9 inch pan. Let cool and cut into bars. 
    These will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for one week. You can also freeze them in a resealable freezer bag for up to one month.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 98mgPotassium: 71mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 104IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword corn flake candy
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @giftofhospitality and let me know how you liked it!

    Related recipes

    • No-Bake Special K Bars
    • Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies
    • 7 Layer Bars
    • Corn Flake Cookies
    « Hash Brown Casserole with Corn Flakes
    Easy Cherry Salad »
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    About Kate

    I’m a believer, wife, mom, and big fan of old cookbooks. I live in Chicago with my husband and two young sons. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time! Read more...

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    Kate from Gift of HospitalityI’m Kate. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time. Learn more here
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