Crunchy Delight: The Ultimate Corn Flakes Cereal Brittle Recipe
Corn flakes cereal brittle is a delightful treat that combines the satisfying crunch of corn flakes with the sweet, buttery goodness of caramel. It’s an incredibly easy recipe to make, perfect for a quick dessert, a homemade gift, or a fun activity with kids. This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect corn flakes cereal brittle, ensuring a crisp, flavorful, and addictive snack. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Corn Flakes Cereal Brittle
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for beginner bakers.
* **Quick Treat:** From start to finish, you can have a batch ready in under an hour.
* **Versatile:** Customize it with your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
* **Perfect for Gifting:** Package it in a pretty tin or cellophane bag for a thoughtful homemade gift.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids will love helping with the stirring and spreading, and of course, eating the finished product!
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Corn Flakes Cereal:** The star of the show! Use plain, unsweetened corn flakes for the best results. Avoid frosted or flavored varieties, as they can make the brittle too sweet.
* **Butter:** Use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the brittle. Salted butter can also be used, but you might want to reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Provides the sweetness and helps create the caramel base.
* **Light Corn Syrup:** Prevents the sugar from crystallizing and gives the brittle a smooth texture. You can substitute with golden syrup if you prefer.
* **Baking Soda:** Reacts with the acid in the other ingredients, creating air bubbles that make the brittle light and crispy.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
* **Salt:** A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* Chopped Nuts (peanuts, almonds, pecans, walnuts)
* Seeds (sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
* Dried Fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
* Chocolate Chips or Chunks
* Sprinkles (for a festive touch)
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Saucepan:** A heavy-bottomed saucepan is ideal for even heat distribution.
* **Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula:** For stirring the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet with edges to contain the brittle.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat:** To prevent the brittle from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Oven Mitts:** To protect your hands from the hot saucepan and baking sheet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to making the perfect corn flakes cereal brittle:
**Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet**
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the brittle from sticking and make it easier to remove once it’s cooled.
**Step 2: Measure Out Your Ingredients**
Before you start cooking, measure out all your ingredients and have them ready to go. This is crucial because the caramel mixture cooks quickly, and you don’t want to be scrambling for ingredients at the last minute.
Measure the corn flakes and set aside in a large bowl. Also, if using any nuts, seeds, or dried fruits, chop them and have them ready.
**Step 3: Make the Caramel**
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
Continue to cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil. Once it’s boiling, stop stirring and let it cook until it reaches the hard-crack stage (300-310°F or 149-154°C) on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the mixture by dropping a small amount into a bowl of cold water. If it forms hard, brittle threads, it’s ready.
**Important Note:** Be very careful when working with hot sugar, as it can cause severe burns.
**Step 4: Add the Baking Soda and Vanilla**
Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up, which is normal. Stir until the baking soda is fully incorporated.
**Step 5: Pour Over Corn Flakes**
Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture over the corn flakes in the large bowl. Gently fold the corn flakes into the caramel, making sure they are evenly coated. Work quickly, as the caramel will start to harden as it cools.
If you’re adding any nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage as well.
**Step 6: Spread on Baking Sheet**
Pour the coated corn flakes mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out in an even layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon. The thinner the layer, the crispier the brittle will be.
**Step 7: Cool and Break**
Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 30-60 minutes. Once it’s cooled and hardened, break it into pieces with your hands or a knife.
**Step 8: Store**
Store the corn flakes cereal brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week, but it’s likely to disappear much faster than that!
Tips for the Perfect Corn Flakes Cereal Brittle
* **Use a Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan:** This will help prevent the caramel from scorching.
* **Stir Constantly:** Stirring ensures that the sugar dissolves evenly and prevents burning during the initial stages of cooking.
* **Don’t Overcook the Caramel:** Overcooked caramel can become bitter. Use a candy thermometer to ensure you reach the correct temperature.
* **Work Quickly:** Once you add the baking soda and vanilla, you need to work quickly to pour the caramel over the corn flakes and spread the mixture onto the baking sheet before it hardens.
* **Customize with Add-ins:** Feel free to get creative with your add-ins! Consider different nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate.
* **Don’t Double the Recipe:** This recipe works best in a single batch to ensure even cooking and coating.
Variations to Try
* **Peanut Butter Corn Flakes Brittle:** Add a few tablespoons of peanut butter to the caramel mixture for a delicious nutty flavor.
* **Chocolate Corn Flakes Brittle:** Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brittle or fold in chocolate chips while the caramel is still warm.
* **Spiced Corn Flakes Brittle:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the caramel mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
* **Salted Caramel Corn Flakes Brittle:** Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the cooled brittle to enhance the sweetness and add a salty-sweet contrast.
* **Coconut Corn Flakes Brittle:** Add shredded coconut to the corn flakes before pouring over the caramel for a tropical twist.
Serving Suggestions
* **Enjoy as a Snack:** This brittle is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings any time of day.
* **Add to a Dessert Platter:** Include it on a dessert platter alongside other treats like cookies, brownies, and fruit.
* **Gift it to Friends and Family:** Package it in a decorative tin or cellophane bag for a thoughtful homemade gift.
* **Crush it and Sprinkle Over Ice Cream:** Use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or parfaits.
* **Include in Lunchboxes:** Individually wrap pieces for a fun and tasty lunchbox treat.
Troubleshooting
* **Brittle is Too Hard:** This could be due to overcooking the caramel. Next time, make sure to use a candy thermometer and remove the mixture from the heat as soon as it reaches the hard-crack stage.
* **Brittle is Too Soft:** This could be due to undercooking the caramel. Make sure the caramel reaches the hard-crack stage before removing it from the heat.
* **Brittle is Sticky:** This could be due to humidity. Store the brittle in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture.
* **Caramel Burned:** This could be due to using a saucepan that’s too thin or not stirring the mixture frequently enough. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir constantly to prevent scorching.
* **Corn Flakes Aren’t Fully Coated:** Make sure to gently fold the corn flakes into the caramel mixture quickly and evenly to ensure they are all coated before the caramel hardens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use a different type of cereal?**
A: While this recipe is specifically for corn flakes, you can experiment with other types of cereal like Rice Krispies or Cheerios. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be different.
**Q: Can I make this recipe without corn syrup?**
A: Corn syrup helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing and gives the brittle a smooth texture. If you prefer not to use corn syrup, you can substitute it with golden syrup or honey, but the texture might be slightly different.
**Q: How long does corn flakes cereal brittle last?**
A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, corn flakes cereal brittle will last for up to a week. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal freshness.
**Q: Can I freeze corn flakes cereal brittle?**
A: Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the brittle. It’s best to store it at room temperature in an airtight container.
**Q: Can I add food coloring to the brittle?**
A: Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the caramel mixture for a festive touch. Add it along with the vanilla extract.
**Q: What is the hard-crack stage?**
A: The hard-crack stage is a term used in candy making to describe the point at which a sugar syrup reaches a certain temperature and becomes hard and brittle when cooled. It’s typically around 300-310°F (149-154°C).
**Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?**
A: Corn flakes themselves are typically gluten-free, but it’s important to check the label of your specific brand to ensure there are no gluten-containing ingredients. Also, be mindful of any add-ins you use, such as nuts or chocolate, and make sure they are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Corn flakes cereal brittle is a simple yet satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a fun activity with kids, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe is sure to impress. With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a crunchy, sweet, and addictive snack that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy the delightful crunch of corn flakes cereal brittle! Enjoy your baking adventure and savor every bite of this classic treat.