Peanut Butter Cornflake Crunch Bars: A No-Bake Delight!
Are you craving a sweet and satisfying treat that requires minimal effort and no baking? Look no further than these irresistible Peanut Butter Cornflake Crunch Bars! These bars are the perfect combination of crunchy, chewy, and peanut buttery goodness, making them an instant crowd-pleaser for all ages. They are incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Perfect for a quick dessert, a lunchbox treat, or a sweet snack any time of day, these no-bake bars are sure to become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cornflake Crunch Bars
* **No-Bake:** The best part? No oven required! These bars are perfect for hot summer days or when you simply don’t feel like turning on the oven.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, these bars come together in minutes. It’s a great recipe for beginner bakers and a fun activity to do with kids.
* **Deliciously Crunchy and Chewy:** The combination of crispy cornflakes, creamy peanut butter, and gooey marshmallows creates a delightful texture that you won’t be able to resist.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to add your own twist! Mix in chocolate chips, pretzels, nuts, or dried fruit for added flavor and texture.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert for a weeknight, a treat to bring to a potluck, or a fun snack for a party, these bars are always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather all of your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **6 cups Cornflakes:** Provides the essential crunch! Use regular, unsweetened cornflakes for the best results. You can also use a gluten-free variety if needed.
* **1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter:** This is the star of the show! Creamy peanut butter gives the bars their signature flavor and binds everything together. You can use smooth or crunchy peanut butter, depending on your preference.
* **1 cup Light Corn Syrup:** Adds sweetness and helps the bars stay chewy. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but the texture may be slightly different.
* **1 cup Granulated Sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps to create a smooth, glossy coating.
* **1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and adds a touch of warmth.
* **1/2 teaspoon Salt:** Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **4 cups Miniature Marshmallows:** These are key to creating the gooey, chewy texture. Use fresh marshmallows for the best results.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Saucepan:** For melting the peanut butter, corn syrup, sugar, and marshmallows.
* **9×13 Inch Baking Pan:** For pressing the mixture into. You can also use an 8×8 inch pan for thicker bars.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking pan and prevent the bars from sticking. It also makes it easy to lift the bars out once they’re set.
* **Mixing Spoon or Spatula:** To stir the ingredients together.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making these delicious Peanut Butter Cornflake Crunch Bars! Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time:
**Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan**
Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
**Step 2: Melt the Wet Ingredients**
In a large saucepan, combine the peanut butter, corn syrup, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overheat the mixture, as this can make the bars hard.
**Step 3: Add the Marshmallows**
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add the miniature marshmallows to the peanut butter mixture and stir until they are completely melted and smooth. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and keep stirring. If the marshmallows are taking too long to melt, you can return the saucepan to low heat for a short period, stirring constantly.
**Step 4: Incorporate the Cornflakes**
Pour the cornflakes into the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the cornflakes into the mixture until they are evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cornflakes, as this will affect the texture of the bars. Work quickly to ensure the cornflakes are fully coated before the marshmallow mixture begins to set.
**Step 5: Press into the Pan**
Pour the cornflake mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased with cooking spray or butter) to press the mixture evenly into the pan. Make sure to pack it down firmly to ensure the bars hold together well.
**Step 6: Chill and Set**
Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and set. This will allow the bars to firm up and make them easier to cut.
**Step 7: Cut and Serve**
Once the bars are firm, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place the bars on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. The size of the bars is up to you! Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Peanut Butter Cornflake Crunch Bars
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh cornflakes and marshmallows will result in the best texture. Stale ingredients can make the bars tough or chewy.
* **Don’t Overheat the Mixture:** Overheating the peanut butter mixture can make the bars hard and brittle. Cook over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent burning.
* **Work Quickly:** Once you add the cornflakes to the marshmallow mixture, work quickly to ensure they are evenly coated before the mixture begins to set.
* **Grease Your Hands:** When pressing the mixture into the pan, lightly grease your hands with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
* **Chill Completely:** Allow the bars to chill completely before cutting them. This will make them easier to cut and prevent them from crumbling.
Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of these Peanut Butter Cornflake Crunch Bars is that they are incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize them to your liking with different add-ins and variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) to the cornflake mixture for a chocolatey twist.
* **Pretzels:** Mix in 1 cup of crushed pretzels for a salty and crunchy addition.
* **Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as peanuts, almonds, or pecans) for added flavor and texture.
* **Dried Fruit:** Mix in 1/2 cup of dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots) for a chewy and sweet addition.
* **Sprinkles:** Sprinkle the top of the bars with sprinkles before they set for a festive look.
* **Different Peanut Butter:** Experiment with different types of peanut butter, such as honey roasted or natural peanut butter.
* **Marshmallow Fluff:** Substitute half of the miniature marshmallows with marshmallow fluff for an extra gooey texture.
* **Nutella:** Swirl a layer of Nutella over the top of the bars before they set for a decadent treat.
* **Salted Caramel:** Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top of the bars after they have chilled for a sweet and salty combination.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Butter Cornflake Crunch Bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate them even further:
* **With a Glass of Milk:** Enjoy a classic pairing of peanut butter bars and a cold glass of milk.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** The sweetness of the bars pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **As a Dessert Topping:** Crumble the bars over ice cream or yogurt for a crunchy and sweet topping.
* **In a Lunchbox:** These bars make a great addition to a lunchbox for a sweet treat.
* **As a Party Snack:** Cut the bars into smaller squares and serve them as a party snack.
Storage Instructions
To keep your Peanut Butter Cornflake Crunch Bars fresh and delicious, store them properly:
* **Room Temperature:** Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* **Calories:** 250-300 per bar (depending on size and ingredients)
* **Fat:** 12-15 grams
* **Saturated Fat:** 4-6 grams
* **Cholesterol:** 0 mg
* **Sodium:** 150-200 mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-35 grams
* **Sugar:** 20-25 grams
* **Protein:** 3-5 grams
*Please note that these are approximate values and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Peanut Butter Cornflake Crunch Bars Recipe Card
**Yields:** Approximately 16-24 bars
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Chill Time:** 1 hour
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups Cornflakes
* 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
* 1 cup Light Corn Syrup
* 1 cup Granulated Sugar
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
* 1/2 teaspoon Salt
* 4 cups Miniature Marshmallows
**Equipment:**
* Large Saucepan
* 9×13 Inch Baking Pan
* Parchment Paper
* Mixing Spoon or Spatula
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Baking Pan:** Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.
2. **Melt the Wet Ingredients:** In a large saucepan, combine the peanut butter, corn syrup, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. **Add the Marshmallows:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add the miniature marshmallows to the peanut butter mixture and stir until they are completely melted and smooth.
4. **Incorporate the Cornflakes:** Pour the cornflakes into the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the cornflakes into the mixture until they are evenly coated.
5. **Press into the Pan:** Pour the cornflake mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased with cooking spray or butter) to press the mixture evenly into the pan.
6. **Chill and Set:** Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the bars are firm and set.
7. **Cut and Serve:** Once the bars are firm, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place the bars on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Cornflake Crunch Bars are a simple, delicious, and satisfying treat that everyone will love. With their crunchy texture, peanut buttery flavor, and no-bake convenience, they are perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy these irresistible bars today! Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe. Happy baking (or should we say, no-baking)!
Enjoy!