These Peanut Butter Chocolate Corn Flakes Clusters are sweet and crunchy treats! They mix creamy peanut butter and chocolate with crispy corn flakes for an easy snack.
Making them is so simple! You just melt, mix, and drop the clusters onto a tray. They disappear fast at my house—who can resist that combo? 🍫🥜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Flakes: These provide the crunch and texture. If you want a healthier option, you can use whole grain corn flakes or even puffed rice for a lighter cluster.
Milk Chocolate Chips: They offer a sweet and creamy flavor. If you’re looking for something darker, feel free to swap in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Even white chocolate is a fun option!
Creamy Peanut Butter: My go-to is creamy for easy mixing, but crunchy peanut butter adds a fun texture! For a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
Unsalted Butter: This helps with melting the chocolate and peanut butter. If you prefer a dairy-free treat, coconut oil works great instead! Just melt it alongside the chocolate.
Powdered Sugar: This is optional to boost sweetness. If you’re cutting sugar, you can skip it, or even use a sugar substitute like powdered stevia. It’s sweet with fewer calories!
How Do I Melt Chocolate Without It Seizing?
Melting chocolate can be tricky if you’re not careful, but here are some tips to ensure a smooth melt:
- Always microwave in short bursts (30 seconds), stirring in between. This method helps to prevent overheating.
- Make sure your bowl is completely dry and clean. Any moisture can cause chocolate to seize.
- If you’re mixing in peanut butter, add it in the last melting session for even creaminess.
- Use a silicone spatula for stirring. They help to combine everything without leaving any chocolate behind!
With these techniques, you’ll have a smooth, chocolatey base for your clusters every time!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Corn Flakes Clusters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups corn flakes cereal
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 10 minutes of preparation time. Then, it needs 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator until set, so you’ll have delicious clusters ready in about 40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will make it easy to remove the clusters once they’re set.
2. Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and unsalted butter. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until everything is fully melted and smooth. Be patient—it’s worth it!
3. Mix in Sweetness:
If you’d like a little extra sweetness, stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine with Corn Flakes:
Now, it’s time to add the corn flakes! Gently fold the corn flakes into the chocolate-peanut butter mixture, making sure all the flakes are coated evenly without crushing them.
5. Form the Clusters:
Using two spoons, scoop up spoonfuls of the mixture and drop them onto your prepared baking sheet to form clusters. You can make them as big or small as you like!
6. Chill to Set:
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let the clusters chill for about 30 minutes or until they are firm and set.
7. Enjoy Your Treats:
Once set, remove the clusters from the fridge, and they are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Happy snacking!
Can I Use Different Types of Cereal?
Absolutely! While corn flakes provide great crunch, you can substitute with other cereals like Rice Krispies, puffed rice, or even granola for a different texture and flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them, but be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes! To make these clusters vegan, simply replace the milk chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips and use coconut oil in place of the unsalted butter. Make sure your peanut butter is also vegan-friendly!
What If My Mixture Is Too Thick?
If your chocolate-peanut butter mixture seems too thick, try adding a little more peanut butter or a splash of coconut oil. This will help smooth it out and make mixing with the corn flakes easier.