No-Bake Chocolate Cornflake Cakes Recipe

Chocolate Cornflake Cakes are quick, no-bake treats that are perfect for children learning to bake and for anyone who wants a simple, nostalgic sweet.

chocolate covered cornflake cakes in white paper cases in a metal baking tray

This recipe comes from my childhood recipe book—full of stains, smudged handwriting and happy memories. It’s straightforward, forgiving and always delivers that irresistible contrast of crunchy cereal and smooth chocolate.

womans hands holding a chocolate cornflake cake over a full tray of cakes

How to Make Chocolate Cornflake Cakes

These no-bake cakes are very easy to prepare, making them ideal for kids to join in safely. There’s no oven involved—just a gentle melt on the hob, a quick stir through cereal and then chilling until set.

womans hands holding a stick of butter over a large silver saucepan on a wooden kitchen counter surrounded by baking mess

Start by melting the chocolate, butter and golden syrup together in a large saucepan over a very gentle heat. Stir constantly so the mixture becomes glossy and smooth. If you can’t find golden syrup, honey, maple or agave could be used as alternatives—though I haven’t tested these swaps personally, they should work and add pleasant variations in flavour.

womans hands breaking dark chocolate pieces over a large silver saucepan on a wooden kitchen counter surrounded by baking mess

Once the chocolate mixture is smooth, fold in the cornflakes with a wooden spoon. The goal is to coat every flake so there are no dry, yellow pieces left. If you prefer extra chocolate, use a little less cereal so the finished cakes are richer and a little fudgier in the base.

womans hands spooning golden syrup from a green can into a large silver saucepan on a wooden kitchen counter surrounded by baking mess

Line a cupcake tray with 12 paper or silicone cases, or use one lined 8″ x 8″ tin for a single large slab to slice later. Spoon the chocolate-coated cornflakes evenly into the cases or press into the tin, then chill in the fridge for 30–60 minutes until firm.

womans hands pouring yellow cornflakes from a white cereal box into a large silver saucepan on a wooden kitchen counter

The result is a crunchy, slightly chewy bite with a thin chocolate shell—simple, satisfying and full of childhood charm.

womans hands placing white cupcake cases into a silver cupcake baking tin

These cakes are great for packed lunches, party treats or a quick sweet fix. They keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for several days, though they rarely last that long!

womans hands spooning chocolate covered cornflakes into white paper cupcake cases on a silver tray

womans hands holding a silver metal tray of white paper cases filled with chocolate covered cornflakes

chocolate covered cornflake cakes in white paper cases in a metal baking tray

woman with red hair wearing blue clothes stood in front of a bright green campervan licking a a chocolate coated spoon

Recipe: Chocolate Cornflake Cakes

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 15 mins

Servings: 12   |   Calories: 123 kcal per serving   |   Author: Jane Sarchet

Ingredients

  • 100 g dark chocolate
  • 50 g butter (salted or unsalted to taste)
  • 2 tbsp golden syrup (or a swap such as honey/maple/agave if unavailable)
  • 90 g cornflakes

Instructions

  1. Gently melt the chocolate, butter and golden syrup together in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until smooth and glossy.
  2. Add a large handful of cornflakes and stir to coat them completely. Continue adding cornflakes, a handful at a time, until the mixture is evenly coated and there is no molten chocolate left in the pan.
  3. Line 12 paper cupcake cases on a tray or use a lined 8″ x 8″ tin. Spoon the chocolate-coated cornflakes evenly into the cases or press the mixture into the tin.
  4. Chill in the fridge for 30–60 minutes until set. If using a large tin, transfer to a board and cut into wedges or squares with a sharp knife.
  5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for several days.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 123 kcal
  • Fat: 7 g (Saturated fat: 4 g)
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g (Sugars: 6 g)
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Salt and micronutrient values vary by ingredients used

These chocolate cornflake cakes are an enduring classic—easy to make, fun for kids and a great no-fuss treat to have on hand. Try making them as individual cakes or as one large slab to share. Enjoy the simple pleasure of chocolate-coated crunch!