The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Chocolate Cornflake Slice: Easy Recipe & Variations
There’s a special joy that comes from treats made with everyday breakfast cereals. They often evoke a sense of nostalgia, bringing back childhood memories with every bite. Among these delightful creations, the Chocolate Cornflake Slice holds a cherished spot. This isn’t just any ordinary snack; it’s a unique dessert bar that brilliantly combines the satisfying crunch of Cornflakes with rich chocolate and the delicate sweetness of coconut. For those unfamiliar, think of it as a delightful hybrid—part candy, part cookie, and entirely irresistible.
Originating from British baking traditions, this beloved treat has found widespread popularity not only in England but also across Australia and New Zealand. Its simplicity and deliciousness have made it a household favorite for generations. While its exact historical roots might be a bit fuzzy, its enduring appeal is crystal clear. If you grew up with a particular family recipe or have your own tried-and-true method, we’d love for you to share your secrets in the comments!

What makes this particular Cornflake Slice recipe so intriguing is its unique chocolate base. Initially, you might glance at the ingredient list and mistake it for a brownie recipe, only to notice a key omission: eggs. This often leads to questions about how such a mixture could possibly hold together. However, through a clever interplay of butter and melted chocolate, combined with a brief bake and a crucial extended cooling period, the ingredients miraculously bind to form a wonderfully crisp and crumbly chocolate foundation. This sturdy yet delicate base is then crowned with an additional layer of smooth chocolate and a sprinkle of extra Cornflakes, creating a textural masterpiece.

Crafting Your Perfect Loaf Pan Chocolate Cornflake Slice
My journey into the world of Cornflake Slice led me to a fantastic version from the blog Jam and Clotted Cream. I adapted their original recipe to suit my needs, specifically aiming for a smaller batch that fits a standard loaf pan, making it ideal for home baking without too many leftovers (though these rarely last long!).

One notable modification I made was halving the recipe to perfectly fit a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This ensures that you get nicely thick bars without having to bake a huge tray. For those looking for even thicker, more substantial slices, an 8 ½ by 4 ½ inch pan would be an excellent choice for your next batch.
I also opted for all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour, which is a common ingredient in many British recipes. If you only have self-rising flour on hand, simply omit the baking powder and salt called for in the recipe to achieve a similar result. To amplify the indulgence, I generously doubled the chocolate topping and, surprisingly, found that omitting the butter from the topping didn’t detract from its luscious texture. To enhance the signature crunch and flavor, I incorporated more Cornflakes into both the base and as a decorative sprinkle. Finally, for an extra layer of flavor and texture, I tossed in some salted peanuts—a delicious addition that provides a wonderful salty contrast to the sweet chocolate.
Exploring the Wonderful World of Cornflake Slice Variations
After diving into this delightful Cornflake Slice recipe, I found myself captivated by the sheer number of variations available. It’s truly a rabbit hole of culinary creativity! The beauty of Cornflake Slice lies in its adaptability, allowing for countless interpretations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Some popular versions feature marshmallows, creating a sticky, chewy texture reminiscent of American cereal treats. These no-bake marshmallow-bound slices are particularly appealing for their ease and speed, making them a fantastic option when you need a quick dessert or snack without turning on the oven. Other recipes, more akin to traditional baking, do incorporate an egg in the base, resulting in a slightly softer, more cake-like consistency that blurs the lines between a brownie and a cookie bar.
You’ll also discover variations where the melted chocolate is exclusively a topping, rather than being integrated into the base mixture. This approach often highlights the Cornflake crunch even more, providing a delightful contrast between the crispy cereal and the smooth chocolate shell. For my fellow peanut butter enthusiasts, there’s a strong argument for the no-bake chocolate peanut butter Cornflake bars. A recipe like the one found on Food.com is an excellent starting point. This particular style often resonates more with American palates, as it closely resembles the type of satisfying, gooey cereal bar cookies many of us grew up enjoying. The combination of sweet chocolate and savory peanut butter with the signature Cornflake crunch is truly unbeatable, and I confess, it’s next on my list to try!
Beyond these, consider experimenting with different types of chocolate—white chocolate for a sweeter profile, or a higher percentage dark chocolate for a more intense cocoa flavor. Sprinkles, chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), dried fruits (raisins, cranberries), or even a drizzle of caramel can transform a basic Cornflake Slice into a gourmet treat. You could even swap out Cornflakes for other cereals like Rice Krispies for a lighter crunch, or crushed Shredded Wheat for a heartier texture. The possibilities are truly endless, making Cornflake Slice a versatile canvas for your dessert aspirations.
Tips for Baking and Enjoying Your Cornflake Slice
Creating the perfect Cornflake Slice is a rewarding experience, and a few key tips can elevate your results. When mixing the dry and wet ingredients for the base, be careful not to overmix; just combine until everything is moistened. This helps maintain the desired crispness of the Cornflakes. Pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared loaf pan is also crucial for a compact, well-formed slice that won’t crumble apart when cut.
The cooling time, as mentioned earlier, is paramount. Allowing the base to cool completely (preferably in the refrigerator) ensures it sets properly and develops that characteristic crisp, crumbly texture. Rushing this step will result in a soft, potentially messy base. When melting the chocolate for the topping, whether in the microwave or over a double boiler, do so gently to prevent scorching. Stir frequently until smooth and glossy, then spread it quickly over the cooled base before it begins to set.
Once your topping is applied and decorated, allow the entire slice to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm. This will make slicing much cleaner and easier. Store any leftover Cornflake Slice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness, especially in warmer climates. They also freeze well for up to a month, making them a great make-ahead treat!
These delightful bars are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them as an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea or coffee, pack them into lunchboxes for a special surprise, or offer them as a simple yet impressive dessert at gatherings. Their satisfying crunch, rich chocolate flavor, and hint of coconut make them a universally loved sweet treat that appeals to both kids and adults.
Recipe
Loaf Pan Chocolate Cornflake Slice
Ingredients
- ½ cup lightly spooned 60 grams all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup fine granulated sugar 50 grams
- ¼ cup dried coconut
- ½ cup Cornflakes
- 2 oz dark chocolate chopped (56 grams)
- 6 tablespoons Butter 84 grams
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Topping
- 2 oz dark chocolate chopped (56 grams)
- 2 oz milk chocolate chopped (56 grams)
- ½ tablespoon butter optional, I left it out
- Cornflakes for decorating, salted peanuts peanuts optional
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick foil, leaving an overhang on the long sides to easily lift the slice out later.
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In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsweetened cocoa powder, fine granulated sugar, dried coconut, and ½ cup of Cornflakes. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
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In a separate microwave-safe bowl, heat the chopped dark chocolate (for the base) and butter on high for 30-second intervals. Stir well after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Alternatively, you can melt them together over a double boiler. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the Cornflakes and other dry components are fully coated and a cohesive dough forms. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring a compact base.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are firm and lightly crisp. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling period is essential for the base to set properly and achieve its crisp, crumbly texture.
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Once the base is completely cool, prepare the topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped dark chocolate and milk chocolate (and optional butter, if using) together using 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread this melted chocolate mixture evenly over the cooled Cornflake slice base. Immediately sprinkle additional Cornflakes (and salted peanuts, if desired) over the wet chocolate topping. Allow the topping to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before carefully lifting the slice out of the pan and cutting it into individual bars.