Hi Bold Bakers! WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: In this irresistible Easy Chocolate Cracknell Recipe, a richly chocolatey syrup enrobes humble cornflakes to create an utterly addictive snack that will become your go-to sweet treat. And when we say easy, we mean it–we’re talking no-bake, 10 minutes to prep, and only FIVE ingredients! Already have an account?
Packed with flavor: It’s a small list, but each ingredient in this recipe—mildly sweet cornflakes, robust cocoa powder, heavenly golden syrup, rich butter, and salt—has its own distinctly wonderful taste and combines to make the confection greater than the sum of its parts. Deliciously nostalgic: If you were lucky enough to have Chocolate Cracknell growing up, the amazing taste and crunch of our recipe will take you right back! And if you’ve never had it, you’re in for a treat. For more old-school yumminess, check out Traditional Irish Oat Flapjacks or Homemade Honeycomb Candy & Cadbury Crunchie Bars, and for a savory throw-back, try our unbelievably good Irish Sausage Rolls.
We all love summer, but when school’s out and you have a houseful of hungry kids, you need some tricks up your sleeve for quick, no-bake delicious snacks. Of course, it’s even better if you get the kids to help. Chocolate Cracknell will turn any child into a budding chef! The recipe is foolproof, and the result is so yummy and satisfying it will become a family favorite. For more cooking fun, be sure to check out our Kids Printable Recipe Coloring Pages. This downloadable mini-cookbook is the perfect intro to how fun and creative cooking can be.
Table of Contents
What is Easy Chocolate Cracknell?
Easy Chocolate Cracknell is a no-bake treat made by coating cornflakes with cooked golden syrup, cocoa, and butter. Once the mixture has set, it’s cut into squares. This treat is also known as chocolate cornflake cakes and chocolate hedgehogs (when made individually in paper-lined individual muffin cups. Rich cocoa and the buttery, slightly caramelly taste of golden syrup elevate the subtle sweetness of the cereal. The combination of crunchy cornflakes with the smooth chocolate coating gives this confection a delightful mixture of textures. “Cracknell” is a medieval word meaning a crisp biscuit or cracker. Chocolate Cracknell became popular in England during World War II rationing, when families turned to simple recipes with a short list of ingredients. This genius concoction is so delicious that it continues to be beloved in the UK and beyond.
Tools You Need
Mixing bowls Measuring cups Measuring spoons Glass measuring jug Kitchen scale (optional) 8-inch (20 cm) square cake pan Parchment paper Spoon
Key Ingredients of Cracknell and Why
Cornflakes
Thin and crispy cornflakes are the foundation of Easy Chocolate Cracknell and provide its satisfying crunch. Cornflakes are especially crispy because they are rolled and toasted. Additionally, the sugar and malt used in making cornflakes caramelize while baking, creating a crispy caramelized coating.
Golden syrup
Golden syrup sweetens the Easy Chocolate Cracknell mixture and adds a warm, rich, slightly buttery, toffee flavor. The golden syrup is the base of the syrup that binds the mixture together and helps it set. Additionally, golden syrup gives this treat its chewiness and provides a lovely glossy sheen. If you can’t find golden syrup near you, it’s a cinch to make your own golden syrup substitute with our simple recipe.
Butter
Butter enriches the syrup mixture, making it rich and creamy. Butter adds deep flavor and a savory note that balances the cracknell’s sweetness. Importantly, butterfat helps keep the cracknell mixture from becoming too dry.
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder provides deeply intense chocolate flavor without extra sweetness. See The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Chocolate for a deep dive into cocoa and chocolate.
Salt
The small amount of salt is necessary to bring out the flavors.
How to Make Easy Chocolate Cracknell
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips for Chocolate Cracknell
These treats need to stay refrigerated, or they can get soft. If you don’t have golden syrup, make my homemade version, or you can use honey instead. For a fun variation, try making these with Rice Krispies instead! You can place these in paper lined individual muffin cups to set for easy serving. If you are in a hurry you can let these set in the freezer for about one hour.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
You can make Easy Chocolate Cracknell in advance.
The mixture needs at least three hours in the fridge to be firm enough to cut, and it can be kept in the fridge for up to four days before serving. Store leftover Chocolate Cracknel in the refrigerator for up to four days.
How can I customize Easy Chocolate Cracknell? There are endless ways to customize this adaptable Easy Chocolate Cracknell recipe. For extra crunch, add a cup of chopped peanuts, walnuts, or another nut of your choice. To add some chewiness, raisins or dried cranberries bring great texture and another type of sweetness. Play with flavors by mixing in the zest of half an orange, or make it a mint chocolate tread by adding a quarter-teaspoon of peppermint extract. Play up the decadence of Easy Chocolate Cracknell and stir in a cup of mini marshmallows or butterscotch chips. Top it with sprinkles just for fun! Is this Easy Chocolate Cracknell Recipe gluten-free? Although corn is gluten-free, cornflakes may contain barley (in the malt flavoring), which does contain gluten. Be sure to look for cereal that is labeled “gluten-free.”
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