Introduction: Why Chocolate Cornflake Cakes Are a British Favourite
Chocolate Cornflake Cakes are one of those nostalgic British treats that take many of us straight back to childhood. Whether you remember them from school bake sales, birthday parties, or Easter celebrations, they’re a simple yet indulgent snack that appeals to all ages. But what makes them so special?
Firstly, they are super easy to make—no oven required! Secondly, they require only a handful of ingredients, many of which are kitchen staples. Plus, they are highly versatile. You can tweak the recipe to be dairy-free, gluten-free, or even a bit more sophisticated for adult tastebuds.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about making Chocolate Cornflake Cakes in London—from choosing the best ingredients to troubleshooting common mistakes. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your kids, or a bake sale, we’ll ensure you get the best possible results.
Understanding the Basic Features of Chocolate Cornflake Cakes
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at what makes this treat unique.
1. No-Bake Convenience
Unlike traditional cakes or biscuits, Chocolate Cornflake Cakes require no baking. The process involves melting chocolate, mixing in cornflakes, and letting them set—making it one of the easiest desserts to prepare at home.
2. Crunchy Yet Gooey Texture
The appeal of this cake lies in its texture contrast—crispy cornflakes coated in smooth, melted chocolate. Some people like to add a touch of golden syrup or butter to make them even more indulgent.
3. Quick to Make and Kid-Friendly
Since the recipe only takes about 15 minutes of active preparation (plus setting time), it’s an excellent activity to do with kids. There’s no need for precise baking measurements, and little hands can easily mix the ingredients.
4. Customisable for Different Dietary Needs
While the classic version contains chocolate, butter, and cornflakes, you can modify the recipe to suit dietary preferences:
Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use dairy-free chocolate and coconut oil instead of butter.
Gluten-Free: Opt for certified gluten-free cornflakes.
Low-Sugar: Choose dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher.
Nut-Free: Avoid any toppings that might contain traces of nuts.
Where to Find Ingredients in London & Estimated Costs (2025 Prices)
London offers plenty of options for sourcing fresh and high-quality ingredients. Whether you prefer supermarkets, online retailers, or local grocery stores, here’s where you can find what you need.
Ingredient | Where to Buy in London | Estimated Price (2025) |
Cornflakes (200g) | Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose | £1.50 – £2.50 |
Milk Chocolate (200g) | M&S, Lidl, Aldi | £2.00 – £3.50 |
Dark Chocolate (optional, 70% cocoa) | Whole Foods, Amazon UK | £2.50 – £4.00 |
Golden Syrup (100ml) | Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s | £1.00 – £2.00 |
Unsalted Butter (100g) | Morrisons, Waitrose | £1.20 – £2.50 |
If you're looking for premium chocolate, brands like Green & Black’s, Lindt, or Hotel Chocolat are widely available across London, but they will cost a bit more.
Best Budget-Friendly Options
Aldi & Lidl: For affordable cornflakes and chocolate.
Poundland & Home Bargains: Sometimes stock lower-cost brands of syrup and chocolate.
Local Markets: You can often find bulk-priced chocolate at places like Borough Market.
Chocolate Cornflake Cake - A Step by Step Recipe
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making the cakes! Below is the basic recipe that serves 12 small cakes.
This is a simple, no-bake recipe for making Chocolate Cornflake Cakes at home in London. These treats are perfect for a small gathering of 8-10 people and are especially popular for kids' parties. The recipe yields approximately 12-15 individual mini cakes, depending on the size of the cupcake cases.
Ingredients
200g cornflakes (plain, not frosted or flavored)
150g milk chocolate, broken into pieces (choose a good quality brand for better flavor)
50g unsalted butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup (commonly available in London as it's a British product)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Equipment
Heatproof bowl
Saucepan
Large mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula
Muffin tin
12-15 paper cupcake cases (avoid foil cases for easier peeling)
Method
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your Chocolate Cornflake Cakes:
Prepare the cupcake cases:
Place 12-15 paper cupcake cases into the muffin tin. This will help the cakes hold their shape while setting.
Melt the chocolate mixture:
In a heatproof bowl, combine:
150g milk chocolate, broken into pieces
50g unsalted butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup
Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water (this is the double boiler method to prevent burning the chocolate).
Stir occasionally until the mixture is completely melted and smooth (this should take about 5-10 minutes).
Remove the bowl from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, if using.
Prepare the cornflakes:
Place 200g of cornflakes into a large mixing bowl. Ensure the cornflakes are fresh and crispy for the best texture.
Combine the mixtures:
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cornflakes in the large mixing bowl.
Gently stir with a spoon or spatula until all the cornflakes are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this could crush the cornflakes and reduce their crunchiness.
Fill the cupcake cases:
Spoon the chocolate-coated cornflake mixture into the prepared cupcake cases, dividing it evenly among them (approximately 12-15 cases).
Press the mixture down gently into each case to help the cakes set firmly.
Set the cakes:
Place the muffin tin with the filled cupcake cases into the refrigerator.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the cakes are fully set and firm.
Serve:
Once set, remove the cakes from the refrigerator.
Peel off the paper cases and serve immediately.
Optional Decorations
Before refrigerating, you can decorate the tops of the cakes with:
Sprinkles
Mini chocolate eggs (especially festive for occasions like Easter)
For a British touch, consider using decorations that reflect local themes, though this is entirely optional.
Mastering the Perfect Chocolate Cornflake Cake: Advanced Techniques
Even though Chocolate Cornflake Cakes are simple, getting them just right requires some tricks. The goal is to achieve a glossy chocolate coating, evenly distributed crunch, and the right level of firmness.
1. How to Melt Chocolate Properly
If your chocolate coating looks dull or grainy, the issue often lies in how you melt it. Here are two tried-and-tested methods:
A. Double Boiler (Bain-Marie) Method – Best for Precision
Fill a saucepan with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring it does not touch the water.
Add your chocolate, butter, and golden syrup to the bowl.
Stir gently until fully melted.
💡 Pro Tip: Never let water touch the chocolate—it can seize and turn grainy.
B. Microwave Method – Quick and Easy
Place the chocolate, butter, and syrup in a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring after each burst.
Stop when it’s 90% melted, then stir until smooth.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a ceramic or glass bowl for better heat distribution.
2. How to Get a Perfect Chocolate Coating on the Cornflakes
A common mistake is adding the cornflakes too quickly into the chocolate mixture. This can lead to an uneven coating. Follow these tips:
Cool the melted chocolate slightly (about 2 minutes) before adding the cornflakes—this helps retain the crunch.
Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold in the cornflakes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Work quickly, but avoid crushing the flakes.
💡 Pro Tip: If your mixture looks too thick, add 1 extra tablespoon of golden syrup to loosen it up.
3. Setting the Cakes: How to Get the Right Firmness
Once your cakes are in their cupcake cases, it’s time to set them. But where’s the best place to do this?
Setting Method | Results |
Fridge (Best Option) | Firm and crunchy cakes in 30 minutes |
Room Temperature | Softer texture, takes 1-2 hours |
Freezer (Emergency Fix) | Speeds up setting to 15 minutes, but may cause chocolate to look dull |
💡 Pro Tip: If using the fridge, cover the tray loosely with cling film to prevent moisture from affecting the texture.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with a simple recipe, things can go wrong. Let’s solve some common Chocolate Cornflake Cake problems.
1. Why Are My Cornflakes Soggy?
🔴 Problem: The cakes are not crunchy and feel soft.
✅ Solution:
Make sure the cornflakes are fully coated with chocolate. Any dry spots can absorb moisture.
Do not store them in an airtight container—this can trap humidity.
If you live in a humid area, set the cakes in the fridge instead of at room temperature.
2. Why Are My Cakes Falling Apart?
🔴 Problem: The cakes crumble instead of holding their shape.
✅ Solution:
You may not have enough chocolate coating—increase the amount by 20%.
Make sure you press the mixture down slightly into the cupcake cases so they hold together.
3. Why Does My Chocolate Look Dull or Grainy?
🔴 Problem: The melted chocolate doesn’t look smooth.
✅ Solution:
Overheating is the most common issue—always melt chocolate gently.
If your chocolate has seized (turned grainy), try adding 1 tsp of vegetable oil and stirring well.
4. Why Are My Cakes Too Hard?
🔴 Problem: The cakes are rock solid and difficult to bite into.
✅ Solution:
Too much chocolate can make the cakes too firm. Try reducing it slightly.
Leaving them too long in the fridge can make them harder—let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.
Creative Variations of Chocolate Cornflake Cakes
Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious variations of the classic recipe:
1. Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Cornflake Cakes
If you love a more grown-up flavour, swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) and sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top before setting.
2. White Chocolate & Raspberry Cornflake Cakes
For a fruitier twist, use white chocolate and mix in freeze-dried raspberries before shaping the cakes.
3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Cornflake Cakes
Add 1 tablespoon of smooth peanut butter to the melted chocolate mix for a rich, nutty flavour.
4. Biscoff Cornflake Cakes
Stir 1 tablespoon of Lotus Biscoff spread into the melted chocolate for a caramel-like taste.
5. Christmas Spiced Chocolate Cornflake Cakes
For a festive version, add:
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ginger
🎄 Optional topping: Crushed candy canes or a white chocolate drizzle!
Storage Tips: How to Keep Chocolate Cornflake Cakes Fresh
Now that you’ve made the perfect batch, how do you store them?
Storage Method | How Long They Last | Best For |
Room Temperature (in an airtight container) | 3-4 days | Softer cakes |
Fridge (covered with cling film) | 1 week | Firmer texture |
Freezer (sealed container) | Up to 1 month | Long-term storage |
💡 Pro Tip: If freezing, wrap individual cakes in greaseproof paper before putting them in a container. This prevents them from sticking together.
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