Chocolate Cornflake Crunch Bars (Gluten-Free)
These Gluten-Free Chocolate Cornflake Crunch Bars are a throwback-style treat – crunchy, chewy, chocolatey, and incredibly easy to make. They’re based on a beloved old classic and updated using gluten-free ingredients and a few tweaks to improve moisture and flavour.
This is the kind of simple recipe you can make with your kids on a quiet afternoon – or throw together quickly when you need something sweet but not overly rich. They store well, freeze beautifully, and are loved by both kids and grown-ups.
What Makes Them Great
- ✅ Gluten-Free Friendly – made with GF self-rising flour and GF cornflakes
- ✅ No mixer needed – melt, mix, bake
- ✅ Kid-approved – crunchy and sweet with chocolate flavor
- ✅ Lunchbox perfect – sturdy, not crumbly, and easy to cut into squares
- ✅ Fun to make with kids – great for little hands to help!
GF Ingredients To Make Chocolate Cornflake Crunch Bars
To get started making this recipe, you’ll need:
- 1½ cups gluten-free self-raising flour (or use 1½ cups plain (all-purpose) gluten-free flour + 1½ teaspoons gluten-free baking powder)
- 1½ cups gluten-free cornflakes, lightly crushed
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 250g (9oz) unsalted butter
- 1½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
🍫 Plus, for an Easy Chocolate Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar/icing sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- 1–2 tablespoons hot water or milk
A Great Bake for Kids
This is the perfect recipe to get kids involved in the kitchen. They can:
- Crush the cornflakes
- Help stir the ingredients
- Press the mixture into the tray
- Spread icing and sprinkle coconut
No electric mixers needed, and minimal mess – win!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a slice pan (approx. 8×12 inch) or square baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cornflakes and crush with the base of your cup. Add gluten-free flour (and baking powder if substituting), coconut, cocoa, and brown sugar.
Step 3: Melt butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, or in the microwave, melt the butter. Remove from heat, stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well until fully combined.
Step 5: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until set and lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool & Ice: Let cool completely in the pan. Spread with chocolate icing (recipe below) and sprinkle with extra coconut if desired. Slice into bars or squares.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 – 4 days
- Refrigerate for up to a week for firmer bars
- Freeze (cut into bars first) for up to 2 months – great for snack prep!
Chocolate Cornflake Crunch Bars (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 1½ cups gluten-free cornflakes, lightly crushed
- 1½ cups gluten-free self-rising flour Or use 1½ cups plain (all-purpose) gluten-free flour + 1½ teaspoons gluten-free baking powder
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup, or honey
- 250 grams (9oz) butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×12-inch or similar slice tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, crush cornflakes (I just use the base of the measuring cup), gluten-free flour, coconut, cocoa, and brown sugar.
- Melt butter in the microwave (or over low heat in a saucepan) and stir in maple syrup and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until fully combined.
- Press into prepared tray and bake for 22–25 minutes, until set and golden at edges.
- Cool completely. Top with chocolate icing (optional) and sprinkle with coconut. Slice into bars.
Notes
🍫 Easy Chocolate Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- 2-3 tablespoons hot water or milk (depending on desired consistency)
Did you make this recipe?
Mention us @theglutenfreekids or tag us using #theglutenfreekids so we can see your creations! You can also leave a comment below!
