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.

Kids baking chocolate cornflake bars with gluten-free ingredients

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.

Squares of gluten-free chocolate cornflake bars with coconut on top

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!
Lunchbox snack idea – gluten-free chocolate crunch bars

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
Ingredients for Gluten Free Chocolate Crunch Bars

🍫 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!

Easy gluten-free cornflake slice with chocolate icing

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.

Close-up of chocolate icing on gluten-free cornflake bars

🧊 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!
Kids baking chocolate cornflake bars with gluten-free ingredients

Chocolate Cornflake Crunch Bars (Gluten-Free)

Looking for a quick and easy gluten-free treat? These Chocolate Cornflake Crunch Bars are a nostalgic favourite made with crispy cornflakes, chewy coconut, rich cocoa, and topped with smooth chocolate icing. No mixer needed, kid-friendly, lunchbox-ready, and perfect for gluten-free families!
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Snack
lunchbox, snack
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 16 squares

Ingredients 

  • cups gluten-free cornflakes, lightly crushed
  • 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
  • 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.

Recipe 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)
Mix until smooth and spreadable. Adjust with more liquid if needed.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 110mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 401IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

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!

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