Christmas Cookies

December 10, 2025

Caramel Cornflake Cups

Homemade Caramel Cornflake Cups

Crisp, glossy, salty-sweet caramel cornflake cups topped with a silky chocolate ganache. The kind of dessert that feels simple but elevated at the same time. They’re crunchy, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and wildly easy to throw together.

They’re also naturally crisp, shiny, and wonderfully chewy thanks to a homemade caramel that coats every flake without making them soggy. If you love simple, high-reward bakes, this is absolutely your treat.

This recipe makes about 20 mini cups (standard mini muffin tin), and they set beautifully in the fridge. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or late-night snacking straight from the fridge.

Can I substitute certain ingredients?

Gluten-Free:

Use certified gluten-free cornflakes — most standard brands are not GF due to malt.

Dairy-Free:

Use vegan butter

Use coconut cream or oat cream

Use dairy-free chocolate

Vegan:

Combine the dairy-free swaps above with a plant-based cereal

Chocolate Variations:

Milk, dark, white, or even ruby chocolate works - just tone down the cream a bit

Add espresso powder to the ganache for a mocha twist

FAQ / Troubleshooting

Why are my cornflake cups soft or soggy?
The caramel was too hot or too thin. Let caramel cool slightly before mixing.

My caramel crystallised — what happened?
Either stir all the time until your sugar is melted, or 

Cups won’t hold their shape?
Press them firmly into the tin and chill 10–15 minutes before adding chocolate.

Can I skip the ganache?
Yes! They’re delicious on their own. The ganache just adds richness and contrast.

Can I freeze them?
Yes — freeze in airtight container up to one month. Thaw in fridge to keep the crunch.

Caramel Cornflake Cups

Crisp, glossy, salty-sweet caramel cornflake cups topped with a silky chocolate ganache. The kind of dessert that feels simple but elevated at the same time.

Author:

Demi Bruggink

Prep:

15

min

cook:

0

min

total:

30

min

Yield:

20

Portions

Ingredients

Homemade Caramel Sauce

  • 200 g sugar
  • 85 g unsalted butter
  • 120 g heavy cream
  • Salt & vanilla to taste

Cornflake Cups

  • 1 full batch homemade caramel (recipe above)
  • 250 g cornflakes
  • 100 g dark chocolate
  • 50 g heavy cream

Instructions

Make the Caramel

  1. Heat sugar in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to melt and turn amber without stirring (swirling the pan occasionally is fine).
  2. Once fully melted and deeply golden, add butter and whisk until combined.
  3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously) and whisk again until smooth.
  4. Remove from heat, add salt + vanilla, and let cool slightly.

Make the Cornflake Cups

  1. Place cornflakes in a large heat-proof bowl.
  2. Pour warm caramel over the cornflakes and gently fold until all flakes are evenly coated.
  3. Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners (or lightly grease).
  4. Spoon the caramel cornflake mixture into each cavity, pressing gently to help the cups hold their shape.
  5. Chill the tray 10–15 minutes while you prepare the topping.

Chocolate Ganache Topping

  1. Heat heavy cream in a small pot until steaming (not boiling).
  2. Pour over chopped dark chocolate, let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
  3. Spoon or drizzle ganache over each caramel cornflake cup.
  4. Chill until set, then serve straight from the fridge

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