It was one of those ordinary days when I started to scour the kitchen for a sweet treat to lift my spirits. The sight of an untouched box of cornflakes caught my eye, and an idea sparked: why not transform these simple breakfast staples into a dessert? Enter my Cornflake Vanilla Cream Bars, a delightful combination of crunchy and creamy that brings a twist to classic milk and cereal.
These bars are not only easy to prepare but also pack a flavor punch that both kids and grown-ups will love. The satisfying crunch of the cornflakes perfectly complements the rich vanilla cream filling, creating a treat that’s a perfect pick-me-up for any occasion. Plus, you can whip them together well before guests arrive, leaving you free to enjoy their praises while savoring every bite. Ready to elevate your snack game? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe—it’s time to turn your pantry into a culinary playground!
Why love Milk and Cereal Bars?
Simplicity at its best, these bars require minimal time and effort, making them a fantastic choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quick and delicious dessert.
Rich, Creamy Texture: The smooth vanilla cream filling melts in your mouth, while the crunchy cornflake crust adds the perfect balance.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration, these bars are a surefire hit with adults and kids alike.
Versatile Delight: You can personalize them by mixing in your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips!
Prep-Ahead Convenience: Make them in advance and chill overnight for a hassle-free sweet treat when friends come over.
Seriously, if you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dessert, these Milk and Cereal Bars are your go-to!
Milk and Cereal Bars Ingredients
Get ready to whip up a delicious treat that redefines your pantry staples!
For the Crust
• Cornflakes – 9 cups for that perfect crunch that forms the base of your bars.
• Granulated Sugar – ½ cup to add just the right amount of sweetness to your crust.
• Butter – 10 tablespoons, melted for binding everything together beautifully.
For the Vanilla Cream Filling
• Whole Milk – 1 cup to create a rich, creamy base for our delightful filling.
• Vanilla Bean – 1 split with seeds scraped, ensuring every bite is bursting with heavenly vanilla flavor.
• Egg Yolks – 4 large, which will give the filling a luscious texture.
• Granulated Sugar – ½ cup, added for the perfect sweetness balance in the filling.
• Powdered Gelatin Powder – 2 teaspoons, essential for setting that creamy goodness.
• Water – 1 tablespoon to activate the gelatin.
For the Whipped Cream Topping
• Heavy Cream – 1 ½ cups, whipped to airy perfection for a cloud-like topping.
• Powdered Sugar – ¼ cup to sweeten the whipped cream and add extra fluffiness.
Dive into this delightful recipe and enjoy the taste of homemade goodness with these Milk and Cereal Bars!
How to Make Milk and Cereal Bars
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Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and also prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment and a light spray of cooking spray.
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Crush: Using a food processor, crush the cornflakes into fine crumbs. The finer the crumbs, the better they’ll hold together for the crust.
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Melt: In a medium bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, add in the granulated sugar, stirring until everything is well combined and smooth.
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Combine: Pour the melted butter mixture over the crushed cornflakes and mix until fully coated. Spread a little more than half of this mixture into the baking dish and press firmly to form an even crust base.
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Bake: Place your crust in the oven and bake for 12 minutes. You’re looking for a deep golden brown color that signals it’s ready!
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Toast: While the crust bakes, spread the remaining cornflake crumbs on the prepared baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes until lightly golden. Allow both the crust and crumbs to cool completely.
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Simmer: In a medium pot, combine the milk, split vanilla bean, and scraped seeds. Heat on low until the mixture just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and discard the vanilla bean.
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Whisk: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and ½ cup granulated sugar until creamy and well combined, taking about 1 minute.
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Combine: Slowly drizzle the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continually, ensuring a smooth blend. Pour everything back into the pot and gently heat over low heat, whisking frequently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Dissolve: In a small bowl, combine the gelatin powder with 1 tablespoon of water, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove the custard from heat and stir in the dissolved gelatin until mixed in. Transfer to a heat-safe bowl and chill in the fridge for 2 hours to set.
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Whip: In a stand mixer, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy texture. Take the custard from the fridge, whisk until smooth, and gently fold in the whipped cream in three additions until fully combined.
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Spread: Carefully spread the vanilla cream filling over your cooled cornflake crust in an even layer. Sprinkle the toasted cornflake crumbs on top, gently pressing them down to adhere.
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Chill: Allow your Milk and Cereal Bars to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. Once ready, slice into bars and enjoy!
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate before serving for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Milk and Cereal Bars
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Perfect Crust: Ensure your cornflakes are finely crushed to help create a sturdy crust. Larger pieces may lead to a crumbly base.
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Gentle Heating: When heating the milk mixture, do not let it boil. You want it warm enough to cook the eggs but not too hot to curdle them.
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Whip Just Right: When whipping the heavy cream, be cautious not to overwhip. Aim for stiff peaks, which will ensure a light and fluffy filling for your bars.
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Chill Time Matters: Allow plenty of time for chilling both the custard and the bars after assembly. This ensures the textures meld perfectly, creating a delicious treat.
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Customize Your Bars: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts, to the cornflake crust for an extra flavor boost. Enjoy experimenting!
Make Ahead Options
These Milk and Cereal Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the crust and vanilla cream filling up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. First, complete steps 1 through 12, then store the crust and cream filling separately in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain their freshness. A crucial tip is to keep the crust undressed until just before serving to ensure it remains crisp. When it’s time to enjoy your bars, simply layer the cream filling on the cooled crust, sprinkle the toasted crumbs, and chill again for at least 4 hours before slicing. You’ll have a delightful treat that tastes freshly made with minimal effort!
Milk and Cereal Bars Variations
Feel free to explore new directions with your delicious bars! Each twist adds a unique touch to this creamy treat.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute cornflakes with gluten-free alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
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Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. It’s a great way to enhance the overall experience!
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Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top or fold in chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent variation that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Fruity Flavor: Add fresh berries or sliced bananas to the cream filling for a fruity freshness that brightens each bite. It’s a refreshing change!
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Maple Sweetness: Replace granulated sugar in the crust and filling with pure maple syrup for a warm, earthy flavor reminiscent of cozy breakfasts.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and dairy-free cream substitute to create a luscious, dairy-free version of these bars that everyone can enjoy.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cornflake crust for a warm, aromatic kick that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
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Reduced Sugar: Swap granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup to cut back on sweetness without sacrificing flavor.
How to Store and Freeze Milk and Cereal Bars
Fridge: Store these delicious Milk and Cereal Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and creamy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Reheating: Although best served chilled, if you’d like them slightly softened, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy the layers of crunch and creaminess!
What to Serve with Milk and Cereal Bars?
Elevate your dessert experience with perfect pairings that complement the creamy, crunchy delight of these bars.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries add a refreshing burst that lightens up the rich creaminess.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of dark chocolate enhances the flavors and brings a decadent touch to your bars.
- Coffee: A warm coffee pairs wonderfully, providing a rich contrast to the sweet bars, perfect for afternoon enjoyment.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these bars alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience.
- Lemonade: The zesty freshness of lemonade balances the creamy sweetness, making it a refreshingly fun pairing.
- Nutty Granola: Sprinkle some on the side for an added crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the overall texture.
- Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens every bite.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this over the bars for an extra layer of sweetness, taking your dessert to the next level.
- Fruit Salad: A light, fruity side dish offers contrast and hydration, making the meal feel complete and vibrant.
- Sparkling Water: A fizzy drink adds a celebratory touch that refreshes the palate after enjoying these delicious bars.
Milk and Cereal Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cornflakes for the crust?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for plain cornflakes without added sugars or flavorings. This allows the buttery, sugary mixture to shine through. Look for crispy, crunchy cornflakes without any dark spots or signs of staleness. Freshness is key to achieving that perfect texture in your Milk and Cereal Bars!
How long can I store these bars in the fridge?
You can store your Milk and Cereal Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their creamy filling and crunchy crust. Just make sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze Milk and Cereal Bars? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze these delightful bars for up to 3 months! Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours on your countertop before serving. I often make these in batches so I always have a treat on hand!
What should I do if my custard doesn’t thicken properly?
Very! If your custard isn’t thickening, double-check that you whisked the beaten egg yolk mixture with the warm milk slowly, as this helps prevent scrambling. If it still isn’t thickening after 5 minutes on low heat, be patient! Allow it to simmer for a bit longer while whisking frequently until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency. Don’t rush the process—good things take time!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! For those with allergies, these Milk and Cereal Bars contain dairy and eggs. If you need a dairy-free alternative, consider using almond milk or coconut cream mixed with a plant-based cream cheese for the filling. Ensure to check the cornflakes for gluten if you’re making this gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces. Always feel free to customize the recipe to suit your dietary needs!
Can I substitute gelatin with another thickening agent?
Yes, you can! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using agar-agar instead of gelatin. Dissolve it in boiling water following the package instructions—usually, one tablespoon of agar-agar plus 1 tablespoon of water will replace about 2 teaspoons of gelatin. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it’ll still be wonderfully creamy!
Creamy Milk and Cereal Bars: A Twist on Classic Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Crush the cornflakes in a food processor until fine crumbs.
- Melt the butter in a medium bowl and mix in the granulated sugar until smooth.
- Combine the melted butter mixture with the crushed cornflakes, press into the baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 12 minutes until golden brown, then cool.
- Toast remaining cornflake crumbs in the oven for 5 minutes and let cool.
- Simmer the milk with the split vanilla bean and seeds, then remove from heat.
- Whisk egg yolks and ½ cup sugar until creamy. Combine with the warm milk mixture.
- Return to heat and whisk until slightly thickened; dissolve gelatin in water and add to mixture.
- Chill the mixture for 2 hours to set.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold into the custard.
- Spread the filling over the crust and top with toasted cornflake crumbs. Chill for at least 4 hours.