Corn Chex Clusters

Corn Chex Clusters are an irresistible combination of crispy cereal, creamy peanut butter, and a sweet, chocolatey topping. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking, parties, or anytime you need a quick and easy dessert. With a delightful mix of textures and flavors, these clusters are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Jump to Recipe

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 cup Karo light corn syrup: This sticky sweet syrup helps bind the clusters together, giving them a chewy texture.
• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy): The creamy peanut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy cereal.
• 1/2 cup white granulated sugar: Sweetens the clusters and enhances the overall flavor.
• 6 cups Corn Chex cereal: The main ingredient, Corn Chex, adds crunch and makes the clusters light and airy.
• 1 cup chocolate chips (milk chocolate): The chocolate drizzle on top provides a sweet, smooth finish.
• 1 cup butterscotch chips: Butterscotch chips add a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the peanut butter and chocolate.

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Peanut Butter Coating

• Combine corn syrup, peanut butter, and sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of Karo light corn syrup, 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, and 1/2 cup of white granulated sugar. Stir the mixture over medium heat.

Pro Tip: Be sure not to let the mixture boil, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize and the peanut butter to separate, resulting in a gritty texture. Heat gently, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

2. Mix with Corn Chex

• Coat the cereal: In a large mixing bowl, pour the warm peanut butter mixture over 6 cups of Corn Chex cereal. Gently stir until all of the cereal is evenly coated with the sweet, sticky mixture.

Pro Tip: Use a large spatula to fold the mixture, being careful not to crush the Corn Chex. You want to maintain the cereal’s shape for maximum crunch in each bite.

3. Form the Clusters

• Shape the clusters: Once the mixture is cool enough to handle, scoop out 2-tablespoon portions and shape them into clusters. Place each cluster onto a sheet of parchment paper to finish cooling.

Pro Tip: If the mixture is too sticky to handle, lightly grease your hands with a bit of butter or cooking spray. This will make it easier to shape the clusters without them sticking to your fingers.

4. Add the Chocolate-Butterscotch Topping

• Melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of milk chocolate chips and 1 cup of butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chips are fully melted and smooth.

Pro Tip: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate and butterscotch chips, as this can cause them to seize up and become grainy. Stir frequently to ensure an even melt.

• Drizzle over clusters: Using a spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate-butterscotch mixture over the top of each cluster. You can also fully coat the clusters by spooning the mixture directly on top.

5. Set and Store

• Set the clusters: Place the clusters in the freezer for a few minutes to allow the chocolate and butterscotch topping to set. This will help the topping harden quickly, making the clusters easier to handle and store.

Pro Tip: If you’re in a warm climate or want to speed up the process, the freezer is your best bet. Otherwise, you can let the clusters set at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

• Store the clusters: Once the clusters are fully set, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your preference.

Pro Tip: These clusters can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container, though they rarely last that long!

⏲️ Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: About 24 clusters

🍴 Tips for Success

1. Corn Syrup Consistency: When heating the corn syrup, peanut butter, and sugar mixture, make sure to keep the heat at medium. If you rush this step by cranking up the heat, the sugar could burn or crystallize, and the mixture may become too thick.
2. Cereal Texture: When mixing the Corn Chex with the sweet coating, be gentle to avoid crushing the cereal. A light hand will help you maintain the texture of the clusters, giving you that satisfying crunch.
3. Melting the Topping: Microwave the chocolate and butterscotch chips in short bursts to prevent them from overheating. Stirring in between ensures that the chips melt evenly without burning.
4. Shaping the Clusters: If you find that the mixture is sticking to your hands too much, try using two spoons to shape the clusters instead. This will keep your hands clean and still allow you to form well-rounded clusters.
5. Storage: These clusters are best enjoyed within a few days of making them, but they can last up to a week if stored properly. For a longer shelf life, keep them in the fridge, though this may make the chocolate a bit harder. If you prefer softer chocolate, keep the clusters at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

🥜 Variations and Substitutions

1. Nut Butter Options: If you want to switch things up, try using almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter in place of the peanut butter. Each type of nut butter will give the clusters a slightly different flavor, allowing you to customize the recipe to your tastes.
2. Cereal Alternatives: While Corn Chex is a great choice for its lightness and crunch, you can experiment with other cereals like Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, or even puffed rice cereal. Each will give the clusters a unique texture and flavor.
3. Chocolate Variations: You can use dark chocolate or white chocolate in place of the milk chocolate for a different flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of sea salt to the melted chocolate mixture for a sweet-salty twist.
4. Mix-ins: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding mix-ins like chopped nuts, pretzel pieces, or mini marshmallows to the cereal mixture before forming the clusters. These additions can make the clusters even more indulgent and customizable.

Final Thoughts

Corn Chex Clusters are a delightful combination of crispy cereal, sweet peanut butter, and rich chocolate-butterscotch topping. These no-bake treats are incredibly easy to make and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, sharing them with friends, or enjoying them as a family snack, these clusters are sure to disappear quickly. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this recipe is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Enjoy!