Chocolate Cornflake Clusters : Quick & Easy No-Bake Treat

French

Chocolate cornflake clusters (roses des sables) are crunchy little chocolate bites you can make in minutes, with almost no effort.

They’re perfect when you need a quick snack, a last-minute sweet treat for guests, or a fun no-bake activity to do with kids. Crisp, chocolatey, and wonderfully nostalgic, they bring a cosy, festive feel to any occasion.

Easy Roses des Sables Recipe : Chocolate Cornflake Clusters, Quick No-Bake Treat

These roses des sables, crispy chocolate cornflake clusters, are the kind of no-bake treat you can whip up in minutes, even on a busy day.

They’re wonderfully foolproof: melt chocolate with a little butter, fold in cornflakes, then spoon into little mounds and chill.

That’s it. No oven, no mixer, and the ingredients are usually already in the pantry.

At home, they never last long. Between giggles, sticky fingers, and “just one more” tastes, the tray often loses a few pieces before it even reaches the fridge.

The magic is the contrast: smooth, melty chocolate coating each flake, then that satisfying crunch on the first bite, just like the “sand roses” they’re named after.

Serve them for an after-school snack, add them to a birthday buffet, or wrap a few in a small box as an easy edible gift.

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, with a sheet of paper towel to protect the crunch.

Kids love them with cold milk; I prefer mint tea.

Ingredients for Crunchy Chocolate Cornflake Clusters (Roses des Sables)

• 160 g milk chocolate: Choose a good-quality chocolate that melts smoothly and tastes rich, better chocolate means a deeper, more indulgent flavour.
• 120 g plain cornflakes: Go for unsweetened cornflakes for the best balance between crisp texture and chocolate sweetness. Wholegrain cereals also work for a slightly different crunch.
• 50 g butter: Adds richness and shine, and helps the chocolate coat and bind the cornflakes so the clusters set nicely and hold their shape.

How to Make Crunchy Chocolate Cornflake Clusters

• Melt the chocolate and butter : Put the chopped chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring well between each burst, until smooth and glossy.
• Add flavour if needed : If you’re using dark chocolate, stir in 2 tbsp golden syrup (or honey) to soften the bitterness and add extra richness.
• Fold in the cornflakes : Gently add the cornflakes to the melted chocolate. Fold carefully with a spatula or large spoon so every flake is coated, without crushing them.
• Shape the clusters : Spoon small mounds into paper cupcake cases for a neat, easy-to-serve finish.
• Let them set : Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes, until fully set, crisp, and ready to enjoy.

How to Store Chocolate Cornflake Clusters (Roses des Sables) and Keep Them Crunchy

– In the fridge (best option): Store your chocolate cornflake clusters in an airtight container. They’ll keep their crunch for up to 7 days.

– Anti-humidity tip: Add a sheet of kitchen paper/paper towel at the bottom (or on top) of the container. It helps absorb moisture so the chocolate doesn’t soften.

– At room temperature: Fine for a few hours only, but the chocolate-butter mixture can soften. The clusters may become more fragile and lose their shape.

– Freezing (works really well): Freeze them first on a tray so they set separately, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight box. Defrost in the fridge before eating.

– Stacking: Once fully set, you can stack them gently in the container. Place sheets of baking paper/parchment between layers to stop them sticking together.

Easy Roses des Sables Variations (Fun, Quick & Extra Delicious)

– Switch the chocolate: Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate for a deeper, more intense flavour, or use white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier version.

– Change the cereal: Replace classic cornflakes with puffed rice, Rice Krispies, or a mixed cereal blend for different crunchy textures.

– Add nuts and dried fruit: Fold in flaked almonds, chopped hazelnuts, pistachios, or peanuts for extra crunch and a more refined taste.

– Stir in chocolate chips or shavings: Add dark, milk, or white chocolate pieces straight into the mixture for an even more indulgent bite.

– Flavour the mix: Personalise them with a few drops of vanilla, almond, or peppermint extract, or add orange or lemon zest for a fresh twist.

Other chocolatey treats

• Chocolate Truffles creamy & Indulgent
• French Chocolate Marquise
• Easy Cake Pops
• No bake chocolate and peanuts bites dessert