Puffed Wheat Squares

Puffed wheat squares are the perfect Canadian recipe made with cereal, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, corn syrup, and a few other basics. Whip them up quickly and enjoy them all week long.

For other treats that kids will love, try my pretzel bites, mint-chocolate puppy chow, or this recipe for cute chocolate strawberry birds.

Why You’ll Love It

No-bake convenience: There is zero reason to turn on the oven! These squares are a great no-bake dessert option, perfect for the summer months.
Long shelf life: Puffed wheat squares are great as a make-ahead treat because they keep well.
Affordable: This recipe is budget-friendly, using basic and inexpensive ingredients. Making homemade treats is an easy way to save money.
Satisfying crunch: The airy and crisp texture of the puffed wheat cereal is addictive.
Nostalgia: If you are from Canada you will remember these squares, which are popular in the prairies, with fondness from your childhood.

Puffed Wheat Squares Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Salted butter: This adds so much richness and also balances the other sweet ingredients. Butter also helps create a cohesive texture.
Light or dark corn syrup: Acts as a binder to hold the squares together. Light corn syrup has a more subtle sweetness and a lighter color. Dark corn syrup gives a deeper, molasses-like flavor and a darker color.
Dark brown sugar: Gives the squares with a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Its higher molasses content adds depth and a slightly chewy texture.
Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder (my fave here) to control the sweetness and maintain the balance of flavors.
Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: Mini-size chocolate chips distribute evenly throughout the squares.
Unsweetened puffed wheat cereal: This cereal is the main component that gives these squares their signature light and airy texture.

How to Make Puffed Wheat Squares

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan with 1 teaspoon of butter.
Prepare the mixture: Start by pouring the puffed wheat cereal into a large mixing bowl and set that aside. Combine the remaining butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a large saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is melted and combined. Next, bring it to a boil and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. After that, remove it from heat.
Combine wet and dry: Carefully pour the hot mixture over the puffed cereal in the mixing bowl. Working quickly but gently, mix the cereal with the chocolate sauce until all the cereal is coated.
Transfer the mixture to the pan: Transfer the coated cereal to the prepared pan and use a spatula to lightly press down. Sprinkle the top with the chocolate chips.
Cool and set: Let them cool completely and harden up before cutting and serving, about 1 or 2 hours. Store in an airtight container.

Substitutions and Variations

Butter: Use unsalted butter (if that’s in the fridge) and a sprinkling of table salt.
Sugar: Use coconut sugar instead of dark brown sugar for a healthier alternative.
Vegan: Switch to plant-based butter and vegan chocolate chips to turn this into a vegan version.
Chocolate chips: Use white or caramel chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate as a fun swap.
S’mores version: Mix in crushed Graham crackers and mini marshmallows.
Mint choc: Add in a few drops of mint extract.
Nuts and dried fruit: Stir in a few tablespoons of chopped and toasted almonds, pecans, hazelnuts or peanuts. Dried cranberries or raisins are a yummy, healthy add-in.
Deepen the chocolatey flavor: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the coated cereal and quickly mix before transferring it to the pan. Other fun add-ins would be Reese pieces, chopped Reese bars, toffee bits, mini marshmallows, and mini M&Ms.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer: Kick off with a batch of cowboy sliders or these fun baby chick mini cheese balls. My air fryer bacon-wrapped cheeseburger bites are another option.
Main: Keeping it casual, try this recipe for a homemade margherita pizza for guaranteed joy or a hearty beef chili. Also, ever popular.
Dessert: Serve your Canadian puffed wheat squares as is or in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.

How to Store Puffed Wheat Cakes

Store: Place them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming stale. Keep the container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, for up to a week.
Freezer: Freeze Canadian puffed wheat squares. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container; they can be frozen for up to three months.
Thaw: To thaw Canadian puffed wheat squares, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until they reach the desired softness.