Save to Pinterest This indulgent blended drink captures the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon toast cereal in smooth, sippable form. Strong brewed coffee forms the base, while whole milk and heavy cream create richness. The real star is the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, which infuses every sip with that signature sweet-spiced cinnamon taste we all loved as kids.
Simply blend everything with ice until frothy, strain out any cereal bits if you prefer a smoother texture, then pour into tall glasses. Top with whipped cream and extra cereal pieces for that perfect crunch factor. The result is a thick, creamy frappe that balances bold coffee flavor with comforting cinnamon sweetness.
Customize it easily—swap dairy milk for oat or almond, use cold brew concentrate for extra kick, or go decaf for an evening treat. For maximum thickness, freeze your milk in advance or add more ice. Pair alongside a warm cinnamon roll for the ultimate coffee shop experience at home.
The first time I made this frappe was on a lazy Sunday morning when I wanted to recreate that nostalgic cereal milk flavor from childhood but with a grown-up coffee twist. My kitchen smelled incredible while the coffee brewed, and I found myself snacking on the cereal while measuring it out. Now it has become my go-to treat when I want something indulgent but simple.
I made these for my sister and her kids last summer, and the little ones were fascinated that their morning cereal was now an icy drink. My sister jokingly asked if we were all skipping straight to dessert for breakfast. It became our new tradition whenever they visit.
Ingredients
- Whole milk: Creates that rich cereal milk base we all love from finishing the bowl first thing in the morning
- Heavy cream: Adds the luxurious body that makes this feel like a coffee shop specialty drink
- Strong brewed coffee: Use something bold since the milk and cream will mellow it out considerably
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: The star of the show that infuses everything with that signature cinnamon sugar flavor
- Granulated sugar: Brings out the natural sweetness and balances the coffee bitterness
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and adds that comforting baked good aroma
- Ground cinnamon: Extra warmth that lingers on your tongue after every sip
- Ice cubes: Essential for achieving that thick slushy consistency
Instructions
- Blend everything together:
- Toss all your ingredients into the blender and let it run on high for about 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture looks smooth and frothy.
- Strain if you prefer it smooth:
- Pour the blended frappe through a fine mesh sieve to catch any stubborn cereal pieces, then divide it between two tall glasses.
- Add the fun toppings:
- Pile on whipped cream and sprinkle with extra cereal and cinnamon for that Instagram worthy finish.
Save to Pinterest This recipe saved me during a stressful exam week when I needed something comforting but also caffeinated. The familiar taste took me back to Saturday mornings watching cartoons while my mom made breakfast.
Making It Thicker
I discovered that freezing some of the milk in ice cube trays overnight makes an incredibly thick frappe without watering it down. This little trick came from accidentally leaving a carton of milk in the freezer and trying to salvage it. Now I always keep frozen milk cubes on hand specifically for this recipe.
Coffee Variations
Cold brew concentrate works beautifully here if you want a smoother coffee flavor without any bitterness. One afternoon I used espresso instead of regular coffee and it tasted like a fancy Italian dessert. You can also use decaf if you are making this for kids or want an evening treat.
Dairy Free Swaps
Oat milk creates the creamiest texture among plant based options and its natural sweetness pairs perfectly with cinnamon. Coconut milk adds a tropical twist that surprisingly works well with the warm spices. Just remember that some non dairy milks blend differently, so you might need to adjust the ice slightly to get your preferred consistency.
- Skip the straining step with plant based milks since they do not leave cereal pulp behind
- Coconut whipped cream makes an excellent dairy free topping
- Always shake your carton of plant milk well before measuring
Save to Pinterest There is something wonderfully rebellious about drinking your breakfast cereal as a grown up treat. Hope this brings you as much joy as it has brought to my kitchen.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this frappe dairy-free?
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Yes, simply substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with oat milk, almond milk, or your favorite plant-based alternative. Coconut whipped cream makes an excellent dairy-free topping option.
- → Do I have to strain the blended mixture?
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Straining is optional but recommended for a smoother texture. The fine mesh sieve removes any remaining cereal pulp, leaving you with a perfectly smooth drink. If you enjoy some texture and extra fiber, skip this step.
- → Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed?
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Yes, dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in 1/2 cup hot water, then cool before blending. Adjust the amount based on your preferred coffee strength.
- → How do I make it thicker?
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Add more ice cubes, freeze your milk in an ice cube tray the night before, or reduce the liquid slightly. You can also use a frozen banana for extra creaminess and natural sweetness.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
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For best results, blend and serve immediately. However, you can prepare the coffee and measure ingredients in advance. The blended mixture will separate if stored, so give it a quick re-blend before serving.
- → What if I don't have Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal?
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Any cinnamon-sweetened cereal will work, or create your own cinnamon flavor by increasing the ground cinnamon to 1 teaspoon and adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to the blend.
