Cereal desserts have been a staple in the baking world for some time now. From classic Rice Krispie treats to more innovative creations, cereal has played a surprising role in sweet treats. One such innovation is baking with cereal-infused milk, a concept that gained popularity after Christina Tosi’s cereal milk panna cotta caught on. Since then, it’s become clear just how versatile and delicious this simple ingredient can be, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia along the way.
So, let’s dive in and make some dessert for breakfast – using whatever cereals you have on hand!
Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
Puppy chow, a delightful treat perfect for crafting memories with little ones. The process begins by melting the chocolate, setting the stage for a fun-filled experience as kids take charge, eagerly shaking their Ziploc bags filled with the rich, velvety chocolate mixture, Chex Mix, and sweet powdered sugar.
S’more Cereal Treats
Golden Grahams Cereal offers a unique blend of sweetness, honey flavor, and crunchiness that makes it a delightful breakfast option. Inspired by the classic campfire treat, this recipe cleverly combines melted butter, marshmallows, and chocolate chips to create a Rice Krispie-inspired twist with a s’mores flair.
No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars
No-bake desserts are a fantastic solution for hot summer days or when you’re craving something sweet in a hurry. These chocolatey crunch bars are particularly delightful, boasting a satisfying texture from the crunchy Corn Flakes and a rich, fudgy consistency courtesy of peanut butter. While peanut butter is an excellent choice, I think Nutella could also be a great substitute to create a unique flavor profile.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
When it comes to adding depth and complexity to baked goods, I’m a strong advocate for incorporating peanut butter chips into your recipe. In fact, I often substitute these in place of traditional chocolate chips. There’s something about the nutty flavor they bring that elevates the overall taste experience.
One of the primary advantages of using peanut butter chips is their ability to provide a distinct nutty taste without overpowering other ingredients.
This makes them an ideal choice for recipes where you want to maintain a balance between flavors.
Of course, the real magic happens when these chips are allowed to set and firm up. The resulting texture adds a satisfying crunch that complements the gooeyness of other ingredients perfectly.
Rainbow Fruit Loop Treats
If you’re a fan of crunchy snacks with a pop of color, you’ll be thrilled to know that there’s a treat that combines the best of both worlds. Inspired by the classic Cheerio bars, these vibrant Fruit Loop treats take things to the next level with their whimsical appearance. The colorful cereal, mixed with fun multi-colored marshmallows and sprinkles, creates a truly magical snack that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake
When it comes to desserts, cheesecakes are a masterclass in versatility. With their creamy texture and sweet flavor profile, they’re the perfect canvas for experimentation. Why not take things up a notch by incorporating Fruity Pebbles into your next cheesecake endeavor? Not only will this unique twist add a pop of color to any dessert table, but it’s also sure to be the star of the show.
And if you want to make serving even more convenient, consider cutting these babies into squares for effortless portioning.
Apple Jacks Marshmallow Treats
While I didn’t enjoy this apple and cinnamon cereal as a child, it brings a delightful twist to these marshmallow treats, infusing them with a new vitality. The vibrant colors are just the beginning – the subtle fall flavors add an extra layer of appeal. This sweet treat is equally suitable for St. Paddy’s day celebrations, offering a unique dessert option that’s sure to impress.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies
For those who, like me, enjoy taking cookies to the next level with creative mix-ins, this kitchen sink phenomenon is a must-try. The idea is simple: take your favorite cookie dough and add some unexpected elements to give it an extra boost of flavor and texture. In the case of these cinnamon crunch cookies, using a cookie dough that incorporates cinnamon takes them to a whole new level.
By combining the warmth of cinnamon with the crunch of crushed cereal, you’ll end up with a cookie that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Golden Grahams Bars
While the previous s’more recipe shares some similarities, a crucial distinction lies in the treatment of chocolate. In that instance, you simply added chocolate chips. However, this recipe takes it to the next level by melting the chocolate, resulting in an even more decadent and indulgent experience.
Frosted Flakes Cookies
Frosted Flakes offer a sweet twist on their corn-based counterparts, providing a delightful blend of crispy texture and sugary flavor to begin your day. In this recipe, the added sweetness complements the mild oats particularly well, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors. While Corn Flakes would also be a suitable substitute, Frosted Flakes’ unique characteristics make them an excellent choice for this particular application.
Special K Bars
While Special K cereal may resemble Corn Flakes at first glance, its unique characteristics set it apart. The key difference lies in its puffed rice composition, which gives it a distinct crunch. This texture variation is a result of the puffed rice being used as the base ingredient. In contrast to other cereals, the filling of these Special K treats features a rich and creamy melted peanut butter.
To add an extra layer of flavor and indulgence, a harmonious blend of butterscotch and chocolate serves as the topping.
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls
I confess a profound fondness for cake balls and cookie truffles. Their simplicity belies their allure, as they’re effortlessly crafted and devoured with equal ease. The Rice Krispie treats I’m particularly smitten with boast an irresistible charm, courtesy of the velvety fudge center punctuated by bursts of playful cereal bits in each morsel.
Trix Krispie Treats
While Trix cereal shares similarities with Fruit Loops and Fruity Pebbles, its unique characteristic lies in its larger size. In contrast to the firmer, crunchier texture of its counterparts, Trix is notable for its lighter and crisper puffed form. While I personally appreciate the distinct texture, it’s worth noting that substituting Trix with one of these other options would result in a similar taste experience, making them essentially interchangeable.
Honey Bunches of Oats Cookies
Honey Bunches of Oats is renowned for its diverse range of flavors, each featuring a generous helping of oats, nuts, and the signature sweetness of honey. The cereal’s textured goodness is particularly notable in the cookies, where it takes center stage. Moreover, the versatility of these flavors allows you to create a multitude of sweet treats, from almond-infused delights to maple syrup-enhanced masterpieces, cinnamon-spiced surprises, and even strawberry-flavored indulgences.
Cereal and Milk Cupcakes with Cereal Milk Buttercream
Indulge in a culinary adventure by exploring the world of cereal milk, where nostalgic flavors come alive. For those unfamiliar with this unusual ingredient, rest assured that incorporating it into your baked goods or cooking creations can be a game-changer. To unlock the signature taste, simply soak the cereal in milk (or cream) for at least 30 minutes. This brief waiting period will allow the flavors to meld together seamlessly.
Once strained, you’ll be left with a flavorful liquid devoid of any unpleasant lumps, making it an ideal addition to your recipes.
Lucky Charms Cupcakes
Imagine indulging in a sweet and marshmallow-flavored cereal milk treat, infused with the whimsy of Lucky Charms. This recipe takes the classic combination to new heights by incorporating the colorful marshmallows into the mix. While the resulting milk might take on a subtle grey hue due to the marshmallows’ vibrant colors, this added dimension only adds to the fun.
If you’d prefer a brighter, more vibrant color, consider introducing another hue to balance things out – yellow or a full-on rainbow effect could work wonders!
Chex Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Chex cereal’s versatility goes beyond its typical breakfast role. Its adaptability knows no bounds, as it can be transformed into delightful treats like puppy chow and peanut butter bars. Moreover, the brand offers a range of flavors to cater to diverse tastes. If you’re not a fan of honey, consider exploring the cinnamon or dark chocolate options – a world of possibilities awaits!
No-Bake Chocolate Raisin Bran Squares
Raisin Bran often gets a bad reputation, much like oatmeal and raisin cookies. The combination of ‘healthy’ fruit and bland bran flakes can be unappealing to some. However, everything is elevated when you add a rich layer of chocolate. These treats are surprisingly crunchy and indulgent, with the added bonus of chewy sweetness from the raisins. I thoroughly enjoy the delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Caramel Corn Pops Treats
When it comes to cereal textures, corn flakes tend to be crispy, while rice-based options are typically light and airy. Corn Pops, however, strike a perfect balance between the two, offering a puffed corn cereal that’s both crunchy and easy to chew. To give these bites an extra layer of depth, you can replace traditional marshmallows with caramels, which will not only add sweetness but also create a sticky, intensely flavorful treat.
Consider taking it up a notch by adding mini-chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for an added burst of flavor.
