Cereal Milk Ice Cream Recipe

Dreamy Cereal Milk Ice Cream Recipe: A Nostalgic Treat

Creamy, cold, and utterly nostalgic, this cereal milk ice cream captures childhood memories in every delightful spoonful.

Breakfast favorites meld into a sweet frozen treat that sparks pure joy.

The classic morning ritual of milk soaking into crispy cereal becomes a decadent dessert sensation.

Crunchy cornflakes infuse rich dairy with an irresistible sweetness that transforms simple ingredients into magic.

Smooth and velvety, this homemade ice cream delivers comfort in each luxurious bite.

Whisking together basic pantry staples, you can craft a dessert that celebrates the simple pleasures of breakfast.

Prepare to indulge in a scoop of pure, nostalgic bliss that will transport you back to lazy weekend mornings.

Steps for Cereal Milk Ice Cream

Step 1: Toast Crunchy Cornflakes

Preheat the oven to 300F.

Spread cornflakes evenly on a baking tray.

Roast the cornflakes until they turn a slightly deeper golden color, which takes about 15 minutes.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 2: Create Milk Infusion

Pour milk over the warm, toasted cornflakes.

Gently stir to combine and let the flavors meld.

Refrigerate the mixture for 3 hours, allowing the cornflakes to steep and transfer their delicious flavor into the milk.

Step 3: Strain Cereal Milk

Grab a fine-mesh strainer and press the cornflakes firmly to extract maximum flavor.

Collect 2 cups of the richly infused cereal milk, discarding the soggy cornflake remnants.

Step 4: Prepare Ice Cream Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Egg yolks
  • Sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Salt

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.

Gradually incorporate the cereal milk and cream, stirring continuously to create a harmonious base.

Step 5: Cook Custard Carefully

Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, bringing it to exactly 165F.

Prevent boiling to maintain a silky texture.

Step 6: Chill Base Thoroughly

Allow the custard to cool to room temperature.

Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for 2-4 hours, ensuring the mixture is completely cold and set.

Step 7: Churn Into Ice Cream

Pour the chilled base into an ice cream maker.

Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20-25 minutes, until the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Step 8: Freeze To Perfection

Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for 2-4 hours until the ice cream becomes firm and scoopable.

Enjoy your homemade cereal milk ice cream!

Tips for Silky Cereal Milk Ice Cream

  • Spread cornflakes evenly on the tray to ensure uniform toasting and prevent burning. Watch closely during the 15-minute process for perfect golden color.
  • Press cornflakes gently but firmly through the strainer to extract maximum flavor without pushing through small pieces that could make the milk grainy.
  • Use a digital thermometer when heating the custard to hit exactly 165F, which guarantees food safety and smooth texture without scrambling eggs.
  • Allow complete cooling of the custard before churning to develop deeper flavor and ensure a creamy, smooth ice cream consistency.
  • Cover the ice cream surface with plastic wrap directly touching it to prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing, keeping the texture rich and creamy.

Fun Cereal Milk Ice Cream Variations

  • Vegan Cereal Milk Ice Cream: Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and swap egg yolks for cornstarch or aquafaba to create a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Crunch Variation: Use rice crispy cereal or gluten-free cornflakes to make the base, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the treat.
  • Low-Sugar Healthy Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use a lighter milk alternative to reduce overall calorie content.
  • Flavor-Infused Remix: Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, or a splash of bourbon during the milk infusion stage to create unique flavor profiles that complement the toasted cereal base.

Ways to Serve Cereal Milk Ice Cream

  • Nostalgic Breakfast Crunch: Top your cereal milk ice cream with extra toasted cornflakes for delightful texture and classic breakfast vibes.
  • Sweet Companion Drizzle: Warm caramel or maple syrup creates a luxurious complement that enhances the cereal milk's subtle sweetness.
  • Playful Sundae Style: Layer ice cream with crushed cookies, chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet dessert experience that celebrates childhood memories.
  • Breakfast-Inspired Parfait: Alternate layers of cereal milk ice cream with granola, fresh berries, and a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated morning treat.

Storing Cereal Milk Ice Cream

  • Store the cereal milk ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture.
  • Enjoy the ice cream within 1-2 weeks for the best flavor and quality, as homemade ice cream tends to crystallize over time.
  • Cover the container tightly to prevent the ice cream from absorbing other refrigerator smells that could alter its delicate cornflake taste.
  • Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before scooping to ensure a smooth, easy-to-serve consistency.

FAQs

  • What makes cereal milk different from regular milk?

Cereal milk is infused with toasted cornflakes, creating a sweet, nostalgic flavor that captures the delicious essence of breakfast cereal’s leftover milk.

  • Can I use a different type of cereal for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with other cereals like Frosted Flakes or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but cornflakes provide the most classic and balanced flavor profile.

  • Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?

While an ice cream maker helps create a smoother texture, you can also use a no-churn method by whipping the mixture and freezing it, though the texture might be slightly less creamy.

Cereal Milk Ice Cream Whimsical Appeal

  • Unlock Nostalgic Flavor: Dive into a creamy dessert that transforms childhood breakfast memories into a sophisticated, rich ice cream treat.
  • Master Unique Technique: Learn an innovative method of infusing milk with toasted cornflakes, creating a deeply layered and complex taste profile that surprises and delights.
  • Craft Gourmet Experience: Elevate a simple ingredient into an impressive homemade dessert that feels like a professional pastry chef's creation, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment with different cereal types or add mix-ins like chocolate chips or caramel swirls to make this recipe your own signature dessert.

Cereal Milk Ice Cream Ingredients

Dairy Base:
  • Whole Milk: Provides the creamy foundation for the cereal milk flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the ice cream.
Sweeteners and Stabilizers:
  • Granulated Sugar, Corn Syrup: Create sweetness and help prevent ice crystals for a smooth consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the ice cream.
Flavoring and Additional Ingredients:
  • Cornflakes: Toasted cereal that infuses a distinctive sweet and nutty flavor into the milk.
  • Egg Yolks: Contribute to the custard's creamy texture and help stabilize the ice cream base.
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Cereal Milk Ice Cream Recipe

Cereal Milk Ice Cream Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sweet cereal milk ice cream brings nostalgic childhood flavors into a delightful frozen dessert. Creamy and indulgent, this treat delivers pure comfort with rich milk-soaked cereal notes that dance across your palate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream (35% fat)
  • 2 1/2 cups cornflakes
  • 4 large egg yolks

Sweeteners and Stabilizers:

  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup

Seasoning:

  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • Extra cornflakes for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F and distribute cornflakes evenly on a baking sheet, creating a single layer for uniform toasting. Roast for approximately 15 minutes until flakes develop a deeper golden hue.
  2. Remove toasted cornflakes from oven and immediately submerge in milk. Gently stir to ensure complete contact, allowing flavors to meld. Refrigerate mixture for 3 hours to intensify cereal essence.
  3. Carefully strain milk through fine-mesh sieve, pressing cornflakes to extract maximum flavor. Reserve exactly 2 cups of infused cereal milk.
  4. Whisk egg yolks with sugar, corn syrup, and salt until achieving a smooth, pale consistency. Gradually incorporate cereal milk and heavy cream, blending thoroughly.
  5. Transfer mixture to saucepan and heat slowly, stirring consistently. Monitor temperature carefully, warming to precisely 165°F without allowing liquid to boil.
  6. Remove from heat and allow custard to reach room temperature. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for 2-4 hours until completely cold.
  7. Pour chilled mixture into ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s specific instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.
  8. Transfer freshly churned ice cream to freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-4 hours until desired firmness is achieved.

Notes

  • Toasting cornflakes intensifies their flavor, creating a deeper, nuttier profile that elevates the entire ice cream.
  • Chilling the cereal milk mixture allows flavors to fully develop and infuse, ensuring maximum taste complexity.
  • Straining cornflakes carefully helps extract maximum essence without unwanted texture in the final ice cream.
  • Cooking custard precisely to 165F ensures food safety while maintaining a silky, smooth consistency without risking curdling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 373
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 105 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 134 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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