20 Best Cereal Desserts

Cereal desserts have been around for a while, and I’m sure you’ve seen a few different varieties out there in the baking blogosphere.

Rice Krispie treats are a no-brainer, but did you know you can bake with cereal-infused milk, too?

I first heard of it through Christina Tosi (Milk Bar owner) and her cereal milk panna cotta.

Since then, it’s blown up, and you’ll be surprised at how delicious such a simple ingredient can be, not to mention, nostalgic!

So, clear out the cupboards and grab whatever you have on hand because today, we’re making dessert for breakfast!

1. Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie treats are probably the most well-known cereal desserts around. It’s one of those treats you just can’t resist, no matter how old you get.

All you’ll need are three simple ingredients and a bit of patience. They can be pretty sticky, after all!

2. Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)

Puppy chow is such a fun recipe, and it’s ideal for making with kids. 

You’ll have to melt the chocolate, but then they can go crazy shaking their Ziploc bags full of chocolate Chex Mix and sweet powdered sugar. 

3. S’more Cereal Treats

Have you tried Golden Grahams Cereal? It’s sweet, with plenty of honey flavor, and it’s nice and crunchy, to boot. 

This recipe is like a s’more twist on the classic Rice Krispie treat.

So, you’ll use melted butter and marshmallows to bind everything, and don’t forget the chocolate chips!

4. No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars

No-bake desserts a fantastic for hot summer days, or just when you want something sweet, fast.

These crunch bars are super chocolatey and loaded with crisp Corn Flakes.

The added peanut butter helps these to stay fudgy, though I’ll bet Nutella would work well, too.

5. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

I’m a massive fan of peanut butter chips, and I often use those in place of chocolate chips. 

For recipes where you want that nutty taste but also need it to set, peanut butter chips are the only way to go. 

6. Rainbow Fruit Loop Treats

If you liked the idea of crunchy Cheerio bars but thought, “I just wish they were more colorful!” You’re in luck!

These Fruit Loop treats look like they came right out of a cartoon.

Between the colorful cereal, fun multi-colored marshmallows, and sprinkles, these are a unicorn’s dream. 

7. Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a sweet and creamy dessert that will happily take on any flavor. 

So, if you’re bored with regular old graham crackers, why not give this super-fun Fruity Pebbles recipe a shot?

One thing’s for sure, it will stand out on any dessert table and be the talk of the town!

Plus, you could so easily make this into cheesecake squares for easier portioning.

8. Apple Jacks Marshmallow Treats

I never ate this apple and cinnamon cereal when I was a kid, but it definitely gives these marshmallow treats a new lease on life. 

Not only are they colorful, but I love the fall flavors. That said, they’ll make a terrific St. Paddy’s day dessert, too.

9. Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies

If you’re anything like me, you love adding fun extras into your cookies.

These kitchen sink beasts are my favorites, and I highly recommend trying them when you can. 

For this cinnamon crunch recipe, you could technically use any cookie dough you like and then just add the crushed cereal.

But I think the added cinnamon in the dough makes it extra special.

10. Golden Grahams Bars

Though similar to the s’more recipe above, there’s one key difference with this recipe: the chocolate gets melted, too.

In the above recipe, you’ll just add chocolate chips. But for this one, you’ll melt it down, making this extra chocolatey and indulgent. 

11. Frosted Flakes Cookies

Frosted Flakes are a sweeter version of Corn Flakes. Both are crispy, but the former gives you a kick of sugary goodness to start your day. 

I think they work especially well in this recipe since the dough also calls for mild oats, which are kind of bland.

Of course, Corn Flakes would be an acceptable substitute.

12. Special K Bars

Special K cereal looks a little like Corn Flakes, but it’s actually made using puffed rice. That difference is why these have a slightly different type of crunch.

The main filling for these uses melted peanut butter, and then the topping is a lovely butterscotch and chocolate blend. 

13. Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls

I have a deep love for cake balls and cookie truffles. They’re easy to make, even easier to eat, and always a hit. 

These Rice Krispie balls are especially irresistible, thanks to the delightfully fudgy middle that has pops of fun cereal bits in every bite.

14. Trix Krispie Treats

Trix cereal is essentially the same as Fruit Loops or Fruity Pebbles, they’re just bigger.

So, where the latter two are more firm and crunchy, Trix is lighter and crispier.

I really enjoy the puffy texture, but you could totally swap out the Trix for one of the others. The taste would more or less be the same. 

15. Honey Bunches of Oats Cookies

Honey Bunches of Oats come in a few flavors, and it’s loaded with oats, nuts, and of course, dreamy honey flavor. 

The cereal has a terrific texture, and that really stands out in the cookies. 

And as I said, this cereal comes in so many flavors. So you could make them with almonds, maple syrup, cinnamon, and even strawberries. 

16. Cereal and Milk Cupcakes with Cereal Milk Buttercream

If you’ve never baked or cooked with cereal milk before, you’re in for a real treat. It’s such a unique way to add nostalgic flavor.

To get that signature taste, all you’ll need to do is soak the cereal in milk (or cream) for at least 30 minutes.

Then, once it’s strained, you’ll have all the flavor without any mushy lumps. 

17. Lucky Charms Cupcakes

Here’s another fantastic cereal milk recipe, only this time, it’s flavored with super sweet and marshmallow-flavored Lucky Charms. 

Since the marshmallows are colorful, it’s possible that some of that color will seep into the milk, leaving it slightly grey. 

I didn’t mind the color, but if you want to make it bright, try adding another color to balance it out.

For example, yellow would work well, or you could even go for a whole rainbow effect!

18. Chex Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Chex cereal is surprisingly versatile.

Not only does it make for a yummy breakfast, but it can easily become puppy chow, as well as tasty peanut butter bars. 

Better still, they have a few flavors to choose from. So, if you don’t care for honey, why not try the cinnamon, or maybe the dark chocolate?

19. No-Bake Chocolate Raisin Bran Squares

Like oatmeal and raisin cookies, Raisin Bran gets a bit of a bad rap. Between the ‘healthy’ fruit and bland bran flakes, I get it.

That said, everything is better when you coat it in chocolate! 

These are crunchy, decadent, and I love the pops of chewy sweetness you’ll get from the raisins. 

20. Caramel Corn Pops Treats

Most corn cereal comes in crispy flakes, while rice-based cereals are airy and light.

Corn Pops are like a mix of the two: corn cereal that’s puffed up to make a light and crisp cereal bite.

Instead of using marshmallows, you’ll use caramels to bind this. That makes them super sticky and intensely flavorful.

I think these would be extra yummy with some mini-chocolate chips inside, or maybe peanut butter chips.