Cereal Milk Ice Cream is a creamy, nostalgic dessert that captures the sweet and comforting flavor of cereal milk in a frozen treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform your favorite breakfast cereal into a luxurious ice cream. It's perfect for a fun family dessert or an indulgent treat for yourself, and with endless flavor possibilities, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
1cupCerealsuch as Cornflakes, Frosted Flakes, or your favorite cereal
¾cupGranulated Sugar
1teaspoonVanilla Extract
**Pinch of Salt
4large Egg Yolksoptional, for custard base
Instructions
Step 1: Infuse the Cereal Milk
Pour the whole milk into a large bowl. Add the cereal to the milk and stir to combine.
Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the cereal to infuse its flavor into the milk.
After the cereal has soaked, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the cereal bits. Discard the cereal or save it for a topping.
Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the cereal milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
If using egg yolks, whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Gradually add a small amount of the warm milk mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. Then slowly pour the yolks back into the saucepan.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to let the mixture boil.
If you're not using egg yolks, simply bring the mixture to a simmer and stir occasionally.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Remove the ice cream base from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream
Once the mixture has chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 20-25 minutes).
The ice cream should thicken and become creamy as it churns.
Step 5: Freeze the Ice Cream
Once the ice cream reaches the consistency of soft serve, transfer it into an airtight container and smooth the top with a spatula.
Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
Notes
Customizing the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different cereals! Some popular choices include Froot Loops, Cocoa Pebbles, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch for different flavor profiles.
Custard Base: If you prefer a richer, custard-style ice cream, be sure to include the egg yolks in the recipe. This will make the ice cream creamier and more velvety.
Non-Dairy Options: For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. You can also use a dairy-free vanilla extract.
Mix-Ins: Add fun mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cereal, mini marshmallows, or a swirl of caramel during the last few minutes of churning.