Cereal Milk Milkshake

The Cereal Milk Milkshake captures the essence of the best part of eating breakfast cereal: the sweet, flavored milk left at the bottom of the bowl. By steeping toasted cereal in milk and then blending it with ice cream, this drink transforms a simple memory into a decadent, slurpable dessert. It's a creative and comforting treat that appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar yet elevated taste. The process of toasting the cereal first deepens the flavor, adding a malty, nutty dimension that makes the final product truly special.
Cereal Milk Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Cereal Milk Milkshake is categorized as a modern, non-alcoholic milkshake. It falls into the dessert drink category, celebrated for its innovative use of a nostalgic flavor. This drink is a contemporary creation rather than a classic recipe from a bygone era.

Serving

Serve this substantial, non-alcoholic milkshake icy cold in a chilled, tall milkshake or pint glass to keep it thick and frosty. It's a completely alcohol-free treat suitable for all ages.
Serving size
Approximately 400 ml / 13.5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The concept of "cereal milk" was famously popularized by chef Christina Tosi of Momofuku Milk Bar in New York City around 2008. She created a signature soft-serve ice cream using milk that had been steeped with toasted cornflakes. The idea was a sensation, tapping into a shared sense of childhood nostalgia. This inspiration quickly spread, leading chefs and home cooks to incorporate the flavored milk into various recipes, including this now-beloved milkshake.
Origin
United States, early 21st century. The Cereal Milk Milkshake is a direct descendant of the "cereal milk" flavor profile created and popularized by Momofuku Milk Bar in New York City.

Cereal Milk Milkshake

The Cereal Milk Milkshake is primarily known by its descriptive name, which was popularized in modern culinary circles. It is sometimes referred to by the specific cereal used, such as "Corn Flakes Milkshake" or "Fruity Pebbles Milkshake". The core concept, however, remains the use of milk infused with the flavor of toasted cereal.
Original name
Cereal Milk Milkshake
Alternative names
  • Corn Flakes Milkshake
  • Toasted Cereal Milkshake

Characteristics overview

This milkshake boasts a uniquely comforting aroma of toasted grains and sweet milk, with a predominantly sweet and creamy flavor profile. Its texture is thick and smooth, making it a satisfying dessert drink for any time of the year.
Flavor
Toasted Cereal, Sweet, Creamy, Malty, Vanilla
Aroma
Toasted Grains, Sweet Milk, Vanilla, Nutty
Taste balance
Sweet, Creamy
Aftertaste
Sweet, Creamy, Lingering Cereal Flavor
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Off-white, Cream-colored, Opaque
Texture
Thick, Creamy, Smooth
Seasonality
All-season, Comforting

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by high levels of sweetness and creaminess, with a distinct toasted cereal note. It is completely non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, and has a very low saltiness that enhances the overall taste.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The key ingredients are your favorite cereal (like Corn Flakes), whole milk, and good-quality vanilla ice cream. Optional garnishes like whipped cream elevate the presentation.
  • Corn Flakes Cereal50 g / 2 cups
    You can substitute with other cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Cocoa Puffs for different flavors.
  • Whole Milk240 ml / 8 oz
    For a richer taste, use whole milk. Can be substituted with plant-based milk.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream3 large scoops (approx. 350 g)
    A good quality vanilla ice cream works best. Can be substituted with plant-based ice cream.
  • Whipped CreamTo taste(optional)
    For topping the milkshake.
  • Crushed Cereal1 tablespoon(optional)
    For sprinkling on top.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

You'll need a baking sheet for toasting the cereal, a bowl and a fine-mesh sieve for steeping and straining the milk, and a powerful blender to create a smooth milkshake.
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Blender

Instructions

The process involves toasting cereal to deepen its flavor, steeping it in milk, straining it out, and then blending the flavor-infused milk with vanilla ice cream until smooth.
1. Toast the Cereal: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Spread the cereal evenly on a baking sheet and toast for 10-15 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely.
2. Steep the Cereal: In a bowl, combine the cooled, toasted cereal with the cold milk. Let the mixture steep at room temperature for at least 20-30 minutes for the milk to fully absorb the cereal's flavor.
3. Strain the Milk: Pour the milk and cereal mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or pitcher. Use a spoon to gently press on the soggy cereal to extract as much of the flavored milk as possible. Discard the cereal mush.
4. Blend the Milkshake: Combine the cereal-infused milk and the scoops of vanilla ice cream in a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is thick, smooth, and creamy.
5. Serve and Garnish: Pour the milkshake into a chilled glass. Top with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed toasted cereal, if desired. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

Garnish with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of more toasted, crushed cereal to add texture and reinforce the flavor.
  • A generous swirl of whipped cream on top.
  • A sprinkle of crushed, toasted cereal over the whipped cream.

Dietary Information

This milkshake is naturally vegetarian, caffeine-free, and egg-free, but it contains dairy and gluten. For a vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free version, use plant-based milk and ice cream, and select a certified gluten-free cereal.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is an indulgent dessert drink, high in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, primarily from the ice cream and cereal.
Calories
averagely 500-650 kcal / 2092-2720 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 70-90 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 60-80 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This milkshake is a perfect decadent dessert or a fun afternoon snack. Its nostalgic flavor makes it a huge hit at children's parties and a comforting treat for adults looking for a taste of childhood.
  • Dessert
  • Afternoon Snack
  • Kid's Party
  • Nostalgic Treat

Pairing suggestions

To balance its sweetness, this milkshake pairs wonderfully with salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn. It can also be served alongside simple treats like shortbread cookies or even as a playful companion to a savory grilled cheese sandwich for a nostalgic meal.
  • Salty pretzels
  • Buttered popcorn
  • Shortbread cookies
  • A classic grilled cheese sandwich

Cereal Milk Milkshake: A Sip of Childhood Nostalgia

The Cereal Milk Milkshake is a modern dessert beverage that creatively captures the nostalgic flavor of the milk left after a bowl of cereal. By infusing milk with toasted cereal and blending it with vanilla ice cream, it creates a uniquely comforting and delicious experience. While easy to make, the steeping process gives it a gourmet touch. It's a perfect treat for anyone looking to indulge in a sweet, creamy, and familiar flavor that evokes fond childhood memories.

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