Imagine the creamy delight of homemade ice cream infused with the nostalgic, cinnamon-sugar warmth of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream is a perfect blend of rich, velvety textures and the signature spice-laden sweetness that has made the cereal a breakfast classic for generations.
Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together, surprising your kids with a fun dessert, or simply treating yourself, this recipe brings a playful twist to traditional ice cream.
Every bite is packed with flavor, from the creamy vanilla base to the crunchy bursts of cereal.
Get ready to dive into a dessert that feels like a hug for your taste buds—comforting, indulgent, and just the right amount of sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Nostalgic Treat: Brings the comforting flavors of childhood breakfast to a decadent dessert.
- Easy to Make: Whether you’re using an ice cream maker or going no-churn, this recipe is foolproof.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The smooth vanilla and cinnamon-spiced cereal create a harmonious taste.
- Customizable Fun: Add caramel drizzle, chocolate chips, or even marshmallows to make it your own.
- Versatile Serving Options: Ideal for cones, bowls, or even as a topping for warm desserts like apple pie.
Ingredients Needed
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for an extra cinnamon kick)
For the Cereal Infusion:
- 2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
- 1 cup whole milk
For Mix-Ins and Garnish:
- 1 cup crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (for texture and topping)
- Optional: Caramel sauce, chocolate chips, or whipped cream
Pro Tip: Opt for fresh, crisp cereal to ensure the best flavor and texture in your ice cream. Avoid pre-ground cinnamon, as freshly ground provides a more vibrant taste.
Equipment You’ll Need
To make your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream effortlessly, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Ice Cream Maker (Optional): If you’re using a traditional ice cream maker, this will help churn the mixture to a smooth, creamy texture.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for whipping the cream and one for combining the other ingredients.
- Hand or Stand Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will help whip the cream to soft peaks for a light and airy base.
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Sieve: For straining the milk after it’s been infused with the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, ensuring the liquid is smooth.
- Airtight Freezer Container: If you’re going the no-churn route, this container will store the ice cream as it freezes, maintaining its texture.
- Spatula or Spoon: For folding in the crushed cereal and mixing the ingredients together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal-Infused Milk
Start by soaking the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in whole milk to extract its flavor. Pour 1 cup of milk over the cereal in a bowl and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. After the cereal has had time to infuse the milk with its cinnamon-sugar goodness, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer, pressing lightly to extract all the liquid and leaving behind the soggy cereal.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate mixing bowl, pour the heavy cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be sure not to over-whip it, as you want a light, fluffy texture.
Step 3: Combine the Ice Cream Base
In another bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if using). Slowly add in the cereal-infused milk and combine well. Once everything is incorporated, gently fold in the whipped cream, ensuring that the mixture stays light and airy.
Step 4: Freeze or Churn the Mixture
For the no-churn version: Transfer the mixture into an airtight container and freeze for 6-8 hours or until solid. If using an ice cream maker: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, typically churning the mixture for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Step 5: Add Cereal and Optional Mix-ins
Once the ice cream has reached your desired consistency, fold in the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. For extra flavor, you can swirl in caramel sauce or add chocolate chips. If you want a more textured ice cream, add more crushed cereal on top.
Step 6: Final Freezing and Serving
After mixing, place the ice cream back into the freezer for another 2-4 hours to firm up completely. Once it’s ready, scoop and serve in bowls or cones, topped with extra cereal or your favorite toppings.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Cream Base: For the best results, chill the whipped cream and cereal-infused milk mixture for 30 minutes before combining. This will help the ice cream freeze more smoothly.
- Don’t Over-Whip the Cream: Whip the cream just to soft peaks, as over-whipping can make the texture too stiff. You want it airy and light.
- Infuse the Cereal Long Enough: Let the cereal sit long enough to fully soak up the milk’s flavor, but not too long to become overly soggy. 10-15 minutes is usually perfect.
- Use Fresh Cereal: For the best texture, use fresh cereal that hasn’t gone stale, ensuring that each bite of ice cream has a satisfying crunch.
- Customize the Flavors: While Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a star ingredient, feel free to add other mix-ins like mini marshmallows, swirls of chocolate syrup, or a dusting of extra cinnamon for variety.
These steps and tips will help you make a batch of deliciously creamy, cinnamon-spiced ice cream that’s sure to be a hit! Would you like to continue with the next sections?
Serving Suggestions
There are endless ways to serve your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream, making it a versatile treat for any occasion:
- Classic Cone: Scoop the ice cream into waffle cones for a fun and crunchy serving option. Top with extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch pieces for added texture and flavor.
- Cereal Topping: After serving in bowls, sprinkle more crushed cereal on top for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use cinnamon sugar cookies or even churros to make indulgent ice cream sandwiches that take this dessert to the next level.
- Sundae Style: Create a fun sundae by adding toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. For extra flavor, top with a few marshmallows or graham cracker crumbs for a s’mores-inspired treat.
- Pair with Warm Desserts: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream pairs wonderfully with warm apple pie or a cinnamon roll, balancing the cool, creamy texture with a comforting warmth.
- Party Dessert: Serve this ice cream in small bowls with mini spoons for an easy-to-eat, crowd-pleasing dessert at parties or gatherings.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream brings the best of both worlds—creamy, rich ice cream and the nostalgic, cinnamon-sweet crunch of the beloved cereal.
It’s a playful yet indulgent dessert that everyone will love, whether you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day or as a sweet finish to a family dinner.
With its simple ingredients, customizable mix-ins, and endless serving possibilities, this ice cream will quickly become your new go-to treat.
Why not give it a try and let the crispy, cinnamon-sugar magic whisk you away to a delicious childhood memory?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cereal for this ice cream?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can swap Cinnamon Toast Crunch for other cereals like Frosted Flakes, Honey Nut Cheerios, or even Cocoa Pebbles. The flavor profile will change, but the concept remains the same.
2. Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
Not at all! This recipe works perfectly with or without an ice cream maker. If you don’t have one, simply follow the no-churn method and freeze the mixture in an airtight container for a few hours until set.
3. How can I make this ice cream dairy-free?
You can easily make a dairy-free version by swapping the heavy cream for coconut cream and using a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk. Just make sure to check the cereal packaging to ensure it’s also dairy-free.
4. How long can I store Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream?
When stored in an airtight container, your ice cream will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Make sure it’s sealed tightly to avoid freezer burn.
5. Can I add more mix-ins to the ice cream?
Yes! Feel free to add extras like chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, or a swirl of caramel sauce to create a flavor explosion. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker (optional): 1
- Mixing Bowls – 2
- Hand or stand mixer (1)
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Sieve: 1
- Airtight Freezer Container: 1
- Spatula or Spoon: 1
Ingredients
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 1 can 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon optional
- 2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for infusing milk
- 1 cup Whole milk for infusing cereal
- 1 cup Crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for mix-ins
Optional: Caramel sauce or chocolate chips for extra flavor
Instructions
Infuse the Cereal Milk:
- In a mixing bowl, pour 1 cup of whole milk over the 2 cups of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the milk to absorb the cinnamon flavor. Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer, pressing gently to extract all the infused milk.
Whip the Cream:
- In another mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip it.
Prepare the Ice Cream Base:
- In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if using). Slowly add in the cereal-infused milk and mix thoroughly.
Combine the Mixtures:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the milk mixture, ensuring you don’t deflate the whipped cream. The mixture should stay light and fluffy.
Freeze or Churn:
- If you’re making this without an ice cream maker, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and freeze for 6-8 hours or until firm. If you’re using an ice cream maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning, usually around 20-25 minutes.
Add the Cereal Mix-ins:
- Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency (if using an ice cream maker) or is almost frozen (for no-churn), fold in the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for added crunch and texture.
Final Freezing:
- After mixing in the cereal, return the ice cream to the freezer for another 2-4 hours to firm up completely.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Once the ice cream is firm and ready, scoop it into bowls or cones. Add extra cereal or any toppings of your choice and enjoy!
Notes
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins like chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or swirls of caramel for different flavor combinations.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk to make this a dairy-free treat.
- Infusion Time: Make sure to infuse the cereal for at least 10-15 minutes to get that signature cinnamon flavor, but don’t let it soak too long to avoid a soggy mixture.
- Storage: Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
