Save This indulgent blended drink captures the nostalgic flavor of cinnamon cereal in every sip. Strong brewed coffee meets creamy milk and heavy cream, sweetened with sugar and vanilla. The star ingredient—actual Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal—gets blended right in, infusing that signature cinnamon-sugar taste throughout.
After blending until smooth and frothy, strain out any cereal pulp for a silky texture. Pour into tall glasses and crown with whipped cream, extra cereal pieces, and a dusting of ground cinnamon. The result is a thick, icy treat that bridges the gap between breakfast coffee and dessert.
Perfect for warm afternoons or as a fun pick-me-up, this frappe comes together in just 10 minutes. Adjust the thickness with more ice, swap in cold brew for extra caffeine kick, or go dairy-free with plant milk alternatives.
Last summer my sister sent me a photo of some overpriced coffee shop drink that looked like breakfast in a glass. Naturally I had to reverse engineer it in my own kitchen, which led to approximately six too many frappes in one week. Now it is become my go to when I want something that feels like dessert but still counts as caffeine.
My roommate walked in mid blender experiment and demanded I make her one immediately. Now whenever we have friends over for brunch, this is the first thing they request. Something about that familiar cinnamon flavor makes everyone feel like a kid again.
Ingredients
- Whole milk: Creates that rich creamy base but oat milk works surprisingly well if you need dairy free
- Heavy cream: The secret to making it taste like a coffee shop instead of a smoothie
- Strong brewed coffee: Use something robust because the milk and sugar will mellow it out significantly
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: Do not skip this because it is literally the star of the show
- Granulated sugar: Dissolves better than brown sugar though maple syrup is a fun experiment
- Vanilla extract: Use the real stuff because artificial vanilla tastes weird in cold drinks
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that extra warmth that ties everything together
- Ice cubes: Frozen milk works even better if you think ahead the night before
Instructions
- Blend everything together:
- Toss your milk, cream, coffee, cereal, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and ice into the blender. Let it rip on high for about two minutes until it looks like a cloudy dream.
- Strain if you are fancy:
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve if you want it completely smooth. I usually skip this step because the tiny cereal bits are part of the charm.
- Pour and decorate:
- Divide between two tall glasses and go wild with whipped cream, extra cereal, and another dusting of cinnamon.
Save My nephew tried one and announced it was better than the actual cereal, which I consider the ultimate compliment from a ten year old. Now he asks for coffee shop cereal milk every time he visits.
Making It Dairy Free
Oat milk creates the creamiest texture and actually holds up better than almond milk in frozen drinks. Coconut cream can replace the heavy cream if you want that tropical undertone sneaking through.
Customizing Your Frappe
Cold brew concentrate gives you a serious caffeine kick without watering anything down. I have also added a splash of caramel sauce when I need something that feels absolutely decadent.
Serving Suggestions
This pairs beautifully with something baked and warm like a cinnamon roll or coffee cake. The contrast between hot pastry and icy drink is basically magic.
- Freeze some coffee in ice cube trays for an extra concentrated version
- Chill your glasses in the freezer for ten minutes first
- Make a double batch because everyone will want seconds
Save Hope this brings some childhood joy to your morning routine. There is something delightful about officially having dessert for breakfast.
Recipe Q&A
- → Do I blend the cereal into the drink?
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Yes, the cereal gets blended with the other ingredients to infuse that cinnamon-sugar flavor throughout the frappe. Strain through a fine mesh sieve afterward if you prefer a smoother texture without cereal pulp.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
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Absolutely. Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Use coconut whipped cream for the topping to keep it entirely plant-based.
- → What coffee works best?
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Strong brewed coffee that's been cooled works perfectly. For an even bolder flavor, try cold brew concentrate. Decaf is a great option if you want to avoid caffeine while still enjoying the taste.
- → How do I make it thicker?
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Add more ice cubes for a thicker consistency, or freeze your milk in ice cube trays beforehand. This creates an extra-creamy, milkshake-like texture without watering down the flavor.
- → Can I prepare this ahead?
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This drink tastes best when served immediately after blending. The ice melts quickly, which can dilute the flavor and texture. Prepare all your ingredients ahead, but blend right before serving.
- → What toppings work well?
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Whipped cream is classic, but you can also drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle with extra cereal pieces, or add a pinch of cinnamon. A cinnamon-sugar rim on the glass adds extra flair.
