Save This indulgent blended drink combines the nostalgic flavors of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with smooth coffee and creamy milk. The result is a frothy, sweet beverage that captures the essence of everyone's favorite cinnamon cereal in sippable form.
Prepare by blending whole milk, heavy cream, cooled strong coffee, actual cereal pieces, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon with ice until smooth and frothy. Strain if you prefer a silkier texture, though leaving some cereal pulp adds authentic grainy texture.
The frappe comes together in just 10 minutes with zero cooking required—simply blend and serve. Top with whipped cream, extra cereal pieces, and a dusting of ground cinnamon for that finishing touch.
Customize easily by using oat or almond milk for dairy-free needs, or swap regular coffee for cold brew concentrate when you crave extra caffeine kick. Freezing the milk beforehand creates an even thicker, more ice cream-like consistency.
Last Saturday morning, my youngest burst into the kitchen begging for breakfast cereal at 7 AM, while I stood there desperately needing coffee. That's when it hit me like a lightning bolt—why not combine the two? Now this ridiculously indulgent drink has become our weekend tradition, and I may be more addicted than the kids.
My sister was skeptical when I first described this concoction over the phone. She stopped by unannounced the next day, took one sip, and proceeded to make three more servings. Now she texts me every weekend asking if it's too early for 'cinnamon coffee milkshakes.'
Ingredients
- Whole milk: Creates that luxurious creamy base you cannot get from skim or watery alternatives
- Heavy cream: The secret restaurant-style thickness that makes it feel truly indulgent
- Strong brewed coffee: Must be completely cooled or your ice will melt too fast
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: One cup blends in while saving extra for that crucial topping crunch
- Granulated sugar: Balances the coffee bitterness without making it cloyingly sweet
- Vanilla extract: Use pure extract—the cheap stuff tastes noticeably artificial in cold drinks
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that warm spice depth throughout every sip
- Ice cubes: Two cups gives you the perfect frosty slush consistency
Instructions
- Dump everything in the blender:
- Pile in your milk, cream, cooled coffee, cereal, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and ice all together—order does not matter at all here.
- Blend until ridiculously smooth:
- Pulse on high for about one to two minutes until you cannot see any cereal chunks and the whole thing looks like a coffee milkshake.
- Strain if you are feeling fancy:
- Pour through a fine mesh sieve if you want it silky smooth without any cereal pulp, though honestly most people do not mind the texture.
- Pour into tall glasses:
- Divide between two glasses immediately while it is still frosty and thick.
- Pile on the toppings:
- Squirt whipped cream on top, sprinkle with extra cereal pieces and dust with cinnamon for maximum impact.
Save The first time I made these for a summer barbecue, the adults abandoned the actual food to crowd around the blender. Now whenever I host, people ask if 'the cinnamon coffee thing' is happening before they even say hello.
Making It Thicker
Freeze your milk in ice cube trays ahead of time for an incredibly thick consistency that practically requires a spoon. My teenage daughter actually prefers it this way and calls it dessert.
Dairy Free Swaps
Oat milk blends up surprisingly creamy, though coconut cream makes the richest dairy-free version. Just skip the heavy cream and use full fat canned coconut milk instead—nobody at our house noticed the difference.
Make It A Party
Set up a frappe bar with different toppings and let guests customize their own creations. It is become our go-to for birthday breakfasts and sleepover mornings.
- Crushed graham crackers make an amazing topping addition
- Caramel drizzle takes it over the top in the best way
- Keep straws handy because this stuff is thick
Save Enjoy every sip of this silly, wonderful creation and do not blame me when your family requests it every single weekend.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
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Yes, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with oat milk, almond milk, or your preferred plant-based alternative. Use coconut whipped cream for topping to keep it completely dairy-free while maintaining the creamy texture.
- → Do I have to strain the blended mixture?
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Straining through a fine mesh sieve is optional. It removes cereal pulp for a smoother drink, but leaving the pulp in provides more authentic cereal texture and fiber. Try it both ways to see which texture you prefer.
- → Can I use decaf coffee instead?
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Absolutely. Decaf coffee works perfectly if you want to enjoy this sweet treat later in the day without caffeine. The flavor profile remains the same—you'll still get that rich coffee taste alongside the cinnamon sweetness.
- → How can I make the frappe thicker?
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Add more ice cubes for extra thickness, or freeze your milk in ice cube trays beforehand and use those instead of regular ice. You can also reduce the liquid slightly or add a frozen banana for a creamier, more substantial texture.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
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This blended drink tastes best when served immediately while still frothy and cold. However, you can prep the coffee and measure ingredients in advance. The cereal will continue softening if left sitting, so blend right before serving for optimal texture.
- → What other cereals could I use?
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While Cinnamon Toast Crunch provides the classic flavor, you could experiment with other cinnamon cereals like Cinnamon Life or Apple Cinnamon Cheerios. Frosted Flakes or Honey Bunches of Oats would create different sweet variations worth trying.
