Cinnamon Toast Crunch Frappe

My roommate in college used to keep a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch on top of our mini fridge, and every morning I'd hear that familiar rustle before she dashed to her 8am class. One hungover Saturday, I was desperate for coffee but spotted that familiar orange box and decided what the hecklet's blend them together. The result was so unexpectedly delightful that it became our apartment's signature guilty pleasure drink, perfect for those lazy afternoons when you need something sweet enough to feel like dessert but caffeinated enough to function.

I made these for my nieces last summer when they were visiting, and at ages seven and ten, they were absolutely fascinated that Auntie was putting cereal in a blender with coffee. The seven-year-old took one sip and declared it better than the fancy frappes from the coffee shop downtown, which might be the highest compliment I've ever received. Now whenever they visit, the first thing they ask is whether we have cereal for coffee.

Ingredients

• Whole milk: The creaminess creates that luxurious frappe texture you get at coffee shops, though oat milk works beautifully if you're avoiding dairy
• Heavy cream: This little indulgence makes all the difference between a good frappe and an absolutely transcendent one
• Strong brewed coffee: Brew it extra strong since the ice and milk will dilute it somewhatcold brew concentrate works even better if you have time
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: The star of the show, blending into the drink and leaving behind that signature cinnamon-sugar flavor
• Granulated sugar: The cereal adds sweetness but not quite enough for my sweet toothadjust to your taste
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes everything taste more expensive and intentional
• Ground cinnamon: An extra boost because you can never have too much cinnamon in life
• Ice cubes: The more ice, the thicker and frostier your frappe will become

Instructions

Blend everything together:

Toss your milk, cream, cooled coffee, cereal, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and ice into the blender and let it rip on high for 1 to 2 minutes until it's completely smooth and frothy

Strain if you're picky:

Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve if you want it completely smooth, though I actually love the tiny cereal specksit adds authenticity

Pour and garnish:

Divide between two tall glasses and go wild with whipped cream, extra cereal pieces, and another dusting of cinnamon because we're not doing things halfway here

Serve immediately:

This drink waits for no one, so grab your straws and start sipping while it's still frosty and the whipped cream is at its peak

Save

This recipe became my go-to contribution for brunches because everyone gets so excited about the concept, and it takes literally five minutes to make enough for a crowd. There's something so nostalgic and comforting about sipping something that tastes like Saturday morning cartoons but with enough caffeine to power you through a busy afternoon.

Making It Your Way

I've played around with different cereals over the years, and while Fruity Pebbles create a gorgeous pink drink, nothing quite hits the same cozy note as cinnamon. You can also adjust the coffee-to-milk ratio depending on your caffeine toleranceI once made it with half cold brew concentrate for a friend who doesn't mess around, and she absolutely loved it despite the jitters.

Texture Secrets

Freezing your milk in ice cube trays the night before creates the thickest, creamiest frappe imaginable. It's a tiny bit of extra effort that makes the drink feel completely luxurious, like something you'd pay seven dollars for at a fancy coffee chain. Just remember to account for those frozen milk cubes when you're measuring your liquid milk.

Serving Suggestions

This frappe is essentially a dessert in a glass, so lean into that pairing potential. I love serving it alongside cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, or even just a simple sugar cookie for an afternoon treat that feels completely indulgent.

• Keep extra cereal in a sealed bag so it stays crunchy for garnish
• Warm glasses slightly if your kitchen is freezingcold hands deserve better
• Make double what you think you need because people will want seconds

Save

Life's too short for boring coffee, and this little drink is proof that sometimes the most unexpected combinations create something absolutely magical.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute whole milk with oat or almond milk and use coconut whipped cream instead of dairy toppings for a fully plant-based version.

→ Do I need to strain the blended mixture?

Straining is optional but recommended for a smoother texture. The fine mesh sieve removes any remaining cereal pulp while keeping the cinnamon flavor infused.

→ Can I use cold brew instead of brewed coffee?

Absolutely. Cold brew concentrate works beautifully and provides an even stronger coffee flavor that cuts through the sweet creaminess.

→ How can I make it thicker?

Add more ice cubes or freeze the milk in ice cube trays beforehand. You can also reduce the liquid slightly for a denser consistency.

→ Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

The standard version contains gluten from the cereal. Simply swap in a certified gluten-free cinnamon cereal and check all labels to make it gluten-free.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

It's best served immediately while blended and frothy. The ice will melt over time, so blend right before enjoying for optimal texture.