Cereal Milk Poke Cake Recipe
If you’re ready to have your childhood breakfast dreams collide with the world of dessert, you’re in for an absolute treat. This Cereal Milk Poke Cake is pure nostalgia in every bite: fluffy cake soaked in a creamy, cereal-infused milk, finished off with a layer of billowy whipped topping and a scatter of your favorite colorful cereal. Whether you grew up loving Fruity Pebbles or Froot Loops, this fun, whimsical cake will instantly transport you back to Saturday mornings in front of the TV—only now, it’s served on a plate and perfect for a party!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cereal Milk Poke Cake comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and a little box-mix magic. Each ingredient brings its own special flair, from the creaminess of the milk to the irresistible crunch of the cereal topping. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:
- Box white or yellow cake mix: The ultimate time-saver, giving you a perfectly fluffy base every time.
- Eggs, oil, water: As called for on your cake mix—these are the foundation for a tender, moist crumb.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds richness and is key for infusing your cake with true cereal milk flavor.
- Sweetened cereal (1 1/2 cups, plus 1/2 cup for garnish): Think Fruity Pebbles or Froot Loops for color and that familiar taste of breakfast fun.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 14-ounce can): Makes the soak ultra-creamy and perfectly sweet, marrying the flavors together.
- Whipped topping (1 8-ounce container): Fluffy, light, and the crowning glory for your finished cake.
How to Make Cereal Milk Poke Cake
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake
Start by mixing up your cake batter according to the box instructions, using the eggs, oil, and water listed on the package. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake until golden, light, and springy. There’s truly no shame in a mix when the cake is getting soaked in cereal magic later!
Step 2: Make the Cereal Milk
While your cake bakes, grab a bowl and combine the whole milk with 1 1/2 cups of your chosen cereal. Let this mixture steep for about 20 minutes—the result is milk that tastes just like the bottom of your breakfast bowl! Strain out the soggy cereal (trust me, you won’t miss it) and save the sweet, colorful milk.
Step 3: Poke and Soak
Once baked, let your cake cool for 10–15 minutes so it’s warm, not hot. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon, gently poke holes all over the cake. Whisk the cereal milk with the entire can of sweetened condensed milk, then pour this dreamy mixture slowly and evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Chill the Cake
Cover and refrigerate your cake for at least 2 hours. This soak time lets all the flavors marry and gives the cake its delectably moist, almost tres leches-like texture. Don’t rush it—you want every bite infused with that unmistakable cereal milk goodness.
Step 5: Top and Garnish
Spread the whipped topping all over the surface of your chilled cake. Just before serving, shower on the remaining 1/2 cup cereal for a pop of color, crunch, and total breakfast party vibes. Slice, serve, and watch the smiles around your table!
How to Serve Cereal Milk Poke Cake
Garnishes
For maximum crunch and color, always add your extra cereal garnish just before serving. If you’re feeling extra festive, a drizzle of white chocolate or rainbow sprinkles would be right at home on top. Kids (and kids at heart) love the mix of creamy cake and crunchy topping!
Side Dishes
Pair your Cereal Milk Poke Cake with a tall glass of ice-cold milk or a mug of hot coffee. For a playful brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit salad—there’s something magical about the contrast of juicy berries and sweet, milky cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this cake into parfaits by layering cubes with whipped topping and extra cereal in individual glasses. For celebrations, try baking in muffin tins for mini poke cakes—just watch the soak time, as they’ll absorb the cereal milk faster. The vibrant sprinkle of cereal on top makes for a show-stopping centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cereal Milk Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator. The cake stays wonderfully moist for up to three days, but be sure to add a fresh layer of cereal on top before eating, as it can soften over time.
Freezing
You can freeze the undressed cake (before topping with whipped cream and cereal). Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling and serving for best texture.
Reheating
There’s really no need to reheat this cake—Cereal Milk Poke Cake is best served cold or at cool room temperature, letting all those flavors shine through in each creamy bite.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite white or yellow cake recipe, feel free to use it as your base. The real magic is in the cereal milk soak, so homemade or boxed, it’ll still be delicious.
What cereals work best for this recipe?
Sweet, colorful cereals like Fruity Pebbles or Froot Loops are most popular, but you can use anything from Cinnamon Toast Crunch to Cocoa Puffs for a different flavor twist. Get creative with your favorites!
Can I make this Cereal Milk Poke Cake ahead for a party?
Yes! In fact, it gets even better as it sits. Just wait to add the whipped topping and fresh cereal garnish until right before serving to keep everything looking and tasting its best.
Is there a dairy-free version of this cake?
You can swap in your favorite unsweetened, creamy non-dairy milk and use coconut whipped topping for a dairy-free treat. Be sure to check the ingredients in your cereal and cake mix if you’re avoiding dairy entirely.
Why do you need to poke holes in the cake?
Poking holes creates space for the cereal milk mixture to seep into every part of the cake, making each slice moist, flavorful, and utterly craveable. It’s what sets poke cakes apart!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so joyful and comforting about a slice of Cereal Milk Poke Cake. It’s a playful twist on classic dessert that always brings out smiles, whether you’re sharing it at a birthday party or around the kitchen table. I hope you give it a try soon—it’s a taste of nostalgia that truly delivers on fun and flavor!
Print
Cereal Milk Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful and whimsical treat with this Cereal Milk Poke Cake. A moist and flavorful cake infused with the nostalgic taste of cereal milk, topped with a luscious whipped topping and crunchy cereal garnish.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed)
Cereal Milk:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened cereal (like Fruity Pebbles or Froot Loops)
Topping:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping
- 1/2 cup additional cereal for garnish
Instructions
- Cake Preparation: Prepare the cake mix according to package directions and bake in a 9×13-inch pan.
- Prepare Cereal Milk: Combine 2 cups milk and 1 1/2 cups cereal in a bowl. Let steep for 20 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the soggy cereal.
- Assemble: Once the cake is baked, poke holes on top and pour a mixture of cereal milk and sweetened condensed milk over it.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to soak.
- Final Touch: Spread whipped topping over the chilled cake and sprinkle with remaining cereal before serving.
Notes
- Use colorful cereals for a visually appealing presentation.
- Try cinnamon cereal for a cozy flavor twist.
- Add the cereal topping just before serving to maintain its crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
