Copycat Dunkin’ Cereal Milk Latte Recipe

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If you’ve already tasted the magic of Dunkin’s Cereal Milk Latte, you know how irresistible the marshmallowy, cereal-inspired flavors are. And if you haven’t had the chance to try it yet, don’t worry—you’re about to!

How to make a Dunkin’ Cereal Milk Latte

The Dunkin’ Cereal Milk Latte (also stylized as Cereal ’N Milk Latte) is a seasonal beverage made by steeping toasted cereal (like cornflakes) in milk, then adding brown sugar and salt for that sweet, nostalgic taste.

Ingredients

For the Cereal Milk Base

• 1 cup of your choice of milk (dairy, almond, oat, or soy—pick what works for you!)
• 1/2 cup of your favorite sweet cereal (Think: Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes, Lucky Charms, or any cereal with a sugary profile for the best results.)
• 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, adjust based on how sweet you like your latte)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a creamy, dessert-like flavor).

For the Latte

• 1–2 shots of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee if you don’t have espresso).
• Cereal Milk Base (from the above preparation).
• Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping (optional, but it adds extra indulgence!)
• A sprinkle of crushed cereal for garnish (optional, because we’re going all out here!).

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cereal Milk

1. Infuse the milk: Pour the milk into a bowl and stir in the cereal. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Strain the milk: Once the cereal has soaked, strain the milk through a fine mesh sieve to remove the cereal pieces. (Don’t toss the soggy cereal—snack on it while you wait!)
3. Sweeten & flavor: Whisk in the sugar (if using) and the vanilla extract. Set aside your perfectly flavored cereal milk base.

Step 2: Brew the Espresso or Coffee

1. Prepare 1 or 2 shots of espresso, depending on how strong you like your latte. No espresso machine? A 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee will also work as the base.

Step 3: Heat and Froth the Cereal Milk

1. Pour the cereal milk into a small saucepan and heat it gently over low-medium heat. Don’t let it boil—just warm it up!
2. Froth the milk using a handheld milk frother, an electric frother, or the steam wand on an espresso machine. (Alternatively, you can vigorously whisk the milk for a frothy consistency.)

Step 4: Assemble the Latte

1. Pour the espresso or coffee into your favorite mug.
2. Slowly add the frothy cereal milk into the cup, holding back some foam to layer on top.
3. Add the finishing touches: Top with whipped cream or marshmallows, and sprinkle with crushed cereal for an extra fun garnish!

Tips for Making the Perfect Cereal Milk Latte

• Experiment with cereals: The flavor of your latte will vary depending on which cereal you use. Lucky Charms works great for a marshmallowy flavor, while Frosted Flakes or Cinnamon Toast Crunch adds a sweeter or spiced twist.
• Sweetness control: If your chosen cereal is already very sweet, you may not need additional sugar. Taste the milk before sweetening!
• Chill for iced lattes: Want to make an iced version? After preparing your cereal milk, let it chill in the fridge, and pour it over ice with your espresso or cold brew coffee.
• Layer for presentation: To make your latte look fancy, pour the frothy milk over the back of a spoon into the coffee, creating beautiful latte layers.
• Use high-quality coffee: The coffee you choose can make or break the drink. Freshly brewed espresso or good-quality coffee will complement the cereal milk perfectly.

What to serve with

The Dunkin’ Cereal Milk Latte is already a delightful, nostalgic treat on its own, but pairing it with the right food can elevate the experience to a whole new level. The marshmallowy, sweet flavor of the latte makes it versatile enough to complement a variety of snacks, breakfasts, or even desserts!

1. Sweet Breakfast Pastries

Since the Dunkin’ Cereal Milk Latte has a slightly sweet, nostalgic cereal milk flavor, pairing it with bakery-style treats enhances the cozy vibe. Here are some options:

• Cinnamon Rolls: Their gooey sweetness pairs beautifully with the subtle hints of vanilla and marshmallow in the Dunkin’ Cereal Milk Latte.
• Donuts: A glazed, powdered, or even a chocolate donut is a classic coffee pairing—especially if you go full “Dunkin’” style!
• Croissants: A buttery, flaky croissant balances the latte’s sweet profile. Try one filled with almond cream or chocolate for an extra treat.
• Pop-Tarts: Keep the nostalgic vibe going and pair your Dunkin’ Cereal Milk Latte with a frosted Pop-Tart. It’s like breakfast from your childhood, but better!

2. Cereal-Inspired Treats

If you want to go all-in on the cereal theme, consider serving your latte with these creative, cereal-based treats:

• Cereal Milk Cookies: Bake cookies infused with cereal milk for a fun and thematic pairing.
• Cereal Bars: Whip up homemade cereal bars using your favorite childhood cereal (Lucky Charms or Fruity Pebbles work great) and marshmallows.
• Rice Krispies Treats: The melt-in-your-mouth marshmallowy goodness of Rice Krispies Treats mirrors the flavors of the Dunkin’ Cereal Milk Latte perfectly.

3. Savory Options for Balance

To offset the sweetness of the Dunkin’ Cereal Milk Latte, consider adding some savory dishes to your spread—especially for a well-rounded brunch.

• Breakfast Sandwiches: A classic egg and cheese sandwich (with or without bacon or sausage) offers a nice contrast to the latte’s sweetness.
• Avocado Toast: The fresh, creamy flavor of avocado pairs surprisingly well with sweet coffee drinks. Top with chili flakes or feta for some extra flair.
• Bagels with Cream Cheese: Balance the sugary drink with a plain, toasted bagel smothered in cream cheese or a savory spread.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Dunkin’s Cereal Milk Latte at home is already a customizable experience, but if you’re working with limited ingredients or dietary preferences, there’s no need to stress.

1. Milk Substitutes

Milk is the base ingredient for the Dunkin’ Cereal Milk Latte, but if you don’t drink regular dairy or want a specific flavor profile, here are some great substitutes:

Non-Dairy Milks

• Almond Milk: A light and nutty alternative that works well for frothing, although it has a thinner texture.
• Oat Milk: Creamier than almond milk, oat milk brings a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with cereal-infused flavors. This is the best non-dairy option for replicating the creamy texture of traditional milk.
• Soy Milk: High in protein like dairy milk, soy milk froths well and has a more neutral flavor compared to almond or oat.
• Coconut Milk (carton, not canned): Adds a subtle tropical flavor, though it may alter the overall taste slightly.
• Cashew Milk or Macadamia Milk: Both are creamy, rich options that work well for this latte.
• Reduced-Fat or Fat-Free Milk: If you’re using traditional dairy but want to make the latte lighter, skim milk, 1% milk, or 2% milk can be used instead of whole milk. Be aware that lower-fat options won’t create as rich or frothy of a texture, but the flavors of the cereal milk will still shine through.

2. Cereal Substitutes

The cereal is the star ingredient for infusing the milk with that classic sugary taste. While most sugary cereals will work, here are suggestions depending on what you have on hand:

Classic Sugary Cereals

• Lucky Charms: Perfect for capturing that marshmallow flavor.
• Frosted Flakes: A great option for a balanced sweetness.
• Fruit Loops: Delivers fruity, candy-like notes to your drink.
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch: Adds a warm, cinnamon spice flavor that pairs wonderfully with coffee.
• Cap’n Crunch: Offers a toasty, caramel-like flavor profile.

Healthier Cereal Options

Looking for a less sugary option? You can still enjoy the latte with these cereals:

• Honey Nut Cheerios: Adds a touch of honeyed sweetness without being overpowering.
• Grape-Nuts or Bran Cereal: Not traditionally sweet, but a drizzle of maple syrup or honey can make these work.
• Granola: Choose a lightly sweetened granola for a more natural flavor profile.

Other Creative Substitutes

• Cookies (Crumbled): For example, Oreos or vanilla wafers can infuse the milk with a fun dessert-like flavor.
• Childhood Snacks (e.g., Teddy Grahams): These can work in place of cereal to provide a whimsical twist.

3. Sweetener Substitutes

Depending on your taste preferences or dietary restrictions, there are plenty of alternatives for the tablespoon of sugar in the recipe:

Natural Sweeteners

• Honey: Provides a floral, natural sweetness that can complement the marshmallowy notes.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the cereal flavor.
• Agave Syrup: A great vegan option that is slightly milder than honey or maple.

Non-Sugar Sweeteners

• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Ideal for those who are keto or watching their sugar intake. These natural, low-calorie alternatives work well but may slightly alter the flavor.
• Artificial Sweeteners (e.g., Splenda, Equal): While not natural, these work for those on low-sugar diets.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural sugar with a mild nutty, caramel taste.

4. Espresso or Coffee Substitutes

Not everyone has an espresso machine or prefers espresso-based drinks. Here are a few ways to make the coffee component work:

Substitutes for Espresso

• Strongly Brewed Coffee: Brew your coffee on the stronger side for a robust flavor that mimics espresso.
• Cold Brew Concentrate: For an iced latte, use cold brew concentrate as the base coffee.
• Instant Coffee: Dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee in a small amount of hot water to replicate espresso shots.

Caffeine-Free Options

• Decaf Coffee: Ideal if you want the flavor of coffee without the caffeine buzz.
• Hot Chocolate or Cocoa: Go caffeine-free and kid-friendly by using hot chocolate powder instead of coffee.
• Chicory Root Coffee: Adds a coffee-like flavor for those avoiding caffeine.

5. Vanilla Extract Substitutes

Vanilla extract enhances the creamy, dessert-like flavor of the latte. Here’s what to use if you don’t have it on hand:

• Almond Extract: Use just a small amount (about 1/4 tsp) to add a nutty aroma.
• Maple Extract: Adds a delicious syrupy flavor that pairs well with the cereal milk.
• Vanilla Syrup or Vanilla Coffee Creamer: Both of these options are excellent vanilla substitutes and will amplify the latte’s sweetness.
• Skip It: If you don’t have any of these, your latte will still taste delicious without vanilla extract—just lean on the cereal milk for its natural flavor.

6. Whipped Cream or Topping Substitutes

Whipped cream is optional for this recipe but adds a touch of indulgence. If you don’t have it on hand, here are alternatives:

• Marshmallows: Especially mini marshmallows, which fit perfectly with the cereal milk vibe!
• Frothy Milk Foam: If you’ve frothed enough milk, you can skip whipped cream and use the foam as your topping.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: A dairy-free alternative made from canned coconut cream.
• Ice Cream Scoop: For an extra fun and indulgent treat, top your latte with a small scoop of vanilla or cereal-themed ice cream.

7. Crushed Cereal Garnish Substitutes

The crushed cereal garnish adds a fun, crunchy finish to your latte, but there are plenty of other options:

• Sprinkles: Add a pop of color and sweetness with rainbow sprinkles.
• Chocolate Shavings: Perfect for a more decadent and chocolatey twist.
• Crushed Cookies: Use Oreos, graham crackers, or any crumbly cookie.
• Cinnamon or Cocoa Powder: Lightly dust the top of the drink for a simple but elegant finish.

Final Thoughts

The best thing about making a Dunkin’ Cereal Milk Latte at home is how adaptable the recipe is. By swapping out ingredients to suit your preferences or pantry, you can give the drink your unique twist while maintaining that nostalgic, marshmallowy charm.

More Latte Recipes:

• Heytea Triple Supreme Matcha Recipe
• Copycat Keith Lee’s Matcha Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
• Copycat Starbucks Raisin Con Crema Espresso Recipe
• Copycat Dutch Bros Strawberry Colada Recipe