Cereal Milk Poke Cake Recipe
Get ready to relive your favorite Saturday morning memories in dessert form with this colorful, nostalgic, and downright irresistible Cereal Milk Poke Cake. This delightful creation brings together tender white cake, the unmistakable flavor of sweet cereal-infused milk, and a cloud of whipped topping—all crowned with bursts of crunchy cereal. It’s the kind of dessert that brings out the kid in everyone and instantly brightens any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, potluck, or just because, Cereal Milk Poke Cake is sure to be the centerpiece of delight and conversation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in how a handful of simple ingredients transforms into a showstopper. Every part, from the cake mix to the cereal milk, plays a crucial role in building the iconic taste and fun texture of Cereal Milk Poke Cake.
- White cake mix: A no-fuss base that stays light and fluffy, ready to soak up all the creamy goodness.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Essential supporters for whipping up your cake mix—just use what’s called for on the box.
- Whole milk: This creates that classic rich “cereal milk” flavor after soaking with the cereal.
- Sweetened cereal (Fruity Pebbles or Froot Loops): What’s a Cereal Milk Poke Cake without bold colors and nostalgic crunch?
- Sweetened condensed milk: This gets whisked into the cereal milk for a silky, ultra-moist cake center.
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip): Fluffy, creamy, and convenient, it’s the perfect finish.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and enhances the cereal milk essence.
- Extra crushed cereal: Adds irresistible crunch and instantly signals “this cake is pure fun!”
How to Make Cereal Milk Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare your favorite white cake mix according to the directions on the box, using eggs, oil, and water as needed. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until golden and set. This forms the perfect soft and spongy base of your Cereal Milk Poke Cake, ready to soak up all that lovely sweet milk.
Step 2: Make the Cereal-Infused Milk
While your cake is baking, pour 2 cups of whole milk over 2 cups of sweetened cereal in a large bowl. Let the cereal soak for 20 minutes to fully infuse the milk with those familiar childhood flavors. Afterwards, strain the mixture, pressing on the cereal to squeeze out every last drop of flavor, and discard the mushy cereal.
Step 3: Poke and Soak
Let the baked cake cool for about 10 minutes. Then, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes generously all over the cake. In a separate bowl, whisk together your cereal-infused milk, the sweetened condensed milk, and the vanilla extract. Pour this mixture slowly and evenly over the entire cake, allowing it to seep down into the holes and saturate every bite.
Step 4: Cool and Frost
Let your cake cool completely—pop it in the fridge if you’d like to speed things up. Once cool, spread the whipped topping in a thick, cloud-like layer all over the surface. This not only adds creaminess but also makes the cake look instantly celebratory.
Step 5: Add the Crunch
Just before serving, sprinkle a generous handful of crushed cereal over the frosted cake. This keeps the cereal crunchy and delivers that extra burst of color and nostalgia that defines a true Cereal Milk Poke Cake!
How to Serve Cereal Milk Poke Cake
Garnishes
A final flurry of colorful cereal just before serving is both visually stunning and practical—it keeps the top crisp. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate if you want to lean into the dessert’s playful spirit.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cereal Milk Poke Cake with fresh fruit—strawberries and blueberries are perfect for cutting through the sweetness. Serving with a tall glass of ice-cold milk, a vanilla latte, or even a light fruit salad can balance and complement the dessert beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making this for a party, try slicing the cake into neat squares and serving each in a colorful cupcake liner. For an extra-special touch, set up a “cereal bar” with different types of cereal toppings and let everyone customize their own slice of Cereal Milk Poke Cake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the Cereal Milk Poke Cake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to three days, although the cereal topping may soften over time—add extra crushed cereal just before serving more slices.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake (without the whipped topping and cereal garnish) for up to one month. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, layer on the whipped topping, and finish with cereal before serving.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve frozen it, let it fully thaw in the fridge, then add the finishing touches before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade cake instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! A homemade white or yellow cake will work perfectly. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to all that delicious cereal milk soak.
What cereals work best in Cereal Milk Poke Cake?
Fruity Pebbles and Froot Loops are favorites for their color and flavor, but you can try any sweetened cereal you love, including Cinnamon Toast Crunch or even Cocoa Pebbles for a fun twist.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake and even soak it a day ahead. Just hold off on adding the whipped topping and cereal garnish until just before serving for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute almond or oat milk for the whole milk, use a dairy-free whipped topping, and choose a condensed coconut milk. Just be sure your cereal is dairy-free as well.
How do I keep the cereal topping crunchy?
Always add the crushed cereal right before serving. Humidity and moisture will soften cereal quickly, so keep it sealed in a bag until you’re ready to decorate the cake.
Final Thoughts
If you crave a dessert that’s pure joy in every bite, you have to give Cereal Milk Poke Cake a try. With its fun colors, irresistible flavor, and crowd-pleasing crunch, this cake truly brings out the happy kid in us all—don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!
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Cereal Milk Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of childhood with this delightful Cereal Milk Poke Cake. A moist white cake soaked in a sweet and creamy cereal-infused milk mixture, topped with whipped cream and crunchy cereal crumbs.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: eggs, oil, water)
Cereal Milk Mixture:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sweetened cereal (such as Fruity Pebbles or Froot Loops)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Extra crushed cereal for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Cake: Preheat the oven and prepare the cake mix according to package instructions. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed.
- Soak Cereal: While the cake bakes, soak the cereal in 2 cups of milk for 20 minutes. Strain the milk, discarding the cereal.
- Poke Holes: Once the cake is baked, let it cool for 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes across the surface.
- Make Milk Mixture: Mix cereal-infused milk with condensed milk and vanilla. Pour over warm cake, letting it soak in.
- Add Topping: Cool cake completely, then spread whipped topping over it. Sprinkle with crushed cereal before serving.
Notes
- Use colorful cereals for a fun look or try cinnamon-flavored cereal for a twist.
- Add cereal topping just before serving for crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
