Cereal Cupcakes: A Fun Twist for Breakfast or Dessert
Cereal cupcakes are a playful, colorful treat perfect for both kids and adults. They blend the nostalgic crunch of your favorite breakfast cereal with the soft, sweet texture of cupcakes.
Whether you’re using Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or Cornflakes, these cupcakes are fun to make and even more fun to eat.
I usually prefer to fold the cereal into the batter, then sprinkle a generous topping over the frosting for extra texture and flavor.
Prep & Baking Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Course | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 18 mins | 38 mins | 12 | Dessert | American |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | 12 Cupcakes | 6 Cupcakes | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups | 2/3 cup | Gluten-free flour |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup | 1/3 cup | Brown sugar |
| Butter (softened) | 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup | Margarine |
| Eggs | 2 large | 1 large | Flax eggs |
| Milk | 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup | Almond milk |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 1/2 tsp | – |
| Your favorite cereal | 1 cup | 1/2 cup | Any crunchy cereal |
Baking Tools Needed
| Tool | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Muffin tin + liners | Silicone molds |
| Mixing bowls | Any clean containers |
| Electric mixer | Whisk and arm power |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Digital scale |
| Spoon or scoop | Ice cream scoop |
How to Make Cereal Cupcakes
Before you get started, pick your cereal. I recommend something with color and crunch—it makes the finished product pop.
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, then pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
Step 2: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Cereal
Add flour gradually into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in half of your cereal, saving the rest for topping.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Spoon batter into lined muffin tin, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Decorate
Let cupcakes cool. Frost with buttercream and press the rest of the cereal on top for that satisfying crunch.
Serving & Decoration Tips
- Top each cupcake with a swirl of colored frosting to match the cereal.
- Add whole cereal pieces for extra eye-catching texture.
- Use clear cupcake domes for transport to keep the cereal crisp.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Cocoa Crunch – Use chocolate cereal and add cocoa powder to the batter.
- Honey Corn – Honey-flavored cereal with honey glaze drizzled on top.
- Marshmallow Madness – Add mini marshmallows with Fruity Pebbles in the batter.
Storing Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days.
- Refrigerate up to 4 days (note: cereal topping may soften).
- For best texture, add fresh cereal before serving if storing ahead.
Mistakes & Fixes
<table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;">
<thead>
<tr style="background-color: #f2f2f2;">
<th style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Mistake</th>
<th style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;">Fix</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cereal got soggy</td>
<td>Use dry cereal right before serving as topping</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dense cupcakes</td>
<td>Don’t overmix batter</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Flat tops</td>
<td>Make sure baking powder is fresh</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>FAQs
Can I use granola instead of cereal?
Yes, but choose one without too many chewy bits.
What frosting works best?
Classic vanilla or cream cheese frosting pair well with most cereals.
Can I freeze them?
You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes and decorate them later.
Is it okay to use low-sugar cereal?
Yes. Just adjust the batter sweetness if needed.
Let’s Bake Something Fun
If you want a treat that gets people talking, cereal cupcakes are it. They’re colorful, crunchy, and bring that touch of breakfast-for-dessert fun.
Try it, share it, and let me know how your version turns out!
