Copycat Dunkin’ Cereal N’ Milk Latte Recipe

If you ever craved the bottom-of-the-bowl bliss of Saturday morning cereal milk swirled into a creamy iced latte, this one’s going to hit you right in the childhood. The Dunkin’ Cereal N’ Milk Latte was made for that moment when the cartoons are still playing in your memory and the cereal’s gone, but the milk (oh, that sweet, vanilla-kissed milk) is the best part left.

This copycat version brings all that to life in one icy, espresso-kissed glass. Think corn flakes steeped in whole milk, marshmallow notes folded in gently, and just enough espresso to keep you grounded in the now. Whether you serve it iced with a swirl or warm and steamy on a cloudy day, it’s like drinking nostalgia with a shot of real-world energy.

How to make Dunkin’ Cereal N’ Milk Latte

Start by steeping corn flakes in warm milk with sugar and milk powder to pull out that golden-toasty cereal taste. Strain it smooth, then stir in a splash of cream and marshmallow syrup for that signature “cereal milk” sweetness. Froth it up if you’re going hot, or chill it down and pour it over ice with a bold double shot of espresso. Either way, the result is sweet, silky, and shockingly close to the original.

Nutrition facts (per 16 oz iced serving)

Calories: ~330
Total Fat: ~8 g
Carbohydrates: ~43 g
Sugar: ~27 g
Protein: ~9 g

Ingredients (1 serving, 16 oz iced or hot latte)

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus steeping & chilling)
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Servings: 1 (with leftover cereal milk base)

Cereal milk base (makes 3 servings)

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup corn flakes
• 2 tbsp nonfat dry milk powder
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1–2 tbsp toasted marshmallow syrup (like Monin or Torani)
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: ⅛ tsp guar gum or xanthan gum (for silkiness)

Latte

• 2 shots espresso (or 60 ml strong brewed coffee concentrate)
• 1 cup cereal milk base
• Ice (if serving iced)

Tools you’ll need

• Blender (immersion or countertop)
• Fine strainer or nut milk bag
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Espresso machine or moka pot
• 16 oz glass or mug
• Spoon or straw

Instructions

Step 1: Make the cereal milk

Warm the milk gently in a saucepan (don’t let it boil). Stir in sugar, milk powder, and salt until dissolved. Add the corn flakes and remove from heat. Let it steep, covered, for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Blend and strain

Pulse the steeped mixture with an immersion blender for 10–15 seconds to extract flavor. Then strain through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer. Discard the solids. Stir in cream and marshmallow syrup. Add guar or xanthan gum if using. Chill until ready.

Step 3: Brew the espresso

Pull a double shot of espresso (or make a strong coffee concentrate using your method of choice). Let it cool slightly if making an iced drink.

Step 4: Build your latte

For iced: Fill a 16 oz glass with ice. Pour 1 cup cereal milk over ice. Add espresso. Stir once or twice gently.
For hot: Steam 1 cup cereal milk until frothy and hot but not boiling. Pour espresso into a mug, then top with steamed cereal milk.

Step 5: Taste and adjust

Add a splash more marshmallow syrup if you want it sweeter. You can also sprinkle crushed corn flakes on top for flair.

Tips

• Use whole milk for the creamiest texture, or add extra cream for richness.
• Let the cereal steep fully before blending to extract that golden cereal flavor.
• Chill your espresso for iced lattes to avoid melting the ice too fast.
• For a foamier hot version, blend the milk base in a French press to froth it up if you don’t have a steam wand.
• If you’re skipping the guar or xanthan, your drink will still taste great but may feel a little thinner.

What to serve with

Sweet snacks for pairing

• Vanilla shortbread or sugar cookies: Light, crumbly cookies echo the latte’s sweetness without overwhelming it. Great for dunking or nibbling between sips.
• Frosted animal crackers: Their nostalgic vibe and crunchy frosting tie right into the cereal milk mood. They also bring a bit of party energy to your coffee break.
• Marshmallow treats: Classic Rice Krispies bars or marshmallow cereal clusters make a perfect match. Bonus points for shaping them into cereal shapes or dunking the edges in white chocolate.

Savory contrasts

• Salted popcorn or pretzel sticks: That salty crunch balances out the drink’s sweetness, especially if you’re sipping iced. Think movie night with a twist.
• Mini breakfast sandwiches: A warm sausage-egg-and-cheese slider or a bacon croissant works wonders next to this latte. Sweet and salty make each other better.
• Hash brown bites: Dunkin’ vibes all the way. The crispy potato texture pairs beautifully with the smooth, sweet drink, especially if you’re going hot.

Afternoon chill companions

• Apple slices with peanut butter: Light and refreshing with a touch of protein, this combo keeps it casual and comforting. The fruit balances the latte’s richness.
• Banana bread or cinnamon toast: Soft, cozy, and gently spiced. A little butter on top and you’ve got yourself a dreamy weekend coffee treat.

Variations

Blueberry Cereal Milk Latte

Add ½ tsp blueberry extract or 1 tbsp blueberry syrup to the cereal milk base before blending. Pair with matcha for a Dunkin-style flavor twist.

Frozen Cereal Milk Coffee

Blend 1 cup ice with ¾ cup cereal milk and 1 shot espresso until slushy. Sweeten with extra marshmallow syrup for a frozen treat inspired by Dunkin’s Coolatta.

No Espresso Version

Use cold brew or strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine. Aim for about 60–80 ml per serving.

Hot Cocoa Cereal Latte

Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to the steeping milk for a chocolatey take. Top with mini marshmallows instead of syrup.

Kid-Friendly

Skip the coffee entirely and just serve the cereal milk over ice or steamed like a warm bedtime treat. Add a drop of vanilla for extra flavor.

Ingredient substitutes

Corn Flakes

• Substitutes: Frosted Flakes (sweeter), puffed wheat, Rice Krispies, or even plain Cheerios. Each gives a slightly different cereal milk flavor.

Whole Milk

• Substitutes: Oat milk (creamy and neutral), almond milk (light and nutty), coconut milk (tropical and rich), or 2% milk for a lighter feel.

Nonfat Dry Milk Powder

• Substitutes: Skim milk powder, malted milk powder (for extra richness), or evaporated milk (adjust for sweetness).

Marshmallow Syrup

• Substitutes: 1–2 melted mini marshmallows blended into warm milk, vanilla syrup + almond extract (¼ tsp), or marshmallow flavor drops.

Heavy Cream

• Substitutes: Half-and-half, coconut cream (for dairy-free), or omit for a thinner, less rich drink.

Guar or Xanthan Gum

• Substitutes: ½ tsp instant pudding mix, ¼ tsp cornstarch slurry (cooked lightly), or leave out for a less silky texture.

Espresso

• Substitutes: Strong cold brew, stovetop moka pot espresso, or even instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water (2 tsp per 60 ml).