If you have a love for nostalgic cereals and creamy frozen treats, you are going to adore this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream Recipe. It takes the warm, cinnamon-sugar crunch of your favorite breakfast cereal and transforms it into a silky, dreamy ice cream that’s perfect for any time of day. With every spoonful, you get that familiar comforting flavor combined with a rich, velvety texture that feels like a special indulgence made just for you. If you’re ready to impress your taste buds and anyone you share it with, this recipe is an absolute must-try.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. There is a glass bowl filled with square-shaped brown cereal pieces tossed with cinnamon. Next to it, a white measuring cup holds white granulated sugar. A dark brown bottle, a small jar of cinnamon with a beige label, and a carton of heavy whipping cream with red and blue text are arranged nearby. A purple and white carton of half and half cream sits on the left side, next to a glass measuring cup filled with white liquid. The setup looks clean and bright, ready for baking or cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream Recipe lies in simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something special—whether it’s the crunch, the sweetness, or the creaminess—that comes together to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

3 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (divided): The star of the show, adding unmistakable cinnamon-sugar goodness and crunch.
1½ cups whole milk: For a rich dairy base that captures the cereal’s flavor.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the ice cream just right without overpowering it.
1 tsp cinnamon: Adds an extra warm cinnamon punch beyond the cereal.
¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors for a well-rounded taste.
1½ cups half & half: Ensures creamy richness and smooth texture.
1½ Tbsp pure vanilla (use the good stuff): Elevates the overall flavor with indulgent vanilla notes.
2 cups whipping cream: Creates that luscious, creamy mouthfeel essential to great ice cream.
¼ cup brown sugar: Used to coat the cereal with a caramelized sweetness.
Extra cereal for garnish: Adds a charming, crunchy finish when serving.

How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Milk with Cinnamon Toast Crunch Flavor

Start by combining 2 cups of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with 1½ cups of whole milk in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for 30 to 45 minutes so the milk soaks up all those warm cinnamon and sugar flavors. This infusion is what gives the ice cream its signature taste, making every bite instantly recognizable and delicious.

Step 2: Strain Out the Cereal

After soaking, strain the cereal from the milk using a fine mesh strainer. Discard the soggy cereal—you’ve already captured all its flavor in the milk. This step ensures the ice cream base will be silky and free from clumps while still maintaining that true Cinnamon Toast Crunch character.

Step 3: Combine the Ice Cream Base

In a large mixing bowl or pitcher, whisk together the cereal-infused milk, sugar, cinnamon, salt, half & half, vanilla extract, and whipping cream. This creates a wonderfully rich and creamy base that’s bursting with flavor. Make sure everything is well incorporated for a perfectly smooth texture.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is where the magic happens as the creamy base thickens and transforms into luscious ice cream. Keep an eye on it so it reaches the perfect soft-serve consistency.

Step 5: Sugar the Remaining Cereal

While your ice cream is churning, take the remaining 1 cup of cereal and toss it with the brown sugar in a frying pan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar melts and coats the cereal in a shiny, caramelized glaze. This adds a crunchy, sweet texture that complements the creamy ice cream wonderfully.

Step 6: Cool and Break Up the Sugared Cereal

Pour the glazed cereal onto a plate and let it cool completely. Once cooled, break it into small pieces so it will mix evenly into the ice cream and add delightful bursts of candy-like crunch.

Step 7: Fold in the Sugared Cereal and Freeze

When the ice cream is done churning, gently fold the cooled sugared cereal pieces into the churned ice cream. Transfer everything into a freezer-safe container and let it freeze until firm. This resting time lets the flavors meld and ensures the ice cream is scoopable and ready to enjoy.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal on top for a playful, crunchy garnish that’s visually inviting and adds a little extra pop of flavor.

How to Serve Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream Recipe

A close-up image of a single scoop of light beige ice cream with visible chunks of a golden-brown biscuit mixed inside, sitting atop a light brown waffle cone with a classic crisscross pattern. The cone is held by a woman's hand with slightly wrinkled skin, visible fingernails, and a relaxed grip. The background and surface beneath the cone have a smooth white marbled texture creating a clean and bright setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream Recipe is that it’s already packed with flavor and texture, but a sprinkle of extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch on top brings that irresistible crunch and nostalgia to the forefront. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of cinnamon powder to elevate it even more.

Side Dishes

This ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm desserts like apple pie, churros, or cinnamon rolls, where the cinnamon flavors can dance together. For a lighter option, fresh fruit such as sliced bananas or berries make a fresh contrast to the creamy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special touch, consider serving this ice cream in cinnamon-sugar rimmed bowls or waffle cones sprinkled with ground cinnamon. Layer it in a parfait with crushed graham crackers and honey for a crunchy, creamy treat that feels like a celebration with every spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which would be wonderful), store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor. Press plastic wrap against the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming, keeping it scoopable and delicious for days.

Freezing

This ice cream freezes beautifully. After churning and folding in the sugared cereal, freezing it for at least 4 hours ensures a firm texture that’s perfect for scooping. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Reheating

Reheating ice cream is not something you want to do; however, if it becomes too hard, letting it thaw slightly at room temperature for 5–10 minutes works best for perfect scooping. Avoid microwaving, which can ruin the texture and create an undesirable melt-and-refreeze effect.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Cinnamon Toast Crunch?

While you technically can substitute, this recipe is specially crafted to highlight Cinnamon Toast Crunch’s unique blend of cinnamon and sugar. Using a different cereal will change the flavor profile significantly, so for the best results, stick to the original.

Do I need an ice cream maker to make this recipe?

Yes, an ice cream maker is recommended to get that perfect creamy texture in this recipe. Without one, the texture might not be as smooth, but you can try stirring the mixture frequently while freezing if no machine is available.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can experiment by substituting dairy with coconut milk, almond milk, or other creamy plant-based milks. Just be aware the texture and richness will differ from the original, but it can still taste delicious with the right adjustments.

How long can I store the ice cream in the freezer?

Ice cream is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 weeks for optimal flavor and texture. Beyond that, it may start to develop ice crystals and lose some creaminess, although it will still be safe to eat.

Why do I need to let the cereal soak in milk first?

Soaking the cereal infuses the milk with that iconic cinnamon and sugar flavor, creating a depth and authenticity in the ice cream base that simply can’t be achieved otherwise. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ice Cream Recipe is truly a joyful way to bring childhood memories and adult indulgence together in one scoop. It’s creamy, crunchy, and bursting with warm cinnamon sweetness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether for a family treat or a fun dinner party surprise, you really can’t go wrong with this homemade delight. So grab your ice cream maker, stock up on cereal, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious goodness!