Name: Cereal Milk Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box); 2 cups whole milk; 1 1/2 cups sweetened cereal (like Fruity Pebbles or Cap’n Crunch); 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (thawed); 1/2 cup crushed cereal for topping

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Cereal Milk Poke Cake is the ultimate nostalgic dessert that transforms your favorite childhood breakfast into a dazzling and utterly irresistible sweet treat. Imagine a tender cake soaking up all the flavor-packed, sweet cereal milk, crowned with a fluffy whipped topping, and showered in a burst of crunchy, colorful cereal bits. It’s bright, fun, and downright delicious—an absolute showstopper for potlucks, parties, or whenever you need a little extra joy baked into your day. Whether you’re feeding kids or a room full of “big kids,” this recipe is guaranteed to make everyone smile.

Cereal Milk Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cake:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Cereal Milk:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened cereal (like Fruity Pebbles or Cap’n Crunch)
Toppings:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (thawed)
- 1/2 cup crushed cereal for topping

How to Make Cereal Milk Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and whipping up the cake mix according to the package instructions, along with any additional ingredients listed. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake as instructed. When the kitchen starts to smell like sweet cake, you know you’re on the right track! Once the cake is golden and a toothpick comes out clean, take it out and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Cereal Milk

While your cake is cooling just enough to handle, grab your favorite sweetened cereal (think Fruity Pebbles, Cap’n Crunch, or whatever makes you happiest) and pour 1 1/2 cups of it into 2 cups of whole milk. Let it hang out and soak for about 20 minutes. This is where the “cereal milk” magic happens, infusing the milk with all those beloved breakfast flavors. Once the time’s up, strain the mixture, pressing firmly to get every drop of tasty goodness. Toss the soggy cereal—those flavors are all in your milk now!

Step 3: Poke and Pour

With your cake still slightly warm, it’s time for the poke! Use the handle of a wooden spoon to create rows of holes all over the cake. In a medium bowl, whisk together your precious cereal milk and a can of sweetened condensed milk until totally smooth. Now, slowly pour this mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into every poke hole—this is the secret to an ultra-moist and flavor-packed poke cake.

Step 4: Chill and Top

Allow the cake to cool completely before moving to toppings. Once it’s nice and cool, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly across. Finish with a generous sprinkle of crushed cereal for a rainbow-bright, crunchy finish. The hardest part? Chilling it for at least 2 hours! This rest ensures the flavors meld and every slice holds together beautifully.

How to Serve Cereal Milk Poke Cake

Garnishes

The joy is in that fun, colorful crunch! Always scatter a handful of extra crushed cereal just before slicing and serving so every bite feels freshly celebratory. Want to take it over the top? Add a few sprinkles or a drizzle of caramel sauce for ultimate party vibes.

Side Dishes

Pair a slice of Cereal Milk Poke Cake with a tall, frosty glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Keeping the accompaniments simple helps the nostalgic, bold cake flavors sing. If you’re planning a dessert table, some fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad add brightness and balance to the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation! Serve individual slices in colorful cupcake liners, or cut the cake into cubes and create Cereal Milk Poke Cake parfaits in glasses, layering with extra whipped topping and cereal. You could even make mini poke cakes in mason jars—perfect for parties or gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully! Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it rests, and a quick scatter of fresh cereal on top before serving revives that perfect crunch.

Freezing

If you’d like to prep ahead, you can freeze the cake (minus the whipped topping and cereal garnish) for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then add the whipped cream and cereal topping just before enjoying.

Reheating

Though this cake is meant to be served chilled (and trust me, it’s best this way!), you can let the slices sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the whipped topping and make the cereal soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade cake instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you love making cakes from scratch, feel free to use your favorite white or yellow cake recipe. The magic of Cereal Milk Poke Cake comes from the creamy cereal infusion, so just follow the soaking and topping steps as written.

What cereals work best for Cereal Milk Poke Cake?

Any sweetened cereal you love will do—Fruity Pebbles, Cap’n Crunch, Froot Loops, or even Cinnamon Toast Crunch are all delightful. Each brings its own unique flair and color, so don’t be afraid to experiment according to your cravings or what you have on hand.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Swap whole milk for your favorite non-dairy alternative (like almond, oat, or soy milk) and use a plant-based whipped topping. Just make sure your cereal is also dairy-free, and your Cereal Milk Poke Cake will still be fantastic.

How do I keep the topping crunchy?

To keep that dreamy crunch, always add the crushed cereal right before serving. The whipped topping can soften the cereal over time, so a fresh sprinkle is the way to go for irresistible texture.

Can I prepare Cereal Milk Poke Cake in advance?

Yes—it’s actually even better when made ahead! You can assemble and chill the cake a day in advance, then add the whipped topping and cereal just before you’re ready to serve for the best combo of flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a feel-good dessert that instantly lights up the room, Cereal Milk Poke Cake is the answer. It’s whimsical, easy, and always a hit—so don’t wait for a special occasion to give it a whirl. This cake brings pure happiness, one colorful slice at a time!

Cereal Milk Poke Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of childhood with this Cereal Milk Poke Cake. A moist and tender cake infused with cereal milk, topped with sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, and crunchy cereal for a fun and colorful dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

Cereal Milk:

2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups sweetened cereal (like Fruity Pebbles or Cap’n Crunch)

Toppings:

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (thawed)
1/2 cup crushed cereal for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake mix as per package directions. Bake in a greased 9×13-inch pan until a toothpick comes out clean.
Make Cereal Milk: Soak cereal in milk for 20 minutes, strain, and discard cereal.
Prepare Toppings: Mix cereal milk with sweetened condensed milk. Poke holes in the warm cake and pour the mixture over. Top with whipped topping and crushed cereal.
Chill and Serve: Cool cake, chill for 2 hours, and enjoy!