Cinnamon Toast Crunch Frappe

Last summer during that unbearable heat wave, my sister texted me at 11 PM asking if I could recreate the cinnamon toast crunch milkshake from our childhood road trips. We stayed up experimenting until midnight, and when that first sip hit creamy, spicy, and somehow nostalgic all at once we knew we had unlocked something dangerous.

My roommate walked in while I was mid blend and demanded a taste test. Now she requests this frappe every Friday morning like clockwork, and Ive caught her sneaking extra cereal garnish when she thinks Im not looking.

Ingredients

• Whole milk: Creates that rich, creamy base that makes this feel indulgent though oat or almond milk work beautifully if you need dairy free
• Heavy cream: The secret ingredient that transforms this from a regular smoothie into a frappe worthy of a coffee shop
• Strong brewed coffee: Use freshly cooled coffee or cold brew concentrate if you really need that morning pick me up
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: The star of the show, adding both texture and that unmistakable cinnamon sugar flavor
• Granulated sugar: Balances the coffee and brings out the cinnamons natural sweetness
• Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and adds that bakery like depth
• Ground cinnamon: An extra pinch makes the spice really sing through the cold ingredients
• Ice cubes: Essential for that thick, frosty texture that makes a frappe a frappe

Instructions

Blend everything together:

Toss the milk, heavy cream, cooled coffee, cereal, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and ice into your blender and let it run on high for 1 to 2 minutes until youve got a thick, frosty, cinnamon cloud.

Strain for silkiness:

Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve if you want it super smooth, though I personally love the little cereal specks floating around.

Pour and garnish:

Divide between two tall glasses, then go wild with whipped cream, extra cereal pieces, and another dusting of cinnamon.

Drink immediately:

This melts faster than you think, so grab a straw and savor that first sip while its still icy cold.

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My niece tried this at our family brunch last month and literally asked if she could have it for breakfast every day. Her mom was not amused, but I secretly counted it as a win.

Getting That Perfect Texture

The difference between a good frappe and a great one comes down to ice quality. I freeze my coffee into ice cubes sometimes, which keeps the flavor strong even as everything melts together.

Customizing Your Blend

Sometimes I add a frozen banana when I want it thicker and more milkshake like. A splash of caramel sauce turns it into something entirely different but equally delicious.

Make It Your Own

Once you master the basic recipe, the variations are endless and honestly just as fun as the original.

• Swap the coffee for chocolate milk if you want a caffeine free dessert version
• Blend in a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over the top treat
• Try crushed graham crackers instead of extra cereal for the topping

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Whether youre treating yourself after a long week or just craving something that tastes like childhood, this frappe hits the spot every single time.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with oat, almond, or coconut milk. Use coconut whipped cream for the topping to keep it entirely plant-based while maintaining creamy texture.

→ Do I have to strain the mixture?

Straining is optional but recommended for a smoother, pulp-free texture. If you enjoy the extra fiber and don't mind small cereal pieces, feel free to skip this step and pour directly into glasses.

→ How can I make this thicker?

Add more ice cubes or freeze the milk in ice cube trays ahead of time. Using frozen milk instead of fresh creates an ultra-thick, milkshake-like consistency that holds up longer without diluting the flavor.

→ Can I use cold brew instead of regular coffee?

Absolutely. Cold brew concentrate delivers a bolder coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet cinnamon notes. Dilute slightly with water or milk if you prefer a milder taste.

→ How long will this stay fresh?

For best results, enjoy immediately while the texture is frosty and the whipped cream is fluffy. The mixture can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, though the ice will melt and change the consistency. Blend again with fresh ice if needed.

→ Can I reduce the sugar?

Certainly. Start with one tablespoon of sugar and adjust to taste. The cereal itself adds sweetness, so you may find you need less added sugar than the recipe calls for.