Cereal Milk Soft Serve from Milk Bar features a creamy, smooth ice cream infused with toasted cereal milk flavor, topped with crunchy cornflakes, delivering a nostalgic taste and satisfying texture.
Equipments
- Ice cream machine (soft serve machine)
- Oven or stovetop
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan
- Freezer-safe container
- Spatula
- Spoon
- Serving cups or cones
Ingredients
- 2 cups cornflakes cereal
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Additional cornflakes, for topping
To achieve the signature toasted cereal milk flavor, make sure to properly toast the cornflakes before infusing them in whole milk, which extracts the rich, nostalgic taste. Use fresh, high-quality whole milk and heavy cream for the smooth, creamy texture essential to soft serve ice cream. When adding the egg yolks and sugars, temper the mixture carefully to avoid curdling and ensure a velvety custard base. Strain the ice cream base through a fine mesh strainer for a perfectly smooth finish. Your Cereal Milk Soft Serve from Milk Bar copycat will impress with its authentic flavor and crunchy cornflake topping, delivering the same satisfying texture and taste as the original.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Spread 2 cups cornflakes on a baking sheet.
- Toast cornflakes in oven for 15 minutes; cool slightly.
- Pour 2 cups whole milk over toasted cornflakes in mixing bowl.
- Stir and steep for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Strain mixture through fine mesh strainer, pressing on solids; discard solids.
- Pour infused milk into saucepan and add 1 tablespoon light brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Heat over medium until just steaming; do not boil.
- Whisk 4 egg yolks and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until pale.
- Slowly pour warm milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return mixture to saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick enough to coat spatula.
- Remove from heat; strain through fine mesh strainer into bowl.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Chill mixture in fridge until completely cold.
- Pour chilled custard into ice cream machine; churn according to machine instructions for soft serve texture.
- Transfer soft serve to freezer-safe container; freeze briefly if needed for firmer texture.
- Serve in cups or cones; top with additional cornflakes.
Substitution
This Cereal Milk Soft Serve copycat from Milk Bar requires an ice cream machine for the best creamy texture, but if you don't have one, freezing the mixture in a shallow container and stirring every 30 minutes can help reduce ice crystals. Toast the cornflakes just until golden to avoid bitterness while extracting more flavor into the milk. When tempering the egg yolks with the hot milk mixture, whisk constantly to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth custard base. You can strain the custard through a fine mesh strainer to ensure silky texture before chilling it overnight in the refrigerator for optimal flavor development. Your soft serve will taste even better topped with fresh, crunchy cornflakes for contrasting texture.
Tips
Make sure to toast the cornflakes evenly at 300degF to bring out the full toasted flavor without burning them. When steeping the milk with toasted cornflakes, allow it to sit at room temperature for the full 20 minutes to properly infuse the flavor. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale before slowly incorporating the warm milk, which prevents curdling and creates a smooth custard base. You should chill the mixture thoroughly before churning in your soft serve machine to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
Nutritions
Cereal Milk Soft Serve from Milk Bar provides a rich source of protein and calcium from whole milk, heavy cream, and egg yolks, essential for bone health and muscle function. The addition of sugars like light brown sugar and granulated sugar increases carbohydrate content, contributing to quick energy but should be consumed in moderation. Toasted cornflakes add fiber and a crunchy texture, enhancing the sensory experience while offering some vitamins and minerals from the cereal. You can enjoy this nostalgic treat knowing it combines wholesome dairy nutrients with the indulgence of a creamy, soft-serve dessert.
Storage
Store your Cereal Milk Soft Serve in an airtight, freezer-safe container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent freezer burn. Keep the container in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally at 0degF (-18degC), to preserve the toasted cereal milk flavor and freshness. Before serving, allow the soft serve to soften slightly at room temperature for a smoother, more enjoyable taste experience.
Variation or Alternatives
Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a subtle caramel note that complements the toasted cereal flavor. You can infuse your whole milk with different cereals such as Rice Krispies or Fruity Pebbles to vary the nostalgic taste. Instead of a stovetop custard base, try a no-cook method by blending the milk infusion with heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla before churning for a quicker preparation. Toasting the cornflakes on a stovetop using a dry skillet enhances their crunch and adds a deeper toasted aroma to your soft serve topping.
Allergies
Cereal Milk Soft Serve contains milk, eggs, and corn, all common allergens that may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have dairy or egg allergies, your immune system might respond adversely to these ingredients, causing symptoms like hives, swelling, or digestive issues. Always check ingredient labels carefully and consult with a healthcare professional before trying new desserts like this soft serve.
Why this recipe?
Cereal Milk Soft Serve from Milk Bar is beloved for its unique flavor profile that evokes nostalgic memories of sweet, creamy cereal milk enjoyed after a bowl of cereal. The soft serve combines rich, velvety texture with a perfectly balanced sweetness, enhanced by hints of toasted cornflakes and brown sugar. You will find the experience both comforting and indulgent, making it a standout treat among traditional ice creams. Crafting a copycat version is worth the effort to recreate this distinctive taste that has captivated dessert enthusiasts worldwide.