Cereal isn’t just for breakfast. From desserts to crunchy casseroles, these creative recipes with cereal take the morning mainstay to new heights.
33 Creative Recipes with Cereal
1/33
Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookie Bars
Total Time
15 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Peanut Butter Cornflake Bars were one of my favorite treats when I was a little girl. They are very versatile. A friend likes to spread a cup of melted chocolate chips over the top. Be sure to let the chocolate set before cutting into these simply delicious bars. —Laura Campbell, Lisbon, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 234 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
2/33
Easy Crunch Berry Pie
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fresh, simple approach to making a company-worthy pie. The playful Cap’n Crunch cereal crust is fun to bite into, and it’s the perfect complement to a mixed berry no-bake filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 492 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 369mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
3/33
Cereal & Milk Ice Cream Sandwiches
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from a friend when we were exchanging sourdough recipes a few years ago. These soft sourdough biscuits are best enjoyed straight from the oven. — Stephanie Church, Delaware, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 ice cream sandwich: 381 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
4/33
Caliente Christmas Cheese Crisps
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings (about 3-1/2 dozen)
From the Recipe Creator:
To fire up the crowd, I pack these homemade crackers with bacon, pumpkin seeds and French-fried onion rings. Dunk them in picante sauce. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
4 crisps: 217 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
5/33
Ranger Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
7-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These golden brown ranger cookies are crispy on the outside and cakelike on the inside. Their tasty blend of oats, rice cereal, coconut and brown sugar have made them one of our favorite cookie recipes. You won't be able to eat just one. —Mary Lou Boyce, Wilmington, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 63 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
6/33
Fried Ice Cream
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make this Mexican restaurant-style dessert at home! Drizzle hot fudge or caramel on top of this crunchy, creamy frozen treat. —Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 323 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
7/33
Puppy Chow
Total Time
15 min
Servings
13 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there's less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 229 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
8/33
Chocolate Billionaires
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone raves about these chocolate and caramel candies. I received the recipe from a friend while living in Texas. When we moved, I made sure this recipe made the trip with me! —June Humphrey, Strongsville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce-weight: 172 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/33
Peanut Butter-Banana Yogurt Parfaits
Total Time
5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a lightning-fast breakfast, I layer vanilla yogurt with bananas, peanuts and multigrain cereal. It’s crunchy, easy and perfect for kids.—Teresa Miller, Hamilton, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 457 calories, 17g fat (11g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
10/33
Baked Ranch Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A crunchy coating of cornflakes and Parmesan cheese adds delectable flavor to this zesty ranch chicken. The golden, crispy chicken is a mainstay dish I can always count on. —Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 254 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 959mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
11/33
Chicken Kiev
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
From holiday dinners to potluck suppers, this is one of my favorite meals. Folks love the mildly seasoned chicken roll-ups. —Karin Erickson, Burney, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 357 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 146mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 47g protein.
12/33
Nutty Rice Krispie Cookies
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom and I used to prepare these Rice Krispie cookies for Christmas every year. Making them with just the microwave means they're super easy and fun to mix with the kids. —Savanna Chapdelaine, Orlando, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 127 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
13/33
S'mores Bars
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
One night my husband had some friends over to play poker and he requested these s'mores bars. They polished off the pan and asked for more! I shared the recipe, and now their families make them, too. —Rebecca Shipp, Beebe, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 159 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
14/33
Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This luscious dessert combines classic cheesecake with the nostalgia of a beloved cereal. Fruity Pebbles grace both the crust and the creamy, fruity filling, plus add a colorful, confetti-like pop on top. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 538 calories, 38g fat (21g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
15/33
Ice Cream Cone Treats
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe as a way for my grandkids to enjoy Rice Krispies treats without getting sticky hands. You can also pack the cereal mixture into paper cups and insert a wooden pop stick to create pops. —Mabel Nolan, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 174 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
16/33
White Chocolate Chex Mix
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
You won't be able to stop eating this irresistible white chocolate party mix. The light, sweet coating is great over cereal, peanuts, pretzels and M&M's. —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 547 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
17/33
Peanut Butter Cereal Treats
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids will love these colorful, crunchy bars. They’re a fun twist on the traditional marshmallow crispy treats…and because they’re so easy, older kids could whip up a batch on their own! —Christie Porter, Shipshewana, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 treat: 147 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 97mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
18/33
Cornflake-Coated Crispy Bacon
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've loved my aunt's crispy-coated bacon ever since I was a child. Now I've shared the super simple recipe with my own children. We still enjoy a big panful every Christmas morning—and on many other days throughout the year! —Brenda Severson, Norman, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
2 bacon strips: 198 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
19/33
Frozen Banana Cereal Pops
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
When we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 106 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fruit.
20/33
Christmas Crunch Candy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Treat family and friends to a yummy brittle for the holidays. Made with cashews and Rice Krispies, it's loaded with crispy-crunchy goodness. —Amanda McLemore, Maryville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce: 152 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
21/33
Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Balls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make more than 40 different types of treats during the holidays for friends and family. These crispy peanut butter balls with crispy rice cereal are one of my favorite candies to give away as gifts.—Liz David, St. Catharines, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 133 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
22/33
Chocolate Malt Crispy Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These chunky, chewy squares are a feast for the eyes. Malted milk flavor coats this treat from top to bottom. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 256 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
23/33
Crispy Pretzel Bars
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I often make a big batch of these peanut butter-flavored cereal bars on days that I don't want to heat up the kitchen. Kids especially love them, so they're great for picnics, potlucks and school bake sales. —Jane Thompson, Eureka, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 74 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
24/33
Funeral Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On holidays, a friend serves these creamy, cheesy potatoes when we gather together to celebrate with lifelong friends and grown children. —Carol Blue, Barnesville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 394 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 680mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
25/33
Air-Fryer Fish and Chips
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for easy air-fryer recipes? Try this simple air-fryer fish and chips. The fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthy but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 312 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
26/33
Cottage Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often make this crunchy and colorful potato dish for our family reunions. It's my cousin's recipe, and we always know we'll never have any leftovers. —Mary C. Sholtis, Ashtabula, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 389 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 393mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 10g protein.
27/33
Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These smoky-sweet meatballs are a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. I like setting them out when folks come to visit. —Janet Zeger, Middletown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 52 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 113mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
28/33
French Toast Sticks
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Keep these French toast sticks in the freezer for an instant filling breakfast. Their convenient size makes them ideal for a breakfast buffet. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3 sticks: 183 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
29/33
Fudge Sundae Pie
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son always asks for this guilt-free frozen yogurt pie for his birthday. Complete with peanut butter, fudge topping and nuts, it tastes ice cream parlor–good … but it's healthier. —Margaret Hanson-Maddox, Montpelier, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 300 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
30/33
Cauliflower Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To dress up cauliflower, Mom used a delightful mixture of a cheesy sauce, bright red and green pepper pieces and crushed cornflakes. Leftovers were rare. —Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 162 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
31/33
Chocolate Almond Drops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
So much rich, chocolaty flavor, so little time! My trufflelike cookies are deceptively easy to make and look so elegant on a party tray. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 127 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
32/33
No-Bake Cookie Butter Blossoms
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Chewy and sweet, these easy treats mix Rice Krispies, cookie spread and chocolate kisses in an unforgettable spin on an old favorite. —Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 93 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
33/33
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These chewy bars are the perfect no-fuss contribution to a potluck or bake sale. I’ve discovered the trick is to get them into the refrigerator so the chocolate can set before they disappear! —Lorri Speer, Centralia, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 302 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Recipes with Cereal FAQ
What can I make with cereal?
You can use cereal to make everything from snack mixes and no-bake bars to casseroles and savory coatings. It’s a surprisingly versatile ingredient that adds texture and crunch to a wide variety of dishes. You can also fold it into energy bites, blend it with butter to make crusts for frozen desserts or stir it into homemade granola for added body and bite.
How can I use cereal to make family-friendly cereal snacks?
To make family-friendly cereal snacks, combine cereal with simple pantry staples like nut butter, marshmallows or dried fruit. This quick snack mix is perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacking or weekend movie nights. You can also roll the mixture into balls, shape it into bars or press it to create clusters. For extra fun, dip your cereal creation in melted chocolate and then roll it in nuts or sprinkles.
What creative cereal recipes can I make for dessert?
Creative cereal desserts range from basic bars to pies, parfaits, cookies and bite-sized treats. You can use cereal instead of graham crackers to form pie crusts, layer it into parfait cups or even press it into truffles or bonbons. Try pairing crisp rice cereal with cookie butter, chocolate and spices to create a no-bake mixture. For an easy handheld dessert, try shaping that mixture into small balls and dipping them in melted chocolate (similar to the Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Balls in the collection above).
How do I store desserts using cereal?
Store cereal-based desserts in an airtight container at room temperature. Consider using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Most cereal desserts will last for up to four days on the counter or up to three months in the freezer.
