Cereal de Pancakes: The Ultimate Back-to-School Breakfast Recipe

If you’re searching for a fun, family-friendly breakfast, look no further than cereal de pancakes. This delightful twist on traditional pancakes blends your favorite cinnamon-sugar cereal with a fluffy batter made with Real California Milk. Perfect for busy school mornings, lazy weekends, or breakfast-for-dinner, these pancakes are easy, quick, and irresistibly delicious. This article breaks down everything you need to know—from tips for fluffy results to recipe variations your family will beg for. We’ll also answer your top questions like “Can you put cereal in pancakes?” and “Are blinis just fancy pancakes?” Let’s get flipping!

Cereal de Pancakes: The Ultimate Back-to-School Breakfast Recipe

There’s something nostalgic and magical about cereal de pancakes. Growing up in Austin, Texas, mornings in my house smelled like sizzling bacon and warm maple syrup, with my mom flipping golden pancakes before the sun came up. Years later, when I started a weekend brunch club, I found myself chasing that same cozy joy. That’s when cereal pancakes entered the scene—a recipe that felt like childhood on a plate.

With the school year ramping up, I was craving a no-fuss breakfast that didn’t sacrifice flavor. These cereal de pancakes hit the spot. They’re fluffy and soft with a delightful cinnamon crunch in every bite. Blending Real California Milk and crushed cereal right into the batter means you get that nostalgic cereal-and-milk combo in every mouthful.

They’re not just for kids either. These pancakes have become my go-to on busy weekdays and lazy Sunday mornings. When I served them at brunch, they vanished in minutes. Best part? They use simple pantry staples and come together faster than you can say “What’s for breakfast?”

Whether you’re cooking for toddlers, teens, or just yourself, this is a breakfast that brings everyone to the table. If you’ve ever loved a stack of pancakes or couldn’t resist a late-night cereal bowl, this recipe was made for you.

And hey, if you’re already obsessed with pancakes, don’t stop here. Check out our scrambled pancakes recipe or this wild chaos cake breakfast idea—both will keep your mornings fun and full of flavor.

Up next, we’ll walk through the exact ingredients and step-by-step method to whip up the perfect cereal de pancakes every time. Let’s do this.

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How to Make the Best Cereal de Pancakes at Home

What You’ll Need for This Breakfast Game-Changer

Making cereal de pancakes is super simple—just a few pantry staples and a splash of Real California Milk come together to create a fluffy, flavor-packed stack. These ingredients aren’t fancy, and the method is beginner-friendly, so even if it’s 6 AM and you’re running on coffee fumes, you’ve got this.

Here’s your grocery list:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Real California Milk (2% or whole), warmed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup cinnamon-sugar cereal, crushed (but not too fine!)

If you want to experiment, whole wheat flour works great too. Just don’t skip the baking powder—it’s your fluffy secret weapon.

Step-by-Step Pancake Perfection

1. Mix the dry ingredients
   Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Create a well in the middle—this is where your wet mix will go.
2. Warm the milk
   Pop your Real California Milk in the microwave for about 60 seconds. Warm milk makes it easier to combine with butter and prevents clumping.
3. Add the wet ingredients
   To the warm milk, add melted butter, the egg, and vanilla. Whisk everything until smooth.
4. Combine the batter
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Gently whisk or fold—don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay and actually help keep your cereal de pancakes tender.
5. Add the crushed cereal
   Toss in your cinnamon cereal bits and give the batter a quick stir. Let the mix rest for 5–10 minutes so the gluten relaxes and the baking powder does its job.
6. Cook it up
   Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium. Add ¼ cup of batter for each pancake, gently spreading it into a circle. Flip when you see bubbles that pop and edges that look set—usually about 2 minutes per side.

Want even more fun breakfast ideas? Try our cloud bread breakfast sandwich or these savory bubble waffles. They’re as crowd-pleasing as these cereal pancakes!

Foolproof Tips for Fluffy, Delicious Cereal de Pancakes Every Time

Don’t Overmix the Batter—Seriously

Here’s the biggest mistake people make with pancakes: overmixing. When you stir the batter too much, the gluten in the flour tightens up, and you’re left with dense, rubbery pancakes instead of light and fluffy ones. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour streaks disappear—but don’t aim for smooth. Lumps are good. The cereal adds its own texture too, so you’ll never get a totally smooth batter anyway—and that’s exactly how it should be.

Let the Batter Rest (But Not Too Long)

This one’s a game-changer. Let the batter sit for about 5–10 minutes before cooking. This short rest allows the gluten to relax and gives the baking powder time to work, which results in taller, fluffier pancakes. But set a timer—more than 10 minutes and your batter could lose its lift. While it rests, you can prep toppings or sip your coffee in peace.

Watch for the Right Bubble Timing

When it’s time to cook, heat your skillet or griddle over medium and lightly grease it. Pour ¼ cup of batter per pancake. Now here’s the trick: wait until the bubbles on top of the pancake pop and leave little holes behind. That’s your cue to flip. The edges should look set and slightly dry, not shiny. Flip confidently—it only takes about 1–2 minutes per side.

Use the Right Tools and Temperature

Use a thin, long spatula to flip your pancakes. A fish spatula works wonderfully. For a clean flip, lift the pancake about 3 inches and turn your wrist quickly—don’t use your whole arm. Also, pay attention to the pan temperature. If your pancakes are browning too fast, reduce the heat slightly and let the pan cool before starting the next batch.

Wipe and Re-Butter Between Batches

Butter gives pancakes great flavor, but it can burn if left too long in the pan. After every batch, wipe the pan clean with a paper towel and brush on a little fresh butter. This keeps each round tasting fresh and prevents that bitter, burnt-butter flavor.

We use this same method for our spinach feta egg bake, and it makes a huge difference in consistency. Whether you’re flipping pancakes or layering eggs and cheese, those small touches really matter.

Still craving something sweet and unique? Our chaos cake is another playful way to enjoy breakfast with a twist.

Nutrition Benefits + Fun Serving Ideas for Cereal de Pancakes

Fuel Your Morning with a Pancake That Actually Nourishes

Cereal de pancakes aren’t just about flavor—they’ve got some legit nutritional value, too. These aren’t your average sugar bombs; we’re talking about pancakes that actually help you start the day strong. Thanks to Real California Milk, each bite is packed with 13 essential nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, and protein. When paired with fiber-rich cinnamon cereal and eggs, you’ve got a breakfast that delivers steady energy and keeps you full longer.

Crushed cereal adds a satisfying crunch and natural sweetness, while the whole milk adds creaminess and healthy fats—ideal for growing kids or anyone who skips lunch too often. If you’re aiming for even more balance, you can sub in whole wheat flour or add chia seeds to the batter for a boost of omega-3s.

And when you serve these up with fresh fruit or Greek yogurt on the side? You’ve just leveled up your breakfast game without sacrificing fun or flavor.

Creative Serving Ideas for Every Occasion

Want to take these cereal pancakes from “yum” to “wow”? Let’s talk toppings and presentation. A basic drizzle of maple syrup is a classic for a reason, but here are some easy upgrades:

• Berry Explosion: Top your stack with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a fresh, juicy contrast to the warm pancakes.
• Creamy Dreamy: Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of crushed cereal for a bit of crunch.
• School Morning Speed Hack: Make mini pancakes, freeze them, and pop them in the toaster on busy mornings.
• Breakfast-for-Dinner Night: Pair your stack with scrambled eggs or a slice of our scrambled pancakes for a full, satisfying plate.

For a cozy drink pairing, try our tahini iced coffee—a creamy, nutty complement to these cinnamon-packed pancakes.

Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday morning, or just a Wednesday that needs a lift, cereal de pancakes bring a smile to the table. They’re warm, sweet, a little crunchy, and totally satisfying. What more could you want from breakfast?

Conclusion: Why Cereal de Pancakes Belong in Your Breakfast Rotation

Cereal de pancakes are more than a fun twist on a morning classic—they’re practical, pantry-friendly, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, prepping ahead for busy school mornings, or treating yourself to a nostalgic weekend breakfast, this recipe delivers every time. The combo of Real California Milk and crushed cinnamon cereal makes every bite fluffy, flavorful, and familiar in the best way.

The best part? These pancakes are endlessly versatile. Switch up the cereal, top them with berries or yogurt, or freeze a batch for quick reheats. And with the added nutritional bonus of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, it’s a feel-good way to start the day.

So grab your spatula, your favorite cereal, and make mornings something to look forward to again.

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FAQs About Cereal de Pancakes