Cereal Milk Tartlets

These Cereal Milk Tartlets are a whimsical, nostalgic dessert featuring a creamy cereal milk custard nestled in a buttery tart shell, topped with fluffy whipped cream, rainbow marshmallows, and sprinkles. Inspired by childhood favorites like Lucky Charms or Fruity Pebbles, these tartlets bring a fun and festive touch to St. Patrick’s Day or any celebration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nostalgic and Playful – Brings back the childhood joy of drinking the sweet milk left behind after cereal.
• Beautiful and Festive – A fun dessert for St. Patrick’s Day, birthdays, or special occasions.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors – The buttery crust, creamy custard, and whipped topping create a delightful texture and taste.
• Customizable – Use your favorite sweet cereal to personalize the flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – The tartlets can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Tart Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons ice water

For the Cereal Milk Custard:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup sweet cereal (like Lucky Charms or Fruity Pebbles)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 egg yolks
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup colorful cereal marshmallows
• Rainbow sprinkles

Directions

Make the Tart Crust:

1. Prepare the dough: In a food processor, pulse together flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
2. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Mix in egg yolk, vanilla extract, and ice water (1 tablespoon at a time) until the dough just comes together.

Chill & Bake:

4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough and press into mini tartlet pans.
6. Prick the bottoms with a fork and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, until golden.
7. Let cool completely before filling.

Prepare the Cereal Milk:

8. Soak sweet cereal in 2 cups of milk for 20 minutes.
9. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the cereal.

Make the Custard:

10. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.
11. Gradually add the cereal-infused milk, whisking to combine.
12. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
13. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and butter.
14. Let the custard cool slightly before assembling.

Assemble the Tartlets:

15. Pour the cooled custard into the baked tart shells.
16. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Decorate:

17. Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
18. Pipe or spoon whipped cream onto the chilled tartlets.
19. Top with cereal marshmallows and rainbow sprinkles for a fun, colorful finish!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 2 hours
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Servings: 6 tartlets
• Calories: 340 kcal per tartlet

Variations

• Chocolate Cereal Version – Use Cocoa Pebbles or Chocolate Lucky Charms for a chocolatey twist.
• Gluten-Free Option – Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the tart crust.
• Extra Crunch – Sprinkle crushed cereal over the whipped cream before serving.
• No-Bake Version – Use pre-made mini tart shells to skip the baking step.
• Fruity Topping – Garnish with fresh berries or fruit slices for a fresh contrast.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked tart shells separately for up to 2 months. Fill with custard after thawing.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the custard and tart shells a day in advance, then assemble before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tart shells?

Yes! Pre-made mini tart shells work great if you’re short on time.

What’s the best cereal to use?

Any sweet, flavorful cereal like Lucky Charms, Fruity Pebbles, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch works well.

How do I prevent the custard from becoming lumpy?

Whisk constantly while cooking, and strain through a sieve if needed for extra smoothness.

Can I make this as one large tart?

Yes! Use a 9-inch tart pan and bake the crust for 15-18 minutes.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

Mix the dough by hand, using a pastry cutter or fork to blend in the butter.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream?

Yes! Replace the whipped cream with 1 ½ cups of Cool Whip for an easy shortcut.

How do I get perfectly shaped tart shells?

Press the dough evenly into the pans and chill before baking to prevent shrinkage.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute almond or oat milk for the custard and use vegan butter in the crust.

What can I serve these with?

These tartlets pair well with coffee, tea, or a festive holiday spread.

How do I make the tart crust extra flaky?

Use very cold butter and minimal handling to keep the dough light and crisp.

Conclusion

These Cereal Milk Tartlets are a fun, nostalgic, and delicious dessert, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, birthdays, or any festive gathering. The combination of buttery tart shells, creamy cereal-infused custard, and colorful toppings makes these tartlets as beautiful as they are tasty. Make ahead, decorate, and enjoy a delightful bite of childhood magic!