This JoJo Siwa cereal is a fun, homemade copycat of the limited-edition breakfast cereal inspired by the pop star. It features sweet, colorful bowtie-shaped puffs made from a simple cereal dough, coated in a light pink sugar glaze. This DIY version is surprisingly easy to make and lets you control the sweetness and colors, making it a perfect treat for parties, sleepovers, or a fun weekend breakfast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60 g) cornstarch
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water, plus more if needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring: pink, yellow, blue, green, purple (or your choice)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
- Rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the applesauce, vegetable oil, 1/4 cup water, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until it comes together. If too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Divide the dough into 5 or 6 equal portions, depending on how many colors you want. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each portion and knead until the color is evenly distributed. (Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.)
- Work with one colored dough at a time. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rope about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick.
- Cut the rope into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. To shape each piece into a bowtie, pinch the center of the piece to create a waist, then gently press the two ends together slightly to form a bow shape. Alternatively, you can use a fork to press lines on each side.
- Place the shaped bowtie puffs on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between them.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the puffs are lightly golden on the edges and firm to the touch. They will harden more as they cool.
- Let the puffs cool completely on the baking sheets for about 15 minutes.
- While the puffs cool, make the glaze: in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the glaze is thin enough to drizzle but not too runny.
- Dip the top of each cooled puff into the glaze, or drizzle the glaze over them with a spoon. If using sprinkles, add them immediately before the glaze sets.
- Let the glazed puffs dry on a wire rack for about 30 minutes, until the glaze is set.
Tips
- Coloring: Use gel food coloring rather than liquid drops, as it adds vibrant color without altering the dough’s moisture. If you only have liquid, reduce the water in the dough by 1–2 tablespoons.
- Shaping: If you want a more uniform bowtie shape, use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut rectangles, then pinch the center. For a quicker version, simply roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly.
- Glaze consistency: The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add milk a drop at a time.
- Baking time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 18 minutes. The puffs should be dry and crisp, not chewy. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cereal in a bowl with cold milk, just like store-bought cereal. It also makes a fantastic dry snack for parties, movie nights, or lunchboxes. For a fun dessert, sprinkle the glazed puffs over vanilla ice cream or yogurt parfaits.
Variations
- Chocolate version: Replace 1/4 cup (30 g) of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey base.
- Different shapes: Instead of bowties, roll the dough into small balls, stars, or use letter-shaped cookie cutters to spell out names.
- Fruit-flavored: Add 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite fruit extract (like strawberry or orange) along with the vanilla for extra flavor.
- No-glaze option: Skip the glaze and toss the baked puffs in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar while they are still warm.
Storage and Reheating
Store the unglazed cereal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Once glazed, they keep for about 3 days at room temperature, but the glaze may soften slightly over time. To re-crisp, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. Do not microwave, as they will become chewy. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed puffs in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and re-crisp in the oven before glazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cereal gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The texture may be slightly more crumbly, so add water sparingly. The baking time may also need a couple of extra minutes.
Why are my puffs not crispy? The puffs need to be fully baked and then cooled completely to become crisp. If they are still soft, they likely need more time in the oven. Bake them until they are lightly golden and firm; they will harden as they cool. Also, make sure you don’t skip the cornstarch, which helps create a crisp texture.
Can I use a different oil? Yes, you can use melted coconut oil or canola oil instead of vegetable oil. Avoid olive oil, as it has a strong flavor that will affect the taste.
How do I get the colors to be really vibrant? Use gel food coloring and add it gradually, kneading well after each addition. The color will fade slightly after baking, so make the dough a shade darker than you want the final cereal to be.
Can I make this without the glaze? Absolutely. The unglazed cereal is still sweet and delicious. You can also dust it with powdered sugar or toss it with a little cinnamon sugar after baking.
Is this cereal safe for young children? Yes, the ingredients are all kid-friendly. However, the puffs are crunchy, so supervise very young children to ensure they chew well. The glaze contains milk, so use a dairy-free milk alternative if needed.
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