Mini Chocolate Pudding Pies

Personal-sized desserts are great for families! These Mini Chocolate Pudding Pies are simple and easy to whip up and perfect for everyday desserts.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RealDelicious #CerealAnytime #CollectiveBias

A few years back, when we moved to Maine, we first tried the fast casual BBQ restaurant near our house. Among our orders of pulled pork, ribs and smoked chicken wings, we discovered something amazing: the little, itty bitty, individual pies they make in flavors like cookies and cream, chocolate and pumpkin.

They were so good.

Not only are the little pies the cutest little things, but they’re always a sweet way to end the meal. We love ’em in all their flavors, varieties and constructions.

… And that’s what inspired these Mini Chocolate Pudding Pies.

The pies start with a crust made of crushed cereal and a little butter. The BBQ joint often uses cereal for crusts and toppings and I think that’s ingenious — it can add so much flavor!

Next comes a homemade chocolate pudding. If you’ve never made pudding from scratch at home, fear not. It’s super easy, and the creamy results are well worth it.

Finally, you finish it off with more cereal. Mmm.

Hint: The cereal will soften upon sitting. You might want to sprinkle a little more before digging in. Or just wait to top the pies until you’re ready to eat.

Once that’s all down, feel free to devour.

Enjoying Cereal Anytime

Cereal in pies is fun, but so is cereal anytime.

I mean, sure, on lazy mornings, there’s nothing better than the ease and convenience of your favorite cereal, a little milk and a fun television show. It’s also an easy option for busy mornings — after all, you can just pour, eat and go.

But that’s no reason to limit your cereal enjoyment to mornings. Cereal can be enjoyed anytime, really. For instance, it can be crushed and used as breading for chicken or it can top sweets. Heck, when you step beyond the usual milk and cereal routine, it can liven up breakfasts, lunches and desserts.

Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

6 Fabulous Ways to Enjoy Cereal Anytime

• On Top of Baked Goods — Give your next batch of banana bread or blueberry muffins extra oomph with a sprinkle of cereal before baking.
• With Yogurt – Top yogurt with your favorite cereal or mix it in for a fun flavor combination.
• Over Ice Cream – Love a cool treat? Top off your favorite scoop with your favorite cereal.
• In Sammies – Add a little crunch to your peanut butter and jelly sandwich by sprinkling some cereal between the layers.
• Mixed with Fruit – Berries, bananas, whatever — slice it up and mix with cereal for a fun, fresh take on your morning bowl
• As a Breading — Forget breadcrumbs. Crush your favorite cereal (less sweet ones, or unsweetened ones are best) and use it as breading when you’re making chicken, fish or whatever.

So Easy, So Good

Back to the Mini Chocolate Pudding Pies … For these mini pies, I used one of my favorite cereals: Honey Bunches of Oats Honey Roasted, which is made by Post Foods. Post Foods makes a variety of cereals including childhood favorites like Fruity Pebbles, healthier options like Great Grains Raisins, Dates and Pecans and — of course — Honey Bunches of Oats, which was perfect for this recipe.

You’ll need about 15 minutes — total — to make them, though chilling the pudding before assembly is recommended.

Whether you’re making these mini pies or something else, now’s a good time to stock up on cereals. It’s back to school time, and soon there will be busy school mornings, after school sports practices and packed schedules to contend with. Cereal is great for a quick bite, an easy grab and go snack and so much more.

And it’s good for easy treats like these pies too. So there’s that.

I bought these cereals at Walmart, where they have a big variety of Post Foods cereals for all tastes and desires.

How do you like to enjoy cereal? For more great ideas, also check out the #CerealAnytime Pinterest board.