Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch Recipe
Introduction
Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a light, crunchy cereal coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend. It makes for a perfect breakfast or snack that’s not too heavy or overly sweet. Whether you love cinnamon or prefer it plain, this treat is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
- Step 2: Add the milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until a dough forms.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 4: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out with a rolling pin until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
- Step 5: Remove the top sheet of parchment paper. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into small squares, about 1/2 inch each.
- Step 6: Transfer the parchment paper with the cut dough onto a baking sheet.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the squares are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 8: While the cereal is baking, mix together 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt 1 tablespoon butter separately.
- Step 9: Once the cereal is baked, remove it from the oven and brush the melted butter over the top. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cereal while it’s still warm.
- Step 10: Allow the cereal to cool completely on a cooling rack. Break apart any squares that are stuck together.
- Step 11: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips & Variations
- If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, simply omit it from the dough and topping for a tasty, lightly sweetened cereal.
- For extra crunch, you can toast the baked squares for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a different spice twist.
Storage
Store the cooled cereal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To re-crisp, warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes before serving. Avoid storing in a humid environment to keep the cereal crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it’s one that can be used as a 1:1 replacement and supports baking.
How long can I keep the homemade cereal fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the cereal stays fresh and crunchy for up to one week.
Print
Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups of cereal 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a light, crispy cereal coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend, offering a perfect balance of crunch and subtle sweetness. This easy-to-make breakfast or snack recipe delivers the cozy flavors of cinnamon without being overpowering, ideal for cinnamon lovers and those seeking a homemade treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
- Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it out evenly to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut the Dough: Remove the top parchment sheet and cut the dough into small squares approximately 1/2 inch each using a knife or pizza cutter. Leave the cut dough on the bottom parchment sheet placed over a baking sheet.
- Bake the Cereal: Bake the dough squares in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they become golden brown and crisp.
- Prepare the Topping: While the cereal bakes, mix together 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt 1 tablespoon butter separately.
- Coat the Cereal: As soon as the cereal comes out of the oven, brush the melted butter evenly over the warm cereal squares. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top to coat them thoroughly.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the coated cereal to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, gently break apart any squares stuck together. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
- For a less sweet variation, reduce the sugar quantity in the dough and topping.
- Omit cinnamon if you prefer a plain crunchy cereal; it will still be delicious.
- Store cereal in a sealed container to maintain crunchiness.
- Use parchment paper for easy handling and to prevent sticking.
- Ensure even thickness when rolling dough for uniform baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Cereal
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon toast crunch, homemade cereal, crunchy cereal, cinnamon sugar snack, sweet breakfast cereal
