Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cakes Recipe

Key Points:

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch cakes bring the classic cereal's cinnamon-sugar flavor into a soft, fluffy cake.
• Crushed cereal is used in the batter and as a topping, with a simple glaze for added sweetness.
• The cake can be made as muffins, layer cakes, or gluten-free, and is great for various occasions.

This recipe for Cinnamon Toast Crunch cakes is bound to please anyone who likes the soothing and nostalgic flavor of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Picture your favorite cereal's sweet, cinnamon-sugar flavor paired with a cake's soft, fluffy texture. These Cinnamon Toast Crunch cakes will satisfy adults and children, whether you serve them for brunch, breakfast, or as a delicious dessert.

The Inspiration Behind Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cakes

For many years, cinnamon toast crunch has been a popular breakfast choice. It's a favorite among children and adults because of its delicious blend of crunchy cereal squares dusted with cinnamon and sugar. But why limit this delicious taste to cereal bowls? By combining the best components of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, this recipe creates a flexible cake that you can eat at any time of day.

What Makes Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cakes Special?

The ideal combination of tastes and textures gives Cinnamon Toast Crunch cakes their enchantment. The cake has a crumb that's light enough for breakfast but rich enough to satisfy a sweet taste, and it's moist and flexible. What makes this cake stand out is the use of crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch in the batter and as a topping, which gives every bite that distinctive cinnamon-sugar sweetness.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed (you can use a food processor or place the cereal in a ziplock bag and crush it with a rolling pin)
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
• 1/2 cup sour cream

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/2 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cakes

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Alternatively, you can use a muffin tin if you'd like to make individual cakes.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set this mixture aside.

3. Crush the Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Using a food processor, a ziplock bag, or a rolling pin, crush the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal until it resembles fine crumbs. You'll need about 1 1/2 cups of crushed cereal for the batter and an additional 1/2 cup for the topping.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The key is incorporating enough air into the batter to make the cakes light and tender.

5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

6. Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients

Add one-third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk. Mix just until combined. Repeat this process, ending with the last third of the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

7. Fold in the Crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Gently fold the 1 1/2 cups of crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

8. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. If you're making muffins, fill each cup about 2/3 full. Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar Topping evenly over the batter.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes using a cake pan or 18-20 minutes using a muffin tin. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean.

9. Prepare the Glaze

While the cakes are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

10. Cool and Glaze the Cakes

Once the cakes are done, allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cakes, letting it drip down the sides.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Toast Crunch cakes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

1. Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these cakes alongside fresh fruit and a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
2. Dessert: Top the cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
3. Snack: Enjoy a slice with a glass of cold milk for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Storing Your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cakes

These cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you'd like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.

Variations to Try

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes: Follow the same recipe but use a muffin tin to create individual cupcakes. Top each with a swirl of cinnamon buttercream for a special treat.
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Layer Cake: Double the recipe and bake in two 8-inch round cake pans. Stack the layers with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting in between for an impressive layer cake.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cereal is gluten-free.

Conclusion

The ideal method to incorporate the beloved taste of a traditional breakfast cereal into your baking range is with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cakes. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because these cakes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Everyone will enjoy this delicious tenderness made of rich, soft cake and the crunch of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. You won't be disappointed if you try this recipe the next time you're craving something sweet and comforting!