This Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch comes together in about 25 minutes and uses a simple baking process for a quick treat that your family will love! Switch up the cereal or sugar levels to suit your taste buds or use it as a way to clean out the pantry! It’s perfect for a cozy movie night or a sweet breakfast option, because let’s face it, who doesn’t love cinnamon and sugar, right?
The Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s dive into what you need! I promise these ingredients are easy to find, and I’ve even included a few substitution options for those pantry staples you might be out of.
- 4 cups of cereal (such as corn or wheat squares)
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Let’s Get Cooking!
Okay, now that we have our ingredients all lined up, gather your family around, and let’s bring this delightful Crunch to life!
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). You want that warm air to help crisp everything up just perfectly.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together. This just takes a minute, and believe me, the smell alone is worth the effort, so fragrant!
- In another bowl, combine melted butter and vanilla extract. Give it a good stir; the butter and vanilla should blend seamlessly.
- Dip each piece of cereal into the butter mixture, making sure it gets a nice coating before tossing it in the cinnamon-sugar mix. This step might get a bit messy, but that’s half the fun, right?
- Next, spread the coated cereal evenly on a baking sheet. Make sure it’s in a single layer for even baking. No one wants cluster crunch, unless you purposely want to create clusters!
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cereal is golden brown and smelling amazing. Keep an eye on it; we want crunchy goodness, not burnt bits!
- Let it cool completely before serving. Trust me; it’s hard, but this cool-down is important to get that ultimate crunch factor.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick, sweet, and comforting. Honestly, I’m a real sucker for anything that has cinnamon and sugar, and this easy homemade version of Cinnamon Toast Crunch ticks all those boxes! My kids ask for it often, and the best part is, you can customize it to whatever flavors you love most. You can even make it while chatting with a friend on the phone or listening to your favorite podcast; it’s that straightforward!
If you loved this Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch, be sure to check out my Homemade Strawberry Applesauce, my Mini Funfetti Yogurt Muffins, or my Homemade Goldfish Crackers!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 25 minutes! Seriously, who doesn’t love a treat that’s so quick yet satisfying?
Customizable
You can use whatever ingredients you have! Got some leftover nuts or even shredded coconut? Toss them in too! The flexibility is what makes it a hit at home.
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love it! Kids adore the sweet crunchiness, while adults will appreciate the nostalgic flavor that reminds them of childhood breakfasts.
Budget-Friendly
This recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy items here!
Make-Ahead Friendly
Perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and have it on hand for breakfast or snacks throughout the week.
Serving and Storage Tips
So, how do you serve your glorious creation? You can enjoy it straight out of the pan (I won’t judge), or serve it in a bowl with milk, just like the good old days.
Storage
This Crunch storage is a breeze! Just keep it in an airtight container. It should stay crunchy for about a week (if it lasts that long, mine rarely does)!
Reheating Instructions
No real need to reheat, but if you want to freshen it up, a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds should do the trick.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze this homemade version. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for about 2-3 months.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, your very own Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch! This delightful cereal is not just for breakfast; it’s an all-day treat that the whole family will enjoy. You can whip this recipe up in minutes, with stuff you likely have around the house, it’s a total win all around.
You know, food is really about bringing people together, and this recipe is perfect for that. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, late-night snack, or a surprise treat for a friend, this Cinnamon Toast Crunch is sure to spark joy.
Now, on to more baking adventures, what’s next on your list? Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Enjoy creating this amazing dish!
Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter and vanilla extract.
- Dip each piece of cereal into the butter mixture, then toss it in the cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Spread the coated cereal evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cereal is golden brown.
- Let it cool completely before serving.