If you adore the nostalgic, cinnamon-spiced crunch of your favorite breakfast cereal, then wait until you try this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Recipe. This delightful loaf captures all those warm, cinnamon-sugar flavors with a tender crumb and a satisfying crunch baked right in. Imagine biting into a slice that tastes like your favorite cereal, transformed into a cozy, sliceable bread that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a sweet treat any time of day. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that all come together to create a beautifully balanced loaf. Each ingredient plays a special role, from the fluffy texture of the flour and baking powder to the rich moisture provided by butter and eggs, and of course, the star of the show, the cinnamon-spiced cereal that adds both flavor and crunch.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the bread’s structure.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise to a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses that signature warmth and spice right into the bread.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and contributes to a lovely crust.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with its sweet, aromatic notes.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft texture.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (crushed): The essential ingredient that delivers those unmistakable cinnamon sugar bursts and a delightful crunch.
- Cinnamon and sugar topping: Sprinkled on top for an extra sweet, crispy finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper ensures the bread will come out effortlessly after baking, setting you up for baking success right from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This blend of dry ingredients is the foundation that balances the sweet and spicy with the right amount of lift for a perfect crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and creamy, usually around 3 to 4 minutes. This step introduces air into your batter which creates a lovely light texture in the finished bread.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which enhances the warm and sweet flavors, making your bread irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps your bread tender and moist.
Step 6: Fold in the Crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Gently fold the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal into the batter. These cereal bits are what give this bread its signature crunch and bursts of spicy cinnamon sugar in every bite.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top evenly. Next, mix together the cinnamon and sugar intended for the topping, then sprinkle this fragrant mixture over the batter’s surface. For an extra special touch, sprinkle additional crushed cereal on top to create a crunchy, cinnamon-studded crust once baked.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for about 55 to 60 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, so the crust firms up perfectly.
How to Serve Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is delightful on its own but takes on an extra level of yum when topped with a light spread of butter or cream cheese. Fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey also complement the cinnamon sugar flavors beautifully, adding freshness and a touch of natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair this bread with your morning coffee or tea for an easy and comforting breakfast. It also makes a lovely companion to a bowl of fresh fruit salad or yogurt, providing a buttery, crunchy contrast to softer, lighter textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Toast thick slices and drizzle them with a cinnamon glaze or a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle a few crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch pieces on top for added texture. You can even transform the bread into French toast for a weekend brunch that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, preserving the delightful cinnamon aroma and texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Recipe on hand longer, slice it and place the pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy a slice anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To enjoy the bread warm, gently toast slices in a toaster or heat them in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This wakes up the cinnamon sugar flavors and restores the comforting crumb, almost like it’s fresh out of the oven again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! You can swap out some or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Just keep in mind that the texture might become a bit denser, so using half whole wheat and half all-purpose is often a great balance.
Is it necessary to crush the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal?
Yes, crushing the cereal ensures it distributes evenly throughout the batter and melts into the bread’s texture rather than being a large, overwhelming chunk. It helps the bread maintain that signature cinnamon crunch without making it difficult to slice.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can use a dairy-free butter substitute and a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk to make this recipe dairy-free. The flavor will still be amazing, and the texture will stay moist and delicious.
How should I store the bread if I live in a very humid climate?
In humid environments, it’s best to store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent mold. Wrap it well so it doesn’t dry out, and bring it to room temperature or toast slices before enjoying.
Can I double this recipe to make a larger loaf or two loaves?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake the batter in two loaf pans to keep the bread’s texture consistent. Increase the baking time slightly, but check doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Recipe a try because it brings such a joyful spin to an already beloved flavor. It’s like having your cereal and your bread all in one — perfect for a comforting breakfast or anytime treat. Once you’ve baked it, you might just find yourself sharing this recipe with every friend and family member because everyone deserves a slice of this deliciousness.
Print
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10 slices)
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful and crunchy Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread that combines the warmth of cinnamon with a sweet, crispy cereal twist. This quick bread features a moist crumb infused with cinnamon and studded with crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, topped with a cinnamon-sugar crust and optional extra crunch for the perfect breakfast treat or snack.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 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 whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spice.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step incorporates air for a light texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bread.
- Fold in Cereal: Gently fold the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal into the batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed without crushing further.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. Optionally, add extra crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal on top for added texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep the bread tender.
- The crushed cereal adds a unique texture; adjust amount if you prefer more or less crunch.
- Ensure the bread is fully cooled before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
