Let me just say this: if breakfast and dessert had a love child, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread would be it. Imagine your kitchen filling up with the nostalgic scent of cinnamon sugar, toasty warmth, and sweet vanilla. This loaf is golden, crunchy on top, soft and pillowy inside—like a cozy Sunday morning in bread form.
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Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s the kind of bake that feels like a hug in edible form. Perfect with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk, it’s simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough to serve at brunch. Let’s get into the magic of why you’ll fall for this recipe.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy mornings or as a standout treat at brunch. Imagine slicing into this golden loaf on a lazy weekend and watching the cinnamon swirls melt into each bite. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. This is proof that a few pantry staples can come together and create something that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. No need to be a baking expert here—this one’s friendly for everyone. If you can stir, you can bake.
Customizable: Add-ins like raisins, pecans, or even a cream cheese swirl can easily take this bread to the next level. Make it your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re baking for kids or impressing guests at a potluck, this one is always a hit. It’s sweet, crunchy, and ridiculously good.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Ingredients in Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread
Here’s where the magic begins. Every bite of this bread is packed with sweet, cinnamon goodness and just the right amount of crunch.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: The real MVP of this recipe. It adds both flavor and texture, creating that irresistible crunchy top layer and a subtle cereal sweetness throughout the bread.
All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure and softness. It’s what keeps the loaf moist without being too dense.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful golden crust. You can adjust depending on how sweet you like it.
Cinnamon: The signature flavor, warm and comforting. A must for that classic, cozy cinnamon toast flavor.
Eggs: These bind everything together and help the bread rise beautifully in the oven.
Milk: Adds moisture and gives the loaf that tender, soft texture we all love.
Butter: Brings richness and depth of flavor. Plus, it helps with that crave-worthy golden crust.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash to enhance the warmth of the cinnamon and sweetness of the sugar.
Baking Powder: This gives the bread its lift—fluffy, not flat.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and a nice rise on your loaf.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined. Then, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry just until combined. Don’t overmix—lumpy is okay!
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. You want that beautiful loaf to come out in one perfect piece.
Assemble the Dish: Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle in some crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch, then pour in the remaining batter and top it off with more cereal. The top gets golden and crispy—pure magic.
Cook to Perfection: Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now—resist the urge to open the oven too often!
Finishing Touches: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps it set without getting soggy on the bottom.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve warm, and enjoy! Pair with butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a bit of cream cheese for a decadent touch.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread
Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or orange slices for a bright, juicy contrast.
Whipped Cream or Icing: A light drizzle of icing or a dollop of whipped cream takes it into dessert territory—perfect for brunch or a sweet afternoon snack.
Toasted with Butter: Pop a slice in the toaster and slather with butter. Heaven.
Coffee or Milk: The perfect companion drink. Dip, sip, repeat.
As a Dessert Base: Use slices as the base for a bread pudding or French toast casserole. Trust me, game changer.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can mix the dry ingredients the night before for a quicker morning bake.
Spice It Up: Try adding nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin spice for a fall twist.
Dietary Adjustments: Use plant-based milk and egg alternatives if needed. Gluten-free flour works well too!
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Double the Batch: Make one for now and one for later—this freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute Cinnamon Toast Crunch with another cereal?
A1: Totally! Try Golden Grahams, Apple Jacks, or even crushed graham crackers for a fun twist.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Bake it the day before and warm it up before serving. It actually tastes better the next day.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp and warm before serving.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the toaster oven or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying it out.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Use two loaf pans or a larger baking dish and adjust baking time accordingly.
Q7: Can I use almond or oat milk instead of dairy?
A7: Yes, any milk alternative works well in this recipe without compromising flavor or texture.
Q8: Is it okay to add chocolate chips or nuts?
A8: Go for it! Chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans add amazing texture and flavor.
Q9: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A9: Yes, a neutral oil like vegetable or canola will work, though the flavor might be slightly different.
Q10: How can I make this less sweet?
A10: Reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup and go easy on the cereal topping—it’ll still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread is one of those feel-good recipes that brings everyone to the kitchen, noses in the air, waiting for a slice. It’s cozy, it’s easy, and it’s packed with nostalgia and warmth in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or sneaking a piece for yourself (we all do it), this loaf is bound to become a household favorite. So go ahead—bake it, share it, love it. You’ve got this!
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread is the ultimate sweet loaf: soft, moist, and packed with a rich cinnamon swirl, topped with a buttery cinnamon crunch and finished with a creamy glaze. It’s like the best parts of coffee cake and cinnamon toast rolled into one dreamy slice. Perfect as a breakfast treat, snack, or indulgent dessert, this easy-to-make loaf is a hit with all ages. If you’re looking for healthy recipes with a sweet twist or recipes to try that double as appetizers and snacks, this is your go-to.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Crunch Topping
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1/4 cup (55 g) light brown sugar
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2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
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Pinch of kosher salt
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2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
Bread
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Cooking spray
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1/4 cup (55 g) packed light brown sugar
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1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
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1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar, divided
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2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
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2 tsp. baking powder
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3/4 tsp. kosher salt
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1/2 tsp. baking soda
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
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1 cup sour cream, room temperature
Glaze
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1/2 cup (60 g) confectioners’ sugar
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/8 tsp. pure vanilla extract
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Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
Cinnamon Crunch Topping
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In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
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Pour melted butter over mixture and stir until moistened and clumps form.
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Refrigerate until ready to use.
Bread
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9″x5″ loaf pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Set aside.
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In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
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In a large bowl, cream butter and remaining 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
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Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
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On low speed, add half of dry ingredients, mix, then add sour cream, then remaining dry mix.
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Pour 1/3 of batter into pan. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar mix. Repeat with another 1/3 of batter and remaining cinnamon mix. Top with final batter layer. Swirl gently using a knife or skewer.
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Sprinkle cinnamon crunch topping over batter.
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Bake 60–65 minutes or until tester comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes in pan.
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Use parchment overhang to lift bread out and transfer to a board to finish cooling.
Glaze
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Mix confectioners’ sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and salt in a small bowl.
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Drizzle over cooled bread and slice thick.
Notes
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Cocoa powder adds depth to the cinnamon swirl—don’t skip it!
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Sour cream keeps the bread ultra moist and tender.
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Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
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Perfect with coffee or tea for a cozy treat any time of day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg