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Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch Recipe

Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch Recipe - Hearty Food Ideas

There’s something truly nostalgic about Cinnamon Toast Crunch. It’s that warm, comforting cereal that many of us grew up loving. With its crunchy squares sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, it was nearly impossible to have just one bowl.
 But have you ever thought about making it from scratch? Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you might never want to go back to the store-bought kind. Here’s a recipe to delight your taste buds, along with fun stories and insights from my own kitchen adventures.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 569
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 sticks chilled salted butter, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup ice-cold water
  • 2-4 tablespoons melted salted butter
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring it’s ready for the magic about to unfold.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients thoroughly. This step is crucial as it enhances the flavor distribution, setting a solid base for your cereal.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
  1. Add the chilled, diced butter to your dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is the secret to that delightful crunch.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Water
  1. Stir in the pure vanilla extract. Gradually pour in the ice-cold water, mixing until a dough forms. If it looks too dry, feel free to add a splash more water until it comes together.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
  1. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Make sure it’s evenly rolled to ensure all pieces bake uniformly. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles, mimicking the classic shapes you love.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Transfer the dough pieces to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.
Step 7: The Finishing Touch
  1. As soon as you take them out of the oven, brush the squares with melted butter and sprinkle the brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon on top. This final touch gives an added layer of flavor and aroma!

Notes

  • Chill That Butter!: Always use cold butter to maintain the crunch. Room temperature butter just won’t cut it!
  • Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding different spices like nutmeg or even a hint of vanilla for variety.
  • Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close watch on your squares while baking to prevent a burnt taste.
  • Crowd Control: If making a large batch, bake in multiple batches. This ensures an even cool and crisp texture for every piece.
  • Storage Method: Store in an airtight container once cooled completely. This will help retain the crunch factor for longer.