Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Recipe

I absolutely love how this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Recipe turns out because it captures that nostalgic cereal flavor in a moist, fluffy bread that’s perfect any time of day. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the cinnamon-sugar swirl and crumbly topping come together to make every bite taste like your favorite breakfast treat.

You’ll find that this bread works beautifully for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert, and the sour cream in the batter keeps it tender and rich without being heavy. Plus, you get that delightful crunch from the topping that makes it feel extra special without adding much effort.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend to create a soft, flavorful bread with cinnamon swirls and a crunchy topping that mimics that beloved cereal experience. Most are pantry staples, so you can whip this up whenever the craving hits.

• Light brown sugar: Adds moistness and depth of flavor, essential for both the bread and the crunchy topping.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread’s structure, providing the right texture.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the bread that true cinnamon toast crunch vibe.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without making it salty.
• Unsalted butter: Softened for the batter and melted for the topping—both bring richness and tenderness.
• Granulated sugar: Used in layers to balance sweetness and create that classic crumb.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: A pinch adds subtle depth to the cinnamon swirl.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that make the bread rise beautifully.
• Eggs: Bind it all together and help with structure and moisture.
• Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth.
• Sour cream: Keeps the bread tender and imparts slight tang for balance.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For the sweet glaze that adds a finishing touch.

Variations

I love to tweak this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Recipe to suit different moods or dietary needs—you’ll enjoy experimenting with what fits your style best. Adding nuts or swapping sugars can really put your own stamp on it.

• Nutty Twist: I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts to the swirl for extra texture; my family goes crazy for this crunchy surprise.
• Gluten-Free: I swapped all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend once, and it still came out tender—just be sure to check your blend includes xanthan gum for best results.
• Maple Cinnamon Swirl: Replacing some brown sugar with maple syrup in the swirl gives a warm, cozy vibe that’s perfect for fall mornings.
• Dairy-Free Version: Using non-dairy yogurt instead of sour cream and oil instead of butter works well if you need a dairy-free option.

How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Make the Cinnamon Crunch Topping

Start by greasing your 9″x5″ loaf pan and lining it with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides to help lift the bread out easily later. Then, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt for the topping, pour in melted butter, and stir until it forms moist clumps. Pop this in the fridge so it’s ready to crumble over the bread just before baking.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

Whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and a quarter cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl. This cinnamon swirl mix is what delivers that trademark cinnamon toast crunch flavor you’re after, and you’ll sprinkle it over the batter layers to get those delicious pockets of cinnamon-sugar.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Separately, beat softened butter and the remaining granulated sugar until fluffy and light, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in vanilla extract. Lower mixer speed and alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream, starting and ending with dry, to keep the batter light and smooth.

Step 4: Layer the Batter and Swirl

Divide the batter roughly into thirds. Spread one-third into your prepared pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly on top, then repeat once more with batter, cinnamon swirl, and finally top with the last third of batter. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the top layers for that marble effect that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 5: Add Topping and Bake

Crumbled cinnamon crunch topping over the swirled batter is the icing on the cake — well, the bread! Bake it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 60 to 65 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then use the parchment edges to lift it out onto a cooling rack and peel off the parchment. While it cools completely, mix confectioners’ sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to make the glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled bread for a nice sweet finish.

How to Serve Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and just drizzle the glaze, but for a fun twist, sprinkle a few crushed cinnamon toast crunch cereal pieces on top after glazing for extra crunch and nostalgic flair. A dusting of cinnamon powder works beautifully too if you want a subtle aroma boost.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or a glass of milk. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to round out your meal with a sweet and savory balance.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a brunch or special occasion, slice the bread and fan pieces out on a decorative platter. I’ve also drizzled extra glaze in zigzags and served with small bowls of flavored butters (like cinnamon honey butter) to let guests customize their slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature, and it stays moist and tasty for about 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, I prefer the fridge to keep it fresh longer.

Freezing

Freezing slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag works like a charm. When I thaw them overnight in the fridge, they retain that fresh-baked texture and flavor perfectly without drying out.

Reheating

To warm up, I pop a slice in the toaster oven for a few minutes until the edges get just a little crispy but the inside remains soft. You can also microwave for 15-20 seconds, but I prefer the toaster oven for better texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Recipe highly enough—it’s one of those delicious, cozy treats that makes mornings feel special, even on busy days. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or sliced with a cup of coffee later on, it’s a comforting reminder of simple pleasures. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your baking rotation, just like it is in mine!

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