Name: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 yellow cake mix; 1 cup crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal (divided: ¾ cup for batter, ¼ cup for topping); ¾ cup water; 1/3 cup cooking oil; 4 large eggs; 1 ½ cups salted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt (pink Himalayan recommended); 4 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; 1/3 cup Hershey’s Cinnamon Chips; ½ tablespoon milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 80 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for nostalgic cereals, this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine a moist, buttery cupcake infused with the warm, cinnamon-spiced crunch of your favorite breakfast cereal, topped with fluffy vanilla frosting, a luscious cinnamon caramel drizzle, and an extra sprinkle of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. It’s a playful twist on a classic treat that brings all the cozy flavors of breakfast to your dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three small yellow cupcakes are placed in a triangle on a white plate, which is sitting on a blue and white checkered cloth over a white marbled surface. Each cupcake has a thick swirl of white cream on top, with smooth and soft texture. A drizzle of light brown sauce is artistically laid over the cream, along with tiny pieces of light beige crumbs sprinkled around. The cupcakes have paper wrappers that are light yellow and ribbed in texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple ingredients come together to create cupcakes that are bursting with flavor and delightful texture. Each component plays an essential role: from the yellow cake mix providing the fluffy base to the Cinnamon Toast Crunch adding crunchy cinnamon magic.

Yellow cake mix: The foundation for light and tender cupcakes, making baking easy and foolproof.
Crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: Adds crunchy cinnamon bursts right inside the batter and as a topping.
Water: Hydrates the dry mix to create the perfect batter consistency.
Cooking oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cupcakes.
Salted butter (softened): Key for creamy frosting with a perfectly balanced flavor.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the frosting with warm, sweet aroma.
Salt (preferably pink Himalayan): Enhances the flavor depth, balancing sweetness.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates a creamy, smooth frosting texture.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
Hershey’s Cinnamon Chips: Melted for a cinnamon caramel drizzle topping full of warmth and spice.
Milk: Helps melt the cinnamon chips and adjust drizzle consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and spraying or lining a standard muffin tin for easy cleanup. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, cooking oil, and eggs. Use a hand or stand mixer set to medium to blend everything until smooth and well combined – no lumps here! The batter should be thick but easy to scoop.

Step 2: Fold in the Cereal Crunch

Gently fold in ¾ cup of the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. This step is crucial for ensuring that each bite has that delightful cinnamon crunch without breaking down completely, lending a fun surprise of texture throughout the cupcake.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full to allow space for a nice rise. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely before moving on to the frosting.

Step 4: Whip Up the Frosting

In a bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened salted butter until light and fluffy. Then, add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing well. Slowly add powdered sugar a cup at a time, alternating with a tablespoon of heavy whipping cream, until the frosting feels creamy and spreadable. This frosting is your luscious cloud topping, perfectly sweet with a hint of buttery richness.

Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes

Fill a piping bag with your freshly made frosting and elegantly swirl it over each cooled cupcake. The frosting adds a gorgeous visual appeal and a creamy counterpoint to the crunchy cake texture.

Step 6: Create the Cinnamon Caramel Drizzle

For a fabulous finishing touch, melt the Hershey’s Cinnamon Chips with a little milk at 50% power in the microwave for about 25 seconds. Stir and repeat as needed until silky smooth. Drizzle this warm cinnamon caramel over the frosted cupcakes for an irresistible glossy finish.

Step 7: Add Final Crunch

Top each cupcake with a sprinkle of the remaining crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. This seals the deal with a delightful crunch and extra cinnamon flavor in every bite. And just like that, your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes Recipe is ready to wow friends and family alike!

How to Serve Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes Recipe

There are three cupcakes placed in a line on a white marbled surface, each sitting on a round white paper doily. Each cupcake has a light golden-brown base and is topped with a swirl of creamy white frosting. The frosting is drizzled with a shiny caramel sauce and sprinkled with small crumb-like toppings. The cupcakes are in focus from the front to the middle, with the closest cupcake being the sharpest and the others gradually blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cupcakes shine with just the cinnamon cereal topping and cinnamon caramel drizzle, but you can also add a tiny dusting of cinnamon powder or a few whole cereal squares for that extra visual pop and crunch. Freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of edible glitter can make them party-ready.

Side Dishes

Pair these cupcakes with a simple cold glass of milk or an aromatic cup of chai tea to complement the cinnamon spices. Fresh seasonal fruit like sliced apples or pears can also offer a refreshing contrast alongside these sweet treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Place the cupcakes in colorful cupcake liners or serve them in a rustic wooden crate for a charming breakfast-themed display. You could also stack them on a multi-tiered dessert stand at brunch or decorate with mini cinnamon sticks for a visual cue to the fabulous flavors inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cinnamon Toast Crunch cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to enjoy the optimal freshness. Make sure to store them away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent frosting melt.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving.

Reheating

Reheat thawed cupcakes gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that tender texture, but avoid overheating as it could dry them out or melt the frosting. Serve immediately for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake mix instead of yellow cake mix?

Absolutely! A homemade yellow cake batter will work just fine and might add an extra touch of personalized flavor and freshness to your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes Recipe.

Is it necessary to crush the cereal finely?

You want the cereal crushed into small pieces to distribute the crunchy cinnamon flavor evenly, but not too powdery—some texture makes these cupcakes extra fun to eat.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based cream alternative to keep the frosting creamy and delicious while accommodating dietary needs.

How long will the cupcakes stay fresh once frosted?

Frosted cupcakes are best enjoyed within two days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, as the cereal topping can lose its crunch over time.

Can I double this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes Recipe?

Definitely! Just be sure to have enough muffin tins and oven space. Baking in batches is also a great option if your oven is smaller.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes Recipe—they capture the nostalgia of a beloved cereal and transform it into a show-stopping cupcake that feels like a warm hug. Whether for a party, a cozy weekend treat, or to impress friends with a creative dessert, these cupcakes deliver on both flavor and fun. Give this recipe a try; I promise it will become one of your sweet staples in no time!