Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for childhood cereals and a love for all things sweet and nostalgic, this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine the warm, cozy spice of cinnamon-infused cake layers, soaked in rich cereal milk extracted straight from the beloved Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, then crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting and topped with a crunchy cereal crumble that adds the perfect texture. This cake is a whimsical tribute to a classic snack, transformed into an impressive dessert that tastes like a hug and a celebration all rolled into one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cake Recipe right is all about using straightforward, well-balanced ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor and texture. Each element plays an essential role from the nostalgic cereal milk to the creamy frosting and the spiced cake base.

• Milk: The foundation for infusing that unmistakable cereal flavor into the cake, lending moisture and a creamy taste.
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: Used both for cereal milk and crunchy topping, it adds that signature cinnamon-sugar magic and texture.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake, ensuring it rises perfectly while staying tender.
• Baking powder & salt: These balance the batter, helping it rise and enhancing the flavor profile.
• Ground cinnamon: A generous sprinkle contributes to the warm, cozy spice that defines the cake’s character.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky crumb, crucial for tender cake layers and creamy frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Act as a binder and moisture enhancer, also helping with cake lift and crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors, adding complexity and warmth.
• Grape seed or vegetable oil: Keeps the crumble moist and adds a slight richness.
• Cream cheese: The star ingredient in the frosting, adding tangy richness that perfectly complements the cinnamon sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: For sweetening and smoothing the frosting into that perfect spreadable texture.

How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cereal Milk

This step transforms simple milk into a flavor powerhouse. Steeping the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in milk for 20 to 25 minutes allows the milk to soak up that unforgettable cinnamon-sugar essence. Then, straining it carefully ensures you keep just the flavorful liquid that will moisten your cake layers, giving them a nostalgic, slightly sweet flavor burst with every bite.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pans with grease, flour, and parchment paper to help those layers come out perfectly. Whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt—to evenly distribute flavor and leavening. Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy, then slowly incorporate the eggs one by one to keep the batter airy. Alternating additions of your dry mix and the cereal milk creates a beautifully textured batter that bakes into moist, cinnamon-infused cake layers you’ll want to savor.

Step 3: Bake and Cool the Cake Layers

Smooth your batter into the prepared pans, bake at 350°F for about 30 to 35 minutes, and test doneness with a toothpick. The aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen as the cake bakes to golden perfection. Let the layers cool on wire racks to room temperature to set their structure, ready for frosting and assembly.

Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Crumble

To add a satisfying crunch, whisk together dry ingredients before blending in oil and vanilla. Bake this mixture at a low temperature until it forms golden clumps, then cool completely. This crumble is the secret to giving your cake that wonderful contrast between tender crumb and crispy topping.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat butter and cream cheese together until silky and smooth, then gradually whisk in powdered sugar for sweetness and texture. Vanilla and a touch of salt amplify the flavors, while beating at high speed makes this frosting irresistibly fluffy, perfect for spreading thickly between layers and coating the cake.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Building the cake is where this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cake Recipe truly shines. Start with a layer of cake, brush with reserved cereal milk to lock in moisture, then spread a generous layer of frosting before sprinkling on cereal crumble or crushed cereal pieces. Repeat these layers, finish frosting the outside smoothly, and press crushed cereal into the sides for a playful, crunchy finish that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.

How to Serve Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For that perfect final touch, sprinkle extra crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal on top for texture and visual appeal. A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar works wonders for an elegant finish. Fresh berries also pair surprisingly well, adding a burst of freshness and color to each slice.

Side Dishes

This cake is a star all on its own, but if you want to round out your dessert spread, consider vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the cake’s cinnamon sweetness. A warm cup of coffee or chai tea complements the cake’s cozy spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of caramel or honey for an extra special touch. You could even make mini cupcakes using the same recipe for a delightful party treat. For a fun twist, layer cake scraps in clear jars with frosting and cereal crumble to create irresistible cinnamon parfaits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake stays fresh when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge for up to four days. Keeping it chilled preserves the cream cheese frosting’s texture and the cake’s moist crumb. Be sure to bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers separately, wrapped securely in plastic and foil, for up to two months. Frost the cake after thawing to maintain the frosting’s fresh taste and texture. Alternatively, freeze baked, unfrosted layers for quick dessert assembly later.

Reheating

Reheat cake slices gently at room temperature or briefly microwave in small increments if preferred warm, but avoid overheating to retain moisture and keep the frosting intact. A quick 10-15 second blast usually does the trick without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal for the cereal milk?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that cereal milk gets its unique flavor from the cinnamon and sugar coating on Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Using a different cereal will change the flavor profile, sometimes in surprising but fun ways.

How do I make sure my cake layers come out moist?

Brushing the baked cake layers with the reserved cereal milk before frosting helps lock in moisture and infuses extra flavor, so don’t skip this important step!

Is this recipe suitable for a beginner baker?

Yes! Although there are several components, each step is straightforward and rewarding. Take your time, and you’ll be amazed at the results.

Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with something else?

You could try a simple buttercream or whipped cream topping, but the tangy cream cheese frosting balances the cinnamon sweetness beautifully. It’s worth trying as is!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend might work, but results can vary. Baking powder and other ingredients will behave differently, so testing a small batch first is recommended.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cake Recipe has a wonderful way of turning a beloved childhood favorite into a show-stopping dessert that’s fun, flavorful, and full of heart. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just because you deserve a sweet treat, this cake promises to bring joy to every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake your way to a cinnamon-sugar dream that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cake Recipe

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4.1 from 124 reviews

• Author: Ava
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings

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Description

This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cake is a deliciously nostalgic dessert featuring moist cinnamon-spiced cake layers soaked with cereal-infused milk, layered and frosted with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting, and finished with a crunchy Cinnamon Toast Crunch crumble. Perfect for cereal lovers looking for a fun and unique cake.

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Ingredients

Cereal Milk

• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal

Cinnamon Cake

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup cereal milk, room temperature (from above)

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Crumble

• 1 cup crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp grape seed oil (or any vegetable oil)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 Tbsp clear vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Assembly

• 1 1/2 cups crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (for decorating cake sides and topping)

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Instructions

1. Cereal Milk: Place 2 cups of milk and 2 cups of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in a medium bowl. Stir well and let steep for 20-25 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a small bowl, pressing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon to extract the milk from the cereal. Set aside 1 cup of this cereal milk for the cake batter and save the rest for brushing the cake layers. Discard the cereal solids.
2. Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 6-inch cake rounds, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and wrap the sides with EvenBake strips to ensure even baking and avoid doming.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Reduce the mixer speed to low and add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and cereal milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Incorporate fully after each addition but be careful not to overmix. The batter should be just combined.
7. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
8. Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes in the pans. Then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
9. Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Crumble: Increase oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat. In a bowl, whisk together the crushed cereal, baking powder, and salt. Add grape seed oil and vanilla extract, mixing until small clumps form. Spread evenly on the sheet pan and bake for 15 minutes. Let the crumble cool completely before using.
10. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until pale and smooth, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low and gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Add clear vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Increase speed to high and beat until frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
11. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Brush 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved cereal milk over the top to moisten. Spread about 2/3 cup of cream cheese frosting evenly on the layer. Sprinkle with some of the crumble or crushed cereal. Repeat with remaining layers. Finally, frost the outside of the cake and gently press crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal into the sides for decoration.

Notes

• Make sure all dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter and better rise.
• Using EvenBake strips helps achieve evenly baked layers without domed tops.
• Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
• The cereal milk infuses the cake with cinnamon flavor and adds moisture, mimicking the taste of the cereal.
• The crumble topping substitutes for traditional nuts or streusel and adds texture.
• The cake is best served the day after assembling to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American