There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked pastries wafting through the kitchen. As I prepared to satisfy my sweet tooth one morning, I stumbled upon the perfect solution: Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch. This isn’t just your average breakfast treat; it’s a delightful twist that combines the rich tang of sourdough with the warm, cozy flavor of cinnamon and sugar.
After a long week of takeout and quick fixes, I craved a homemade experience that would not only impress but also fill the house with those alluring aromas we all love. This recipe quickly became a household favorite, and its simplicity makes it a go-to whenever I want something special yet easy. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a sweet snack on lazy days, this charming treat delivers crunchy, buttery goodness in every bite. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that will surely redefine your morning routine!
Why is Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch a Must-Try?
Irresistible Comfort: This recipe transforms classic flavors into a delightful treat that warms the heart.
Effortless Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a quick way to enjoy homemade bliss.
Versatile Ingredients: Using sourdough starter gives it a unique twist, making it stand out among typical breakfast options.
Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for sharing at brunch or enjoying solo—everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Heavenly Aroma: The scent of cinnamon and butter filling your home is simply unbeatable.
For a fun twist, why not try it alongside our favorite coffee recipes to elevate your morning experience?
Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch Ingredients
• Get ready to indulge in this delightful recipe!
For the Cinnamon Sugar
- Sugar – A sweet touch that perfectly complements the warm spices.
- Ground Cinnamon – This fragrant spice gives the recipe its cozy flavor.
For the Dough
- Butter (melted) – Adds richness and moisture for a tender texture.
- All-Purpose Flour – The base of your dough, ensuring a delightful crunch.
- Granulated Sugar – Enhances sweetness for that irresistible taste.
- Ground Cinnamon – Infuses every bite with warm, comforting notes.
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Cold Butter – Shredded for a flaky texture—don’t skip this step!
- Sourdough Starter – The star ingredient that brings a unique depth of flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – A hint of vanilla elevates the entire profile.
- Cold Water (optional) – Use as needed to bring the dough together.
With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be ready to whip up a batch of Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch that’ll soon become a cherished favorite in your home!
How to Make Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crunch, so don’t skip it!
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Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl, combining 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Set this sweet mixture aside to use later.
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Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a small dish until it’s completely liquid. Let it cool slightly before setting it aside; we want it warm, not hot!
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Whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. This will create a beautiful base for your dough.
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Shred the cold butter using a box grater and add it to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
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Add the sourdough starter and vanilla extract into the bowl. Use a fork to begin combining them, then switch to your hands to form a cohesive dough ball, adding cold water if needed.
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Divide the dough in half and turn it onto a clean work surface. This will make it easier to roll out each half separately.
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Roll one half of the dough on a piece of parchment paper until it’s about 1/8-inch thick, creating a lovely rectangle perfect for cutting.
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Cut the dough into 1/2-inch squares using a pizza cutter. Transfer the squares on the parchment paper to a baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart.
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Brush the tops of the dough squares with the melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture you prepared earlier.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until the squares are golden brown and delightfully crunchy. Allow them to cool to room temperature before indulging!
Optional: Serve with a drizzle of icing for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch
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Measure Carefully: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture. Too much flour can yield dry bites, so level your cups!
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Shred Cold Butter: Ensure your cold butter is shredded; this helps create those delightful flaky layers. If you use melted butter instead, the texture will suffer.
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Use Active Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for enhanced flavor. A weak starter can lead to a disappointing result.
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Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye while baking; the cinnamon squares can quickly go from golden to overdone. Remove them once they’re lightly browned for optimal crunch.
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Let Cool: Allow the crunch to cool completely before serving. This helps maintain its crispy texture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch squares are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the recipe instructions up to the point of cutting it into squares. Once cut, simply layer the squares on a baking sheet, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This helps preserve their flavor and texture. When you’re ready to bake, just remove them from the fridge and proceed with brushing melted butter and sprinkling the cinnamon sugar mixture. Baking them freshly from the fridge ensures you’ll still enjoy that warm, crispy goodness that makes this treat so irresistible!
How to Store and Freeze Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Room Temperature: Store leftover pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them crunchy and delicious!
Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the crunch in a sealed container for up to a week, but note that they may lose some crispiness.
Freezer: If you want to save some for later, freeze the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, reviving that delightful crunch!
What to Serve with Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
Elevate your breakfast or snack experience with delightful pairings that complement the sweet and crunchy flavors of this homemade treat.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries balances the sweetness, adding a burst of freshness to each bite. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries make for a vibrant side.
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Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy yogurt provides a great contrast to the crunchy texture. Top with a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness that brings harmony to the plate.
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Maple Syrup: A classic pairing, maple syrup’s rich, caramel notes enhance the cinnamon while adding a sticky sweetness. Drizzle on top for a decadent addition to your crunch!
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee is the perfect morning companion. The bold flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweet cinnamon, creating a cozy morning routine.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For a delightful dessert twist, serve the crunch warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream melds beautifully with the cinnamon flavors, creating a heavenly indulgence.
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Honey Drizzle: A simple drizzle of honey adds a floral note to the crunch that perfectly complements the spices. It’s a quick way to elevate your serving without any fuss.
Enjoy experimenting with these pairings to create the ultimate serving experience for your Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch!
Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch Variations
Customize it to suit your taste buds and dietary needs for an even more delightful experience!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option without sacrificing richness.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities. The end result will still be deliciously crunchy!
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mix for a delightful crunch. Their earthy flavor complements the sweetness perfectly.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cinnamon sugar for a surprising heat that elevates your flavor profiles.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the finished squares for a decadent touch that pairs beautifully with cinnamon. Think chocolatey goodness in every bite!
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Fruit Infusion: Mix in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to add a touch of chewy sweetness and a pop of color. Perfect for those who enjoy a fruity twist!
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Maple Flavor: Swap out sugar for maple sugar or add a splash of maple extract for a cozy, autumn-inspired vibe. It gives a warm, inviting flavor that’s irresistibly good.
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Savory Version: For a unique spin, omit sugar and cinnamon, replacing them with garlic powder and herbs. Perfect for those craving something less sweet!
Experiment with these variations and create your own signature version of Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch that your family will love!
Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch Recipe FAQs
What type of sourdough starter should I use?
Absolutely opt for an active and bubbly sourdough starter to get the best flavor and texture! A dormant starter may inhibit the rise and overall taste. If you’ve fed your starter recently and it’s doubled in size, you’re good to go!
How should I store Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
Store your leftover Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them crunchy and delightful! For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week—though they may lose a bit of that lovely crunch.
Can I freeze Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
Yes! To freeze, lay the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, preheat the oven to 350°F and reheat for 5-7 minutes to regain that crispy texture.
What if my dough is too dry while making Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
If your dough feels crumbly or too dry, don’t fret! Just add 1 tablespoon of cold water at a time while mixing until it comes together as a cohesive ball. You want it to be firm but not sticky—so go slow, and trust your instincts!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Just ensure the blend you choose has xanthan gum or a similar binder included. Keep in mind that the texture may vary a bit from the original version, but the yummy flavors will still shine through!
Is Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch safe for pets?
It’s best to keep these delicious squares away from your furry friends. The sugar and butter can be harmful in larger quantities for pets, and ingredients like cinnamon are not recommended for dogs. Always seek pet-safe treats instead!
Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch: Easy, Irresistible Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
- Melt the butter until completely liquid and let it cool slightly.
- Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
- Shred the cold butter and add it to the dry ingredients, mixing until it resembles pea-sized crumbs.
- Add the sourdough starter and vanilla extract, then combine to form a dough, adding cold water if needed.
- Divide the dough in half and roll out each half on parchment paper to about 1/8-inch thick.
- Cut the dough into 1/2-inch squares and transfer to a baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crunchy, then cool before serving.