Cinnamon Toast Crunch Frosting Recipe

Do you remember the feeling of finishing a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, savoring that last bit of cereal-infused milk? That sugary, cinnamon-spiced bliss is something we crave, and now, you can have it on everything! This Cinnamon Toast Crunch frosting recipe captures all the magic of your favorite childhood cereal and transforms it into a decadent, dreamy topping for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. Get ready to elevate your baking with this surprisingly simple and utterly irresistible frosting!

Table of Contents

Why This Frosting Is Amazing

This isn’t just any frosting; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you back to simpler times. The frosting is intensely flavored with cinnamon sugar sweetness, mirroring the iconic taste of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. It’s also incredibly creamy, thanks to the rich butter and smooth powdered sugar, with a subtle crunch that comes from the finely ground cereal pieces. Every bite is a delightful experience, a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and textural interest.

Beyond its incredible taste, this frosting is unbelievably versatile. Imagine slathering it on a classic vanilla cake, using it as a filling between layers of chocolate cake, or swirling it atop freshly baked cupcakes. But the possibilities don’t stop there! Spread it on sugar cookies for a playful twist, use it to frost cinnamon rolls for a double dose of cinnamon goodness, or simply dip graham crackers into it for a quick and satisfying snack. The sky’s the limit when it comes to creative applications for this delightful frosting.

Don’t let its gourmet flavor fool you; this frosting is surprisingly easy to make. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll find the recipe straightforward and the instructions simple to follow. With just a few pantry staples and a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, you can whip up a batch of this amazing frosting in no time. The recipe is designed for success, ensuring that even novice bakers can create a professional-looking and tasting frosting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these ingredients:

One cup (two sticks) unsalted butter, softened
Four cups powdered sugar
One cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
Two to four tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
One teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (optional)

A note on ingredients: using high-quality butter makes a big difference. It should be properly softened to room temperature, which helps create a smooth and creamy frosting. You can use heavy cream or milk, depending on the desired consistency. Heavy cream will result in a richer, more decadent frosting, while milk will create a lighter version. If you want a vegan option use a vegan butter alternative and plant based milk.

Crafting Your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Frosting

Cereal Infusion (Optional but Highly Recommended)

For an even more intense Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavor, consider infusing the heavy cream (or milk) with the cereal. In a saucepan over medium low heat, combine one-half cup of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with the two to four tablespoons of heavy cream. Let steep for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. Strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the cereal to extract as much flavor as possible. Discard the cereal solids.

Toasting The Cereal

Before grinding your cereal to add in the frosting, consider toasting it in the oven for around 5 minutes to enhance the flavors before crushing and adding to your frosting. Doing this will bring out the cinnamon toast flavor and give it more depth!

Grinding the Cereal

The next step is to grind the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor, a blender, or a good old-fashioned ziplock bag and rolling pin. If using a food processor or blender, pulse the cereal until it reaches a fine, sand-like consistency. If using a ziplock bag and rolling pin, place the cereal in the bag, seal it tightly, and crush it with the rolling pin until it’s finely ground. Be sure to avoid any large pieces which can give it a weird texture. This is the key component to your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Frosting Recipe so be sure to take your time and get it right!

Creaming the Butter

In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream the softened butter until it is light and fluffy. This usually takes about three to five minutes. Creaming the butter incorporates air into the frosting, making it lighter and more voluminous.

Adding the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar to the creamed butter, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. This prevents the powdered sugar from flying all over your kitchen. Start on low speed to incorporate the sugar, then increase the speed as needed to create a smooth and creamy mixture. Continue mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Incorporating Cereal Crumbs

Gently fold in the ground Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the frosting tough. Simply fold the cereal into the frosting until it is evenly distributed.

Adding Liquid and Vanilla

Add the infused cream (or regular cream) and vanilla extract to the frosting. Mix until smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency as needed. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Taste and Adjust

Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness or cinnamon flavor as desired. If you want a more intense cinnamon flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon. If you want it sweeter, add a little more powdered sugar. Add a pinch of salt if needed to balance the flavors.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Toast Crunch Frosting

To ensure your Cinnamon Toast Crunch frosting is a success, here are a few key tips:

Don’t overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the powdered sugar, resulting in a tough frosting. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
Adjust consistency: The amount of liquid needed can vary depending on the humidity and the type of powdered sugar used. Adjust the consistency by adding more liquid for a thinner frosting or more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting.
Use quality ingredients: Using high-quality butter and vanilla extract will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your frosting.
Storage: Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Let it come to room temperature before using, and re-whip it if necessary.
Make Ahead: You can make the frosting ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and rewhip until smooth and creamy.

Variations and Additions

Want to take your Cinnamon Toast Crunch frosting to the next level? Here are a few fun variations and additions:

Cinnamon Toast Crunch dust: Sprinkle extra cereal crumbs on top of the frosted dessert for decoration and added crunch.
Cream cheese frosting: Combine the Cinnamon Toast Crunch frosting with softened cream cheese for a tangy twist. Use about half the amount of cream cheese as butter.
Brown butter: Brown the butter before creaming it for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Other cereal combinations: Experiment with other cereals like Golden Grahams or Rice Krispies for a unique flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

This Cinnamon Toast Crunch frosting is incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of desserts. Consider these serving suggestions:

Cakes: Vanilla cake, chocolate cake, spice cake, and even carrot cake are all delicious with this frosting.
Cupcakes: The same cake flavors work well for cupcakes, too.
Cookies: Sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, and gingerbread cookies are all elevated by this frosting.
Creative serving ideas: Use the frosting to make frosting shots, create dessert boards, or even fill macarons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cinnamon Toast Crunch frosting:

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for best flavor and texture, but you can use margarine as a substitute.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the frosting will be less rich. You can use any type of milk, including dairy-free alternatives.

How long does the frosting last?

The frosting will last for three to four days in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the frosting?

Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Thaw the frosting in the refrigerator overnight and re-whip it before using.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Toast Crunch frosting recipe is a delicious and versatile way to elevate your baking. Its unique flavor and easy-to-follow instructions make it a perfect choice for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, grab your mixer, and get ready to create a frosting that will transport you back to your childhood and impress everyone who tries it. Don’t forget to share your creations and leave a comment with your favorite ways to use this amazing frosting!