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Cinnamon Sugar Toast Crunch Donuts

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Get ready to upgrade your breakfast game with these irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Donuts! Imagine the comforting flavors of your favorite childhood cereal transformed into a soft, pillowy donut. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds!

Two glazed donuts topped with cereal pieces next to a bowl filled with cereal on a white surface.

These donuts are the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence. With their cinnamon-sugar coating and a hint of that iconic Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavor, they’re guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

If you are on the hunt for more donut recipes, I have a few more you might want to try out. Our Cookie Monster Donuts are a fun and colorful treat that kids and adults alike will love. For a more sophisticated flavor, check out our Oreo Donuts with White Chocolate Melts. Both of these recipes offer unique twists on the classic donut that are sure to impress.

Still in the mood for more cinnamon? Our Cinnamon Twists are a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with these donuts for a cinnamon-lover’s dream breakfast spread.

Reasons You’ll Love These Baked Cinnamon Crunch Donuts

  • They combine the nostalgic flavor of Cinnamon Toast Crunch with the satisfaction of a homemade donut.
  • Baked, not fried, making them a slightly healthier alternative to traditional donuts
  • The maple glaze adds an extra layer of indulgent sweetness
  • They’re easy to make, perfect for a fun weekend baking project

What’s in This Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Recipe?

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredients including butter, cereal, egg, flour, cinnamon, sugar, yogurt, baking powder, vanilla, oil, maple syrup, and buttermilk.
  • Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: The star of the show, providing that iconic cinnamon-sugar flavor and a delightful crunch.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb in the donuts.
  • All-purpose Flour: The base of our donut batter, providing structure.
  • Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help our donuts rise and become fluffy.
  • Salted Butter: Adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.
  • Maple Syrup: Brings a natural sweetness and complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor to the donuts.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the donuts.
  • Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness.
  • Canola or Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the donuts moist and tender.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Amplifies the cinnamon flavor from the cereal.
  • Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of our sweet glaze.
  • Whole Milk: Helps thin out the glaze to the perfect consistency.

Substitutions and Additions

  • Milk alternatives: You can use almond milk or oat milk in place of whole milk for a dairy-free glaze.
  • Yogurt options: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt or increase the amount of sour cream.
  • Cereal varieties: Try using other cinnamon cereals like Golden Grahams or Churros cereal for a different twist.
  • Glaze flavors: Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut in the glaze for varied flavors.
  • Toppings: Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.

How to Make Cinnamon Donuts (step-by-step directions)

Four-step baking process: mixing cereal and milk, adding flour and cinnamon, combining ingredients, and whisking the batter.
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease your donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with buttermilk. Give it a gentle stir and set aside to let the flavors meld. (Photo 1)
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. (Photo 2)
  4. Return to your cereal mixture and add a lightly whisked egg, oil, maple syrup, vanilla, Greek yogurt, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well combined. (Photos 3 & 4)
Side-by-side images of a mixing bowl. Left: flour being whisked in. Right: completed dough mixture.
  1. Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. (Photos 5 & 6)
Piping batter into donut mold and baked donuts in a tray, showing steps of making homemade donuts.
  1. Transfer your batter to a piping bag or use a spoon to fill each donut cavity about ¾ full. (Photo 7)
  2. Before baking, gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles and even out the batter.
  3. Bake for 10 minutes or until the tops of the donuts spring back when lightly touched. (Photo 8)
Collage of mixing powdered sugar, cinnamon, and liquid in a bowl with a whisk, then dipping a donut into the glaze.
  1. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before removing.
  2. While cooling, prepare your glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. (Photos 9, 10, & 11)
  3. Once cooled, dip the tops of your donuts in the glaze and immediately sprinkle with crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. (Photo 12)
  4. Let the glaze set before serving and enjoying your homemade Cinnamon Sugar Toast Crunch Donuts!
A bowl of cereal topped with a glazed donut, with scattered cereal pieces around.

Recipe Tips

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the best mixing results.
  • Don’t overfill your donut cavities – they will rise while baking.
  • For easy filling, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
  • Tap the filled donut pan on the counter before baking to eliminate air bubbles.
  • Allow donuts to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.

Storing Tips

These Cinnamon Sugar Toast Crunch Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 3 months.

To freeze, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and then glaze.

To reheat, warm the donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the donuts tough.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts make for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. Serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect morning pairing. For a more substantial breakfast, consider serving them with our Farmers Market Ham & Egg Breakfast Casserole for a savory contrast.

If you’re hosting a brunch, create a donut bar with these Cinnamon Sugar Toast Crunch Donuts as the star. Include some Savory Bacon Cheddar Scones for those who prefer a less sweet option. Don’t forget to offer a variety of beverages, like our refreshing Watermelon Lemonade or a Fresh Strawberry Agua Fresca for a fruity touch.

Three cinnamon-covered donuts stacked with cereal pieces on top, against a blurred background with cereal scattered around.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

While a donut pan gives the best shape, you can use a muffin tin to make donut “holes” instead. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

How can I make these donuts gluten-free?

You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Make sure your Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal is also gluten-free.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the donuts soon after mixing the batter, as the leavening agents start working immediately. However, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

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Two glazed donuts topped with crumbled cereal sit on a white surface, with a bowl of additional cereal in the background.
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Cinnamon Sugar Toast Crunch Donuts


Author: Kim Schob
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Get ready to upgrade your breakfast game with these irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Donuts! Imagine the comforting flavors of your favorite childhood cereal transformed into a soft, pillowy donut. It's like a warm hug for your taste buds!

Equipment

Ingredients 

Ingredients for Donuts:

  • 1 Cup (236 ⅗ g) Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal crushed
  • ¾ Cup (180 g) Buttermilk
  • 1⅔ Cup (208 ⅓ g) All-purpose Flour
  • ¾ Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • ¼ Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ½ Stick Salted Butter melted (4 tablespoons)
  • ¼ Cup (59 ⅐ ml) Maple Syrup
  • ¼ Cup (55 g) Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 2 Tablespoons Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
  • 2 Tablespoons Canola or Vegetable Oil
  • ½ Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Ingredients for Glaze:

Instructions

  • Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease your donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with buttermilk. Give it a gentle stir and set aside to let the flavors meld.
    1 Cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal,¾ Cup Buttermilk
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder.
    1⅔ Cup All-purpose Flour,¾ Teaspoon Baking Powder,¼ Teaspoon Baking Soda,1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • Return to your cereal mixture and add a lightly whisked egg, oil, maple syrup, vanilla, Greek yogurt, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well combined.
    ¼ Cup Maple Syrup,¼ Cup Light Brown Sugar,1 Large Egg,2 Tablespoons Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream,2 Tablespoons Canola or Vegetable Oil,½ Tablespoon Vanilla Extract,½ Stick Salted Butter
  • Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Transfer your batter to a piping bag or use a spoon to fill each donut cavity about ¾ full.
  • Before baking, gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles and even out the batter.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, or until the tops of the donuts spring back when lightly touched.
  • Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before removing.
  • While cooling, prepare your glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
    1½ Cups Powdered Sugar,3 Tablespoon Whole Milk,1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup,1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract,½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • Once cooled, dip the tops of your donuts in the glaze and immediately sprinkle with crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
    1½ cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal
  • Let the glaze set before serving and enjoying your homemade Cinnamon Sugar Toast Crunch Donuts!

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the best mixing results.
  • Don’t overfill your donut cavities – they will rise while baking.
  • For easy filling, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
  • Tap the filled donut pan on the counter before baking to eliminate air bubbles.
  • Allow donuts to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 217kcal (11%) Carbohydrates: 43g (14%) Protein: 3g (6%) Fat: 4g (6%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 1g Trans Fat: 0.02g Cholesterol: 16mg (5%) Sodium: 90mg (4%) Potassium: 88mg (3%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 27g (30%) Vitamin A: 194IU (4%) Vitamin C: 2mg (2%) Vitamin D: 0.5µg (3%) Calcium: 64mg (6%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

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