Craving a sweet treat that’s both nostalgic and delicious? Dive into the world of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cupcakes! These fun and easy-to-make treats capture the cinnamony goodness of your favorite breakfast cereal in every bite. Imagine moist cupcakes infused with the flavors of Cinnadust, topped with a creamy frosting that will leave you wanting more.
With just a few simple ingredients like Cinnamon Toast Crunch cake mix, frosting, and a sprinkle of multicolored candy, you can whip up these delightful cupcakes in no time. The combination of cinnamon bits in the cake and a rich buttercream topping creates a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you’re a fan of cinnamon toast cereal or simply looking for a unique dessert idea, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and nostalgic.
Ingredients
Creating these delectable Cinnamon Toast Crunch cupcakes requires a few key ingredients that come together to form a delightful treat. Let’s go through the components needed to make these scrumptious cupcakes.
Cupcake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 8 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup water
- 3 cups crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (measure before crushing)
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Buttercream
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 4-6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup cinnamon chips
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Cinnamon sugar mix (equal parts cinnamon and sugar)
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch squares
- Caramel sauce (optional for drizzling)
- Cinnadust & cereal pieces for sprinkling and garnishing
Equipment Needed
When preparing these delightful Cinnamon Toast Crunch cupcakes, having the right equipment at hand ensures a smooth baking process and perfect results. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cupcake Liners
Gather cupcake liners to line your cupcake pans for easy removal and added presentation.
Mixing Bowls
Prepare mixing bowls for combining and whisking the cupcake ingredients to achieve a smooth batter.
Electric Mixer
An electric mixer will come in handy for blending the cupcake batter and whipping up the buttercream frosting effortlessly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ensure you have accurate measuring cups and spoons to proportion the ingredients correctly for balanced flavors.
Cupcake Pans
Have cupcake pans ready to fill with the cupcake batter and bake to perfection.
Piping Bag and Frosting Tip
A large piping bag fitted with a round frosting tip is essential for elegantly frosting the cupcakes with the luscious Cinnamon Toast Crunch buttercream.
Small Bowl
Prepare a small bowl for melting the Hershey’s Cinnamon Chips with milk to create a delectable drizzle for the frosted cupcakes.
Having these essential tools at your disposal will make the baking process enjoyable and the final result even more satisfying.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Cupcake Batter
I start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and adding liners to the cupcake tins.
First, I crush the cereal until it’s powdery and combine it with butter to create a mixture.
I then place about 1 1/2 – 2 teaspoons of the cereal mixture in the bottoms of the cupcake liners and bake for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
Pre-baking Preparation
While the crust is baking, I make the cupcake batter according to the directions on the box mix, ensuring it’s mixed just until combined.
Once the batter is ready, I fill the cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake them for 18-21 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
After allowing the crust and cupcakes to cool, I proceed to the next steps to complete these delicious cinnamon toast cupcakes.
Baking the Cupcakes
To bake these delicious Cinnamon Toast Crunch cupcakes, follow these simple steps:
Crust Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line your cupcake tins with liners.
- Crush the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal until it becomes powdery.
- Combine the crushed cereal with butter until evenly mixed.
- Place about 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of the cereal mixture at the bottom of each cupcake liner.
- Bake the crust for 6-8 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
- Allow the crusts to cool while you prepare the cupcake batter.
- Prepare the cupcake mix according to the directions on the box.
- Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full with the batter.
- Bake the cupcakes for 18-21 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
Making the Frosting
For the perfect finishing touch on your Cinnamon Toast Crunch cupcakes, let’s dive into creating the delectable frosting. Follow these simple steps to elevate your cupcakes with a rich and flavorful frosting.
Initial Mixing
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, begin by creaming the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while alternating with a tablespoon of heavy whipping cream. Continue mixing until you achieve a creamy consistency, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated.
Adding Cinnamon Toast Crunch
To infuse that unmistakable Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavor into your frosting, gently fold in the crushed cereal pieces. This step adds a delightful crunch and enhances the cinnamon taste in the frosting. Adjust the consistency by adding more heavy cream if needed to reach the desired texture. Once your frosting is perfectly blended, you’re ready to top your cupcakes and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors.
Assembling the Cupcakes
Now that we have our deliciously baked and cooled cupcakes, it’s time to assemble them and take these treats to the next level.
Filling the Cupcakes with Cinnamon Toast Crunch Spread
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, core the center of each cupcake. You can use a cupcake corer or a small spoon to do this.
- Fill the cored center of each cupcake with the luscious Cinnamon Toast Crunch Spread. You can find this spread, usually at a better price on Walmart.com or other online stores.
Frosting the Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened salted butter for about 4 minutes until creamy.
- Scrape the sides of the bowl and continue beating for another 2-3 minutes or until the color turns paler.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and beat for a full minute until well combined.
- Add the cinnamon and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Frost the cupcakes generously with the prepared Cinnamon Buttercream using a piping bag or a spatula.
- Sprinkle the top of each frosted cupcake with Cinnadust for that extra burst of cinnamon flavor.
- Decorate the cupcakes with additional pieces of cereal for a crunchy finish.
Storing and Serving
Best Ways to Store
Once your Cinnamon Toast Crunch cupcakes are baked and frosted, it’s essential to store them correctly to maintain their freshness. Place the cupcakes in an airtight container and refrigerate if you plan to serve them the next day. To ensure that the cupcakes remain moist and delicious, bring them to room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra special touch when serving your Cinnamon Toast Crunch cupcakes, consider pairing them with a glass of cold milk. The creamy texture of the cupcakes complements the cold milk perfectly, enhancing the overall flavor experience. Additionally, you can sprinkle a bit of extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal on the serving plate for a decorative and crunchy garnish that ties back to the cupcake’s main ingredient. Enjoy these delightful treats with friends and family for a nostalgic and delicious dessert experience.
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
When making these delectable cinnamon toast crunch cupcakes, here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time:
Proper Mixing Technique
- Ensure your butter is softened before mixing with other ingredients to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency in your frosting.
- Mix the powdered sugar gradually to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture in the frosting.
- Use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for an even batter that incorporates all the flavors seamlessly.
Baking Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and either grease or line your muffin tin for easy removal of the cupcakes.
- Fill the muffin tins about 2/3 full to allow room for the cupcakes to rise evenly without overflowing.
Frosting and Drizzling
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
- Use a piping bag for precise and decorative frosting on each cupcake.
- When drizzling the cinnamon chip mixture over the frosted cupcakes, ensure it is at the right consistency for a perfect finish.
Filling Technique
- Core the center of each cupcake neatly for a clean presentation when filling with the Cinnamon Toast Crunch spread.
- Spread the Cinnamon Buttercream generously for a flavorful surprise with every bite.
- Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Bring the cupcakes to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Pair these delightful cupcakes with cold milk or iced coffee for a satisfying dessert experience.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create perfect cinnamon toast crunch cupcakes that are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing these treats with your loved ones for a memorable dessert treat.
Conclusion
Creating Cinnamon Toast Crunch cupcakes is a delightful experience that brings together the rich flavors of cinnamon and buttercream in a perfect balance. By following the tips provided in this guide, you can achieve visually appealing and delicious cupcakes that are sure to impress your friends and family. From mastering the art of frosting to assembling the cupcakes with precision, each step contributes to the overall success of this sweet treat. Remember to store your cupcakes properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and serve them at room temperature for the best taste. Pairing these cupcakes with a glass of cold milk or iced coffee elevates the dessert experience to a whole new level. Enjoy the process of creating these cinnamon toast crunch cupcakes and savor every bite of this scrumptious treat!