Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, moist, and packed with cinnamon flavor
Crunchy Cinnamon Toast Crunch topping
Easy no-yeast quick bread
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Freezes beautifully
Ready in just over an hour

Prep Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 55–65 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes

Servings: 10–12 slices

Ingredients

For the Bread

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (120 g) sour cream
½ cup (120 ml) whole milk

For the Cinnamon Swirl

⅓ cup (70 g) light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Crunchy Topping

1½ cups crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons light brown sugar

Optional Vanilla Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

9×5-inch loaf pan
Parchment paper
Large mixing bowls
Whisk
Electric mixer
Rubber spatula
Cooling rack

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg (if using)

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 3–4 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

Mix on low speed until just combined.

Add the sour cream and milk, mixing until smooth.

Add the remaining dry ingredients and stir just until incorporated.

Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Set aside.

Step 6: Assemble the Bread

Spread half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.

Top with the remaining batter and gently smooth the surface.

Use a butter knife to lightly swirl through the batter for a marbled effect.

Step 7: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, combine:

Crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
Melted butter
Brown sugar

Mix until the cereal is evenly coated.

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the loaf.

Press it down gently so it adheres during baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Step 9: Cool

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Step 10: Add the Glaze (Optional)

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Drizzle over the cooled loaf and let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips

Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix once the flour is added to keep the loaf soft.
Crush the cereal into medium-sized pieces so it stays crunchy after baking.
Tent the loaf with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing for clean, even slices.

Delicious Variations

Cream Cheese Cinnamon Bread

Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese between the batter layers for a cheesecake-inspired twist.

Apple Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread

Fold 1 cup of peeled, diced apples into the batter for extra moisture and fruity flavor.

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread

Stir 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Streusel Version

Replace the cereal topping with a buttery cinnamon streusel for a crumbly finish.

Maple Cinnamon Bread

Add 1 teaspoon of maple extract to the batter and drizzle with maple glaze instead of vanilla glaze.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.

To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another cinnamon cereal?

Yes! Golden Grahams Cinnamon, Cinnamon Life, or other cinnamon-flavored cereals work well, though Cinnamon Toast Crunch provides the signature flavor and crunch.

Why is my bread dense?

Overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder can lead to a dense loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Can I make this into muffins?

Absolutely. Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes. It stays moist for several days and can also be frozen, making it an excellent make-ahead breakfast or snack.

Serving Suggestions

This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread is delicious served:

Warm with butter
Toasted with cream cheese
Drizzled with vanilla glaze
Alongside coffee or hot chocolate
With fresh fruit
As part of a brunch spread
Topped with whipped cream for dessert

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread is a fun and flavorful twist on classic cinnamon quick bread. With its moist, buttery crumb, sweet cinnamon swirl, crunchy cereal topping, and optional vanilla glaze, every slice is packed with nostalgic flavor and irresistible texture. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this easy homemade loaf is sure to become a family favorite.