Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts: A Sweet and Crunchy Treat!

If there’s one thing I love, it’s finding creative ways to turn my favorite childhood cereals into something totally new and delicious. That’s exactly how these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts came to life. I was craving something sweet for breakfast, and I thought, why not combine the nostalgic, cinnamon-sugar crunch of Cinnamon Toast Crunch with a soft, fluffy baked donut? The result? Pure breakfast magic.

What I adore most about these donuts is how easy they are to whip up. In just about 20 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking, you’ve got yourself a dozen donuts that are golden, tender, and perfectly spiced. And then comes the best part — the maple glaze. It’s sweet, creamy, and loaded with that warm cinnamon flavor that pairs beautifully with the crushed cereal topping. Plus, the little crunch from the cereal pieces adds just the right texture to every bite.

These Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts have quickly become a family favorite. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast treat or a sweet snack to enjoy with coffee, they never disappoint. And the best part? They’re incredibly fun to make! The kids love helping me crush the cereal and decorate the donuts, and honestly, I think half the fun is sneaking bites of cereal while we’re at it. So, if you’re looking for a fun and unique breakfast idea, these donuts are definitely worth a try.

Equipment

• 6-Hole Regular Sized Donut Pan
• Frosting Bag (optional)
• Wilton 2A Frosting Tip (optional)

Ingredients

Ingredients for Donuts:

• 1 Cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal, crushed: This cereal adds that signature cinnamon-sugar crunch and nostalgic flavor to the donuts.
• ¾ Cup Buttermilk: Buttermilk keeps the donuts tender and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
• 1 ⅔ Cup All-purpose Flour: The base of our donuts, providing structure and softness to every bite.
• ¾ Teaspoon Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the donuts rise and stay light and fluffy.
• ¼ Teaspoon Baking Soda: Works with the buttermilk to create a perfectly airy donut texture.
• ½ Stick Salted Butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Adds rich, buttery goodness to the donuts and helps keep them moist.
• ¼ Cup Maple Syrup: For a touch of natural sweetness and depth of flavor that pairs well with cinnamon.
• ¼ Cup Light Brown Sugar: Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness to the donut batter.
• 1 Large Egg: Acts as a binding agent, giving the donuts their deliciously cakey texture.
• 2 Tablespoons Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang for a perfectly balanced flavor.
• 2 Tablespoons Canola or Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the donuts moist and soft, even after baking.
• ½ Tablespoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors with its classic, comforting aroma.
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: For that essential warmth and spice that makes these donuts irresistible.

Ingredients for Glaze:

• 1 ½ Cups Powdered Sugar: The base of our glaze, providing that smooth, sweet finish.
• 3 Tablespoons Whole Milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for coating the donuts.
• 1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of rich sweetness that complements the cinnamon flavor.
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the glaze’s overall flavor.
• ½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the glaze with a cozy, cinnamon-spiced kick.
• 1 1/2 Cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: For decorating the donuts with both crushed and whole pieces, adding that perfect final crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit and grease your donut pan. Set aside.

2. Place 1 cup of the crushed cinnamon toast crunch and the buttermilk in a large mixing bowl. Give a slight stir and set aside.

3. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium mixing bowl and mix.

4. Lightly whisk the egg before adding it to the bowl with the cereal and buttermilk in it. Add the oil, maple syrup, vanilla, greek yogurt, brown sugar and melted butter to the bowl as well. Stir until thoroughly mixed.

5. Add the flour mixture to the buttermilk mixture, a bit at a time, and stir it in until thoroughly combined.

6. Grab your prepared donut pan and fill each cavity about ¾ of the way full. I use a piping bag, but you can use whatever means you prefer.

7. Bake for 10 minutes or until the tops of the donuts are bouncy.

8. Do not remove the donuts from the pan. Just set the donuts away from the stove for about 15-20 minutes or until cool.

9. While the donuts are cooling, mix together all the ingredients for the glaze, except the cereal, and stir until thoroughly combined.

10. Gently remove the donuts from the pan and dip the tops of the donuts in the prepared glaze, before placing them glaze up on a piece of parchment paper, a pan, plate, etc.

11. Crush some of the remaining cinnamon toast crunch, while leaving some of the pieces still whole. Place a couple whole pieces of cereal on each donut, in a diagonal manner, in the corner of the donut before sprinkle in the same direction with the crushed cereal.

12. Serve, eat, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Perfect Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts

1. Crush the Cereal Just Right:
   When crushing the Cinnamon Toast Crunch, aim for a mix of fine crumbs and small chunks. The fine crumbs will blend well into the batter, while the small chunks will provide delightful bursts of cinnamon-sugar flavor.

2. Use Fresh Buttermilk:
   For the best texture, use fresh buttermilk. It helps create a tender, moist crumb while also enhancing the overall flavor of the donuts. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by mixing ¾ cup of milk with ¾ tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter:
   When combining the wet and dry ingredients, gently fold them together just until no dry spots remain. Overmixing can make the donuts dense and tough, so less is definitely more!

4. Use a Piping Bag for Easy Filling:
   To neatly and evenly fill the donut pan, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. This makes the process so much easier and cleaner.

5. Cool Completely Before Glazing:
   Make sure the donuts are completely cooled before dipping them into the glaze. If they’re even slightly warm, the glaze will melt and run off.

6. Perfect Your Glaze Consistency:
   When preparing the glaze, add the milk gradually to reach your desired consistency. If you want a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add more milk a little at a time.

7. Decorate Right Away:
   To make sure the crushed cereal sticks, sprinkle it over the donuts immediately after glazing. The glaze will start to set quickly, so don’t wait too long!

8. Store Properly for Freshness:
   Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months and glaze them after thawing for best results.

9. Experiment with the Toppings:
   Try drizzling a bit of extra maple syrup over the glaze or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra hit of sweetness and flavor.

10. Keep an Eye on Baking Time:
    These donuts bake quickly! Check them at the 10-minute mark, and if the tops are bouncy to the touch, they’re ready to come out of the oven.

Get Creative!

1. Cereal Swap:
   Try swapping out Cinnamon Toast Crunch with other cereals like Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Puffs, or Honey Nut Cheerios for unique flavor twists.

2. Chocolate Lovers’ Delight:
   Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle the finished donuts with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

3. Glaze Variations:
   Instead of a maple glaze, try a cinnamon cream cheese glaze or a simple vanilla glaze with a dash of cinnamon.

4. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
   Roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing them for a classic, churro-like finish.

5. Add Some Crunch:
   Mix crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch right into the batter for even more cinnamon-sugar goodness in every bite.

6. Sprinkle and Decorate:
   Let the kids (or your inner child) have fun decorating the donuts with colorful sprinkles, white chocolate drizzle, or even edible gold dust for a fancy touch.

7. Turn Them Into Sandwiches:
   Slice the donuts in half and sandwich them with whipped cream, Nutella, or even ice cream for a decadent dessert.

8. Cinnamon Toast Crunch Crumb Topping:
   Make a buttery crumble from crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch, butter, and sugar, and sprinkle it over the glaze for extra texture and flavor.

9. Cereal Milk Glaze:
   Soak the cereal in milk for 20 minutes, strain, and use the flavored milk as the base for your glaze. It adds an extra touch of cinnamon-cereal magic.

10. Turn Them into Bites:
    Instead of donuts, use a mini muffin pan and make Cinnamon Toast Crunch donut bites—perfect for popping in your mouth!

Serving & Storing

Serving:

• Perfect Breakfast Treat: Serve these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts warm with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic twist.
• Brunch Hit: These donuts make a fantastic addition to a weekend brunch spread. Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear!
• Dessert Delight: For a fun dessert option, drizzle them with caramel or chocolate sauce before serving.
• On-the-Go Snack: Pack them up as a sweet treat for lunchboxes or road trips. They’re just as tasty at room temperature!

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place.
• Refrigeration (Optional): If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just bring them to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving.
• Freezing: These donuts freeze well! Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. For best results, glaze them after thawing.
• Keeping the Crunch: If you want the cereal topping to stay crispy, add it right before serving instead of storing the donuts with the cereal already applied.
• Reheating Tips: For a fresh-from-the-oven experience, warm the donuts in the microwave for about 10 seconds before enjoying.