Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts Recipe

There are some flavor combinations that are just pure, unadulterated joy, and the iconic taste of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal is one of them. I can still vividly remember being a kid, sitting at the kitchen table, impatiently waiting for the milk to soak up those sugary, cinnamon-dusted squares just enough to create that magical, coveted “cereal milk.” It was a flavor that defined weekend mornings. A few weeks ago, on a whim, I decided to capture that specific nostalgia in a baked treat. The result was this recipe for Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts. The moment they came out of the oven, the house filled with a warm, sweet cinnamon aroma that was intoxicating. My husband, drawn in by the smell, appeared in the kitchen just as I was dipping the first warm donut into the glaze and sprinkling it with crushed cereal. His eyes lit up. We shared that first one, and it was everything I had hoped for and more: a soft, cakey donut infused with cinnamon, a sweet vanilla glaze, and the unmistakable crunchy, sugary punch of the cereal on top. It wasn’t just a donut; it was a bite of childhood, and it has instantly become one of the most requested special-occasion breakfast treats in our home.

The Ultimate Mashup: Why This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donut Recipe is Unforgettable

In a world of endless donut creations, what makes this specific recipe a must-try? It’s more than just a novelty; it’s a thoughtfully constructed recipe designed to deliver a perfect symphony of flavor, texture, and nostalgia. This isn’t just a plain donut with cereal sprinkled on top; it’s an integrated experience where every component works to celebrate that beloved cinnamon-sugar flavor.

First, let’s talk about the foundation: the baked cake donut. We’ve chosen baked over fried for several important reasons. Baking provides a wonderfully soft, moist, and cake-like texture that serves as the perfect canvas for the other flavors. It’s less dense and greasy than a fried donut, allowing the delicate notes of cinnamon and vanilla to shine through. From a practical standpoint, baking is also significantly easier and less messy for the home cook. There’s no dealing with large pots of hot oil, no splattering, and no complicated cleanup. It makes homemade donuts an accessible weekend project rather than a major culinary undertaking.

The true secret weapon of this recipe, however, is the infusion of “cereal milk.” This is a technique popularized by high-end bakeries, and it’s a game-changer. Instead of using plain milk in the donut batter, we first steep Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in the milk. The milk absorbs all of that iconic, sweet, cinnamon-steeped flavor. When you use this infused milk to make the donut batter, you are baking the very essence of the cereal into the donut itself. This creates a depth of flavor that a simple sprinkle of cinnamon couldn’t possibly achieve. Every bite of the donut, even without the topping, whispers of that classic cereal taste.

Finally, the recipe is a masterclass in textural contrast, which is crucial for a satisfying eating experience. You begin with the soft, tender crumb of the cake donut. Then, you encounter the smooth, sweet vanilla glaze that coats the surface, providing a luscious sweetness and a beautiful sheen. The experience culminates with the grand finale: the crunchy, crackly topping of crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. This textural journey—from soft to smooth to crunchy—in a single bite is what makes these donuts so incredibly addictive and memorable. It engages all your senses and keeps you coming back for more.

Complete Ingredients for Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts

This recipe is broken down into three simple components: the donut batter, the sweet glaze, and the crunchy topping. Using high-quality ingredients and following the cereal milk step will guarantee the best results.

For the Cereal-Infused Baked Donuts:

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g)
• Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g)
• Light Brown Sugar: ¼ cup (55g), packed
• Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Whole Milk: 1 cup (240ml)
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: 1 cup, for infusing the milk
• Large Egg: 1, at room temperature
• Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (57g), melted and slightly cooled
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons

For the Simple Vanilla Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: 1 ½ cups (180g), sifted
• Milk: 2-3 tablespoons (can use regular or leftover cereal milk)
• Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon

For the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Topping:

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: 1 ½ cups, coarsely crushed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps carefully for foolproof, bakery-quality donuts right in your own kitchen. The key is to work gently and not overmix the batter.

Step 1: Make the Cereal Milk Infusion
This first step is the secret to the donut’s amazing flavor. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup of whole milk and the 1 cup of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Stir them together and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, allowing the cereal to steep and infuse the milk with its flavor. After steeping, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a liquid measuring cup, pressing down gently on the soggy cereal to extract as much of the flavored milk as possible. You should have about ¾ to 1 cup of cereal milk. Discard the soggy cereal.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Liberally grease a standard 6-cavity or 12-cavity donut pan with nonstick cooking spray or by brushing it with melted butter. Ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies, including the center post, to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisking thoroughly ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, which is key for a uniform rise and flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the prepared cereal milk, the room temperature egg, the melted butter, and the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Mix the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until they are just combined. It’s very important not to overmix. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough, dense donuts instead of light and cakey ones.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan
The batter will be thick. For the easiest and cleanest way to fill the donut pan, transfer the batter to a large piping bag or a large zip-top bag. Snip off a corner (about a ½-inch opening) and pipe the batter evenly into each cavity of the prepared donut pan. Fill each cavity about two-thirds to three-quarters full. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can carefully spoon the batter into the pan.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The donuts are done when they are lightly golden and a wooden toothpick or cake tester inserted into the thickest part of a donut comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Donuts
Remove the donut pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set up slightly. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a wire cooling rack. The donuts should release easily. Let them cool completely on the wire rack before glazing.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze and Topping
While the donuts are cooling, prepare your glaze. In a medium, shallow bowl (wide enough for dipping a donut), whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and the vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a desired drizzling consistency. Place your crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in another separate shallow bowl or on a plate.

Step 10: Glaze and Top the Donuts
Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the top surface of each donut into the vanilla glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately after dipping, press the glazed side of the donut into the bowl of crushed cereal, ensuring an even coating. Place the finished donut back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. Repeat with the remaining donuts.

Nutrition Facts

This is an indulgent treat, best enjoyed in moderation. The nutritional information is an estimate based on the recipe making 12 standard-sized baked donuts.

• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 280-310 calories

Preparation Time

This is a surprisingly quick recipe, making it perfect for a special weekend morning.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes (includes cereal milk steeping time)
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling & Decorating Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

How to Serve and Enjoy Your Donuts

These donuts are a versatile treat that can be presented in several delightful ways.

• The Weekend Morning Classic:
  • Serve them fresh, while the glaze is still slightly soft, with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. The combination is pure comfort.
• Brunch Platter Centerpiece:
  • Arrange the donuts on a beautiful cake stand or platter as the star of a brunch spread. They look stunning alongside fresh fruit, bacon, and eggs.
• A La Mode Dessert:
  • Gently warm a donut in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Serve it on a plate with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and an optional drizzle of caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert.
• Party and Bake Sale Stars:
  • These are a guaranteed hit at kids’ birthday parties, school bake sales, or any gathering. Their unique flavor and fun appearance make them stand out. You can package them individually in clear treat bags tied with a ribbon for a professional touch.

Additional Tips for Donut Perfection

Here are five pro-tips to ensure your Cinnamon Toast Crunch donuts are flawless every time.

1. The Piping Bag is Your Best Friend: Don’t skip the piping bag (or zip-top bag) method for filling the pan. It may seem like an extra step, but it is the secret to perfectly shaped, uniform donuts. It prevents messy drips and ensures the batter is distributed evenly, leading to a better bake.
2. Room Temperature is Key: Using a room temperature egg and a cereal milk that isn’t ice-cold is important. Ingredients at a similar temperature emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more tender final product.
3. Don’t Crush the Cereal to Dust: When preparing the topping, aim for a coarse crush. You want a mix of smaller pieces and some larger, recognizable cereal squares. This provides the best texture and visual appeal. Place the cereal in a zip-top bag and gently crush it with a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass.
4. Work Quickly When Glazing: Have your glaze and crushed cereal set up and ready to go before you start dipping. For the best adherence, you need to sprinkle or dip the donut into the cereal topping immediately after it’s been glazed, while the glaze is still wet. If you wait too long, the glaze will set, and the cereal won’t stick.
5. Let Them Cool Completely: It can be tempting to glaze the donuts while they’re still warm, but this is a mistake. Glazing warm donuts will cause the glaze to melt and slide right off, creating a thin, translucent layer rather than a nice, opaque coating. Patience is a virtue for perfect presentation!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some answers to common questions about this recipe.

1. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, you can! If you don’t own a donut pan, you can use a standard muffin tin to make “donut muffins.” Grease the muffin tin well and fill each cup about two-thirds full. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once cooled, you can dip the tops in the glaze and cereal just like you would with the donuts.

2. How should I store leftover donuts?
These donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made for optimal crunch. If you have leftovers, store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Be aware that the cereal topping will lose its crispness and soften over time as it absorbs moisture from the glaze and the donut.

3. Is making the cereal milk infusion really necessary?
While you can make the recipe with regular milk, the cereal milk infusion is what elevates these donuts from “good” to “unforgettable.” It adds a significant layer of authentic Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavor that you can’t get otherwise. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but if you want the full experience, it is highly recommended.

4. Can I use a different type of cereal?
Absolutely! This recipe concept works beautifully with other cereals. Imagine Golden Grahams donuts with a chocolate glaze, Fruity Pebbles donuts for a colorful birthday treat, or even Cap’n Crunch’s Crunch Berries donuts. Feel free to experiment with your family’s favorite cereals.

5. Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It is not recommended to prepare the batter in advance. The recipe uses baking powder as a leavening agent, which is activated as soon as it comes into contact with the wet ingredients. If you let the batter sit for too long before baking, the baking powder will lose its potency, and your donuts will not rise properly, resulting in a flat, dense texture. The batter should be mixed and baked immediately.

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