The sweet aroma of melted butter and cinnamon dances through the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy kitchen filled with childhood memories. Picture this: Easy Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars, golden-brown and crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, just waiting to be devoured by eager hands. cinnamon rolls with a twist.
Imagine gathering your loved ones around a plate stacked high with these delightful treats, each bite bursting with nostalgic flavors that remind you of Saturday mornings spent in front of cartoons, cereal bowls in hand. delicious strawberry cookies This recipe promises not just a snack but an experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds, or maybe even thirds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Easy Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars are simple to make and require minimal ingredients
- The sweet cinnamon flavor combined with a crispy texture makes them irresistible
- Visually appealing and fun to serve, they’re perfect for parties or casual snacking
- Customize them with nuts or chocolate for extra flair
I remember the first time I made these bars; my friends couldn’t believe how easy they were to whip up. The laughter and joy around the table were unforgettable.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: The star of the show! Choose fresh boxes for maximum crunch.
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Marshmallows: Use mini marshmallows for even distribution and extra gooeyness.
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Butter: Unsalted butter works best; it allows you to control the saltiness.
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Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds depth and caramel notes that elevate the flavor profile.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla brings everything together beautifully.
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Pecans (optional): Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch; feel free to substitute with any favorite nut.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until it bubbles gently. Add marshmallows, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
Add Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: Remove from heat and fold in the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal gently until all pieces are coated in that gooey marshmallow mixture.
Add Flavorings and Nuts: Stir in brown sugar and vanilla extract for added sweetness. If using pecans, fold them into the mixture now for extra texture. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Au Gratin recipe.
Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, pressing down firmly with a spatula or your hands (grease them first) to create an even layer.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden on top. Allow cooling before slicing into squares.
Enjoy these Easy Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars warm or at room temperature—they’re perfect for sharing or sneaking bites when no one is looking! tasty cranberry crumble bars.
You Must Know
- These Easy Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars are a delightful treat that combines nostalgia with simplicity
- They are perfect for kids and adults alike, bringing back memories of breakfast while serving as a tasty dessert
- Plus, they require no baking, making them a breeze to whip up anytime!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by melting your butter and marshmallows together for a gooey base. Then, mix in the cereal and press it into your prepared pan for the perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chocolate chips or drizzling caramel on top for an extra layer of flavor. You can even swap out Cinnamon Toast Crunch for your favorite cereal!
Storing & Reheating
Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they get a little hard, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to revive their softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh marshmallows for better stickiness and texture; old ones can be too dry
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure it holds its shape
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting, so they don’t crumble apart when served
Creating these Easy Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars always brings back fond memories of my childhood kitchen, where snack time was sacred and laughter echoed around every corner. classic cinnamon sugar toast.
FAQ
Can I use other cereals besides Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any crunchy cereal you love.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Line your pan with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray for easy removal.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them one or two days in advance without losing freshness.
Easy Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Easy Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bars, a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cinnamon and gooey marshmallows with a crispy cereal crunch. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a quick snack, these bars are simple to make with just a handful of ingredients. Gather your loved ones and savor every delicious bite!
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbling, then stir in the marshmallows until smooth.
- Remove from heat and fold in the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal until fully coated.
- Mix in brown sugar and vanilla extract; add pecans if desired.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden; allow to cool before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (40g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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