Making Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal at home is a fun and unique way to enjoy the popular cereal. This homemade version combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweet, cinnamony crunch that makes Cinnamon Toast Crunch so irresistible. Here’s how you can make your own version from scratch:
Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sourdough starter (discard works well, or you can use an active starter)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar (you can use granulated or coconut sugar)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix everything together until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands to fully incorporate the ingredients if it’s a bit sticky.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth, adding a little more flour if needed.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Try to keep the dough even for uniform pieces.
- Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into small squares (around 1-inch by 1-inch squares, or slightly smaller if you prefer).
4. Bake the Cereal:
- Spread the cut dough squares evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
5. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
- While the cereal is baking, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Once the cereal pieces are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. While still warm, place the pieces in a large mixing bowl or a paper bag.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cereal and toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cereal to cool completely before serving. The pieces will crisp up as they cool.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week. You can enjoy this cereal with milk, or eat it as a snack just like the store-bought version!
Tips:
- Sourdough Starter: If you’re using an active sourdough starter, it will add more flavor to the cereal. If you’re using discard (which is often more neutral), the cinnamon and sugar will be the primary flavor.
- Make it Healthier: Use whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a slightly healthier twist. You can also reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet cereal.
- Flavor Variations: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth in the flavor or drizzle the cereal with a little honey after baking for a sweeter treat.
Enjoy your homemade Sourdough Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal for a delightful breakfast or as a crunchy snack!
