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These Cinnamon Cupcakes are a quick and easy treat for Fall or whenever you crave a cinnamony treat. Plus, these cupcakes are made with a secret Ingredient everyone will love.
This Cinnamon Cupcake recipe starts with a box cake mix so it is really quick and easy. Then we add some Cinnamon Cereal to add a really crunchy sweet surprise.
The best part is that they are great for meetings, get togethers or tailgating parties. They’re also the perfect dessert to serve with Birria Tacos.
MORE CUPCAKE RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
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What We Love About This Cupcakes with Cinnamon Recipe
If you are a fan of the flavor of cinnamon then these are definitely for you because there is cinnamon in the cake, the frosting and the drizzle.
- 30 Minutes: A quick and easy fall or anytime recipe.
- Easy Simple Ingredients: All found in pantry or fridge.
- Family Friendly: The flavors are great for adults and kids, especially with the crunch of the cereal.
- Adaptable: Can make it dairy free if you wish for a special occasion.
Ingredient Notes for a Moist Cake
- Yellow Cake Mix: Any brand that you like, with 4 large eggs and vegetable oil to make the cake
- Cereal: Crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch for the cupcakes and the frosting. They add flavor and texture.
- Butter: room temperature butter, salted butter for this cinnamon cupcake recipe
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is best
- Heavy Whipping Cream: for the frosting
- Powdered sugar: A low calorie alternative can be a good replacement to save calories
- Hershey’s Cinnamon Chips: melt with whole milk for the drizzle
Equipment Needed
- Cupcake Liners
- KitchenAid Classic Mixing Bowls
- OCTAVO 5 Speed Hand Mixer Electric
- Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Standard Muffin and Cupcake Pan, 12-Cup Baking Pan
How to Make Cinnamon Cupcakes
These are the basic steps for making cinnamon toast crunch cupcakes. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutrition information.
STEP 1: PREP
First, preheat your oven and line your cupcake pan.
STEP 2: MIX
Then in a large bowl, mix on medium speed the cake mix, water, oil and eggs with an electric mixer. Fold in 3/4 cup of the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal that you have crushed up, into the cupcake batter. Fill the paper liners in the cupcake tin, for best results fill 2/3rd full. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Cool cupcakes on a wire rack.
STEP 3: FROSTING
Next, in a medium bowl, cream butter and then add the salt and vanilla extract. Then slowly incorporate the powder sugar. Continue to mix until creamy. Fill a piping bag and frost the cupcakes. Finally, make the drizzle and top the cupcakes. Lastly, crush the cinnamon toast crunch cereal and place on top of the cupcakes.
Prep and Storage Tips for the Best Cinnamon Cupcakes
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
Unfrosted cupcakes are great left at room temperature for a few days. Cover them tightly and they’ll stay soft, moist, and fluffy until you’re ready to decorate them.
HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE
After you frost them, refrigerate after that. They will stay good for up to 5 days in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE
You can freeze your cupcakes. I prefer to freeze them without the frosting; however, you can also freeze them with the icing. It is best to store them in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes
Try using a sugar substitute to make the frosting lower in calories. Also, you can use a dairy alternative for the recipe.
Of course, Cinnamon Life cereal, Churros cereal or other cinnamon cereal all work well to add cinnamon flavor to this Cinnamon Cupcake.
Indeed, you can make less and freeze some in the freezer or you can double or triple the amount of the recipe.
Yes, try a cream cheese icing to make the homemade cupcakes taste like your favorite cinnamon rolls.
Expert Tips for Making This Cinnamon Cupcakes Recipe
- Add Cinnamon Candies: Top with red hots or your favorite cinnamon candy.
- Cake Mix: Use a spice cake mix or a butter cake mix in your delicious cupcake for your favorite desserts.
- Variation tip: Decorate with a smattering of Cinnamon Sugar mixture on top of the cinnamon buttercream frosting or a cinnamon sugar swirl. Use festive cupcake liners.
- Dietary consideration tip: Try using a low sugar or fat free cake mix for this family favorite for special occasions.
What to Serve with Best Cinnamon Cupcakes
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Cinnamon Cupcakes
Equipment
Ingredients
- Cupcake Ingredients:
- 1 yellow cake mix
- 1 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal, crushed
- ¾ cup water
- ⅓ cup cooking oil
- 4 large eggs
- Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt, I used pink Himalayan
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal, crushed
- Drizzle Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup Hershey’s Cinnamon Chips
- ½ tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or line a standard muffin tin.
- In a large mixing bowl filled with the cake mix, add in the water, oil, and eggs. Using a hand or stand mixer, mix on medium until well incorporated.
- Fold in ¾ cup of the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal.
- Add batter into the muffin tin until each is about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Directions for Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream the butter, and beat until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, while adding in a tablespoon of the cream in between each cup. Continue to mix for 1 minute or until creamy.
- Fill your prepared piping bag with frosting. Frost your cupcakes.
- Directions for the Drizzle:
- In a small bowl, add the cinnamon chips and milk. Heat at 50% power for 25 seconds. Stir. If the chips are not completely melted, repeat.
- Drizzle mixture over the frosted cupcakes. Top with a bit of the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal.
Expert Tips
- Add Cinnamon Candies: Top with red hots or your favorite cinnamon candy.
- Cake Mix: Use a spice cake mix or a butter cake mix in your delicious cupcake for your favorite desserts.
- Variation tip: Decorate with a smattering of Cinnamon Sugar mixture on top of the cinnamon buttercream frosting or a cinnamon sugar swirl. Use festive cupcake liners.
- Dietary consideration tip: Try using a low sugar or fat free cake mix for this family favorite for special occasions.