Pin Chewy, buttery blondies packed with nostalgic Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavor, swirled with cinnamon sugar and finished with a crunchy cereal topping. These easy bars are a comforting treat for dessert lovers.
I first made these blondies for a weekend movie night. The kitchen smelled amazing and the whole batch disappeared before I could set out plates. Everyone loved the cinnamon aroma and crunchy cereal bite mixed into each square.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (melted): 1 cup (2 sticks)
- Light brown sugar (packed): 1 1/2 cups
- Eggs: 2 large
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tablespoon
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (lightly crushed): 2 cups (divided, 1 1/2 cups for batter, 1/2 cup for topping)
- White chocolate chips (optional): 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Prep Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract and whisk until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold into wet mixture until combined.
- Fold In Cereal & Chips:
- Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups crushed cereal and white chocolate chips (if using).
- Top & Swirl:
- Spread batter into pan. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over batter. Scatter remaining 1/2 cup cereal and lightly press in.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, until edges are golden and center is just set.
- Cool & Serve:
- Cool in pan. Use parchment overhang to lift out, slice into squares, and serve.
Pin
My kids help sprinkle the cinnamon sugar and cereal topping. Sharing warm blondies straight from the pan has become a fun family ritual after games and gatherings.
Required Tools
9x13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, eggs. May contain soy if using white chocolate chips, and nuts if added. Always check packaging for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per blondie (based on 12 servings): Calories: 295, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 42 g, Protein: 3 g
Pin Enjoy these blondies warm for an extra gooey center or let them cool for easy slicing. They make a great dessert for parties or potlucks!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute Cinnamon Toast Crunch with other cereals?
Yes, you can use similar sweet, crunchy cereals like Golden Grahams or Frosted Flakes for different flavor notes.
- → How do I achieve chewy texture?
Be sure not to overbake the blondies and use the suggested amount of melted butter for the perfect chewy result.
- → Are nuts necessary in this dessert?
No, nuts are optional. Add chopped pecans or walnuts for more texture, or omit for a classic bar.
- → Is it possible to make this treat gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free cereal. Always verify packaging for cross-contamination risks.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- → Can I use butterscotch chips instead of white chocolate?
Yes, butterscotch chips work well and enhance caramel notes in the bars.