Cinnamon Toast Crunch Apple Bake: A Delectable Dessert Experience
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Apple Bake is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the crunchy goodness of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. This recipe is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or whenever you crave a warm, comforting treat. With a combination of apple pie filling, fresh apples, and a crunchy cereal topping, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. Follow this detailed guide to create a delicious Cinnamon Toast Crunch Apple Bake.
Ingredients
- 2 (20 ounce) cans apple pie filling
- 2 apples, diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup butter, cubed
- 1 ½ cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by preparing the apples. Peel and dice two fresh apples into small, bite-sized pieces. For this recipe, a sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji works best, but you can use any apple you prefer. Place the diced apples in a bowl and sprinkle with one teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss the apples to ensure they are evenly coated with cinnamon.
Step 2: Combine Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the two cans of apple pie filling with the cinnamon-coated diced apples. The combination of the canned filling and fresh apples adds both texture and flavor to the dish. Stir the mixture until the apples are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the apple mixture from sticking to the dish and make for easier serving later on.
Step 4: Layer the Apple Mixture
Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. The base layer of apples will provide a sweet and tangy foundation for the dessert.
Step 5: Add the Cake Mix
Open the box of white cake mix and evenly sprinkle it over the apple mixture in the baking dish. The dry cake mix will combine with the apple juices during baking to form a delicious, cake-like topping.
Step 6: Distribute the Butter
Cut one cup of butter into small cubes. Distribute the butter cubes evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will melt during baking, creating a rich and moist layer on top of the apples.
Step 7: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Mix until the ingredients are well combined. The crushed cereal will add a delightful crunch and a burst of cinnamon flavor to the dessert.
Step 8: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the cereal mixture evenly over the top of the butter and cake mix. This will create a crunchy and flavorful crust that complements the soft and sweet apple filling.
Step 9: Bake the Dessert
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the dessert to prevent over-browning.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Apple Bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to serve. You can enjoy this dessert warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy topping.
- For Breakfast: Enjoy leftovers as a decadent breakfast treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Apples: Adding fresh apples to the canned filling enhances the texture and flavor of the dessert.
- Even Distribution: Ensure the cake mix and butter are evenly distributed for a consistent texture throughout the bake.
- Crushed Cereal: Crush the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal to your desired texture. A finer crush will blend more with the topping, while larger pieces will add extra crunch.
Variations
- Pecan Topping: Add chopped pecans to the cereal mixture for a nutty crunch.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Spiced Apples: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple mixture for additional warmth and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Apple Bake is a delicious and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of sweet apple filling, crunchy cereal topping, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Follow this recipe for a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delectable. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself, this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Apple Bake is guaranteed to impress.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations and serving suggestions to make it your own. Happy baking!
