Cinnamon Toast the Right Way: A Complete Guide to Irresistible Crunch and Flavor
A simple spice-and-butter spread transforms everyday bread into an irresistible treat.
Cinnamon Toast the Right Way: The Ultimate Guide
If you think cinnamon toast is as simple as tossing some sugar and spice onto sliced bread and throwing it in the toaster, think again. There’s a world of difference between average cinnamon toast and the crave-worthy, golden-brown treat you can pull from your oven with Ree Drummond’s tried-and-true method. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to make cinnamon toast that’s perfectly crisp, deeply flavorful, and utterly satisfying every single time.
Table of Contents
- Why Cinnamon Toast Matters
- The Wrong Ways to Make Cinnamon Toast
- The Right Way: Key Principles
- Essential Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pro Tips & Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Cinnamon Toast Matters
Cinnamon toast is an iconic comfort food—part nostalgia, part culinary magic. But not all cinnamon toast is created equal. The difference between a limp, soggy mess and a slice of crisp, caramelized perfection comes down to a few key details in both technique and ingredients. This article unpacks the nuances, revealing what Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, calls “the ultimate way” to make this classic sweet snack .
The Wrong Ways to Make Cinnamon Toast
Before we get to the right technique, it’s important to understand some common mistakes home cooks make:
- Toasting the bread first in a toaster and then spreading butter and cinnamon-sugar on top: results in dry bread, uneven topping, and gritty sugar that won’t caramelize .
- Sprinkling the ingredients separately (butter, then sugar, then cinnamon): tends to give you patchy coverage and inconsistent flavor.
- Using hard butter: makes spreading difficult and often tears the bread.
- No oven time or broiling: you miss out on bringing all the ingredients together into a properly melded, bubbling finish.
Each misstep takes away from the magic of cinnamon toast’s best version: a crispy base with a gooey, buttery, caramelized topping .
The Right Way: Key Principles
What sets the best cinnamon toast apart? According to Ree Drummond’s famous recipe, the process hinges on a few fundamentals:
- Cream the ingredients together before spreading, making a uniform, flavorful paste.
- Use the oven, not just a toaster, for optimal texture and caramelization.
- Bake first, then broil to finish: this sequence creates a bubbly, golden-brown top and extra crunch .
- Cover the bread edge to edge—don’t skimp on the topping for even color and crunch in every bite .
With this method, each slice delivers a satisfying bite: crisp edges, a gooey sweet center, and aromatic spices dancing on your tongue.
Essential Ingredients
The recipe includes a handful of common ingredients, brought together in balanced proportions for maximum impact. Below is the classic ingredient list, with suggested quantities for 16 slices. Adjust as needed for your serving size:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bread (whole wheat or white) | 16 slices | Any sturdy bread works; whole wheat adds heartiness |
| Salted butter, softened | 2 sticks (1 cup) | Softened for easy mixing |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup (more to taste) | Don’t substitute with brown sugar for this method |
| Ground cinnamon | 3 tsp. | Adjust for preferred spice level |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp. | Mexican vanilla recommended for depth |
| Ground nutmeg (optional) | 1/8 tsp. | Adds a subtle kick |
Tip: For a smaller batch, halve all ingredient amounts or mix to your taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the cinnamon spread:
- In a mixing bowl, smush the softened butter with a fork until smooth.
- Add sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg (if using).
- Stir thoroughly to create a creamy, fragrant paste.
- Spread generously:
- Lay out the slices of bread on a work surface.
- Spread the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over each slice, covering right up to the edges for best flavor.
- Bake:
- Arrange prepared bread slices on a large baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. The goal is to warm and lightly crisp the toast while melding the flavors.
- Broil to finish:
- Turn the oven to broil.
- Broil the toast for 1–3 minutes, watching constantly, until the surface is golden brown and bubbling. Beware: this stage goes quickly!
- Cool and serve:
- Remove the tray, allow slices to cool slightly, then cut diagonally for classic triangle pieces.
- Enjoy immediately, while warm and crisp.
What others are reading
Pro Tips & Variations
- Bread choices: Sturdy bread like whole wheat or even sourdough holds up best. Soft sandwich bread can work but may be more prone to sogginess.
- Flavor twists: Try a pinch of cardamom or use maple extract instead of vanilla for a unique spin.
- Dutch oven or toaster oven: For small batches, use a toaster oven—toast for a few minutes to set, then broil for bubbling. This can also minimize the risk of soggy bottoms .
- No-stovetop required: This method works entirely in the oven, unlike skillet versions that can result in uneven crispness.
- Go nutty: Sprinkle finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) over the topping before baking for extra crunch.
- Sweetener swaps: Substitute half the sugar with Truvia or another granulated sweetener for a lighter version .
- Vegan option: Use plant-based butter to make dairy-free cinnamon toast. Flavor result may vary slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon toast is a classic for breakfast, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser at brunch, as an afternoon snack, or even for dessert. Try these ideas:
- Pair with fresh fruit or berries for a balanced breakfast.
- Serve alongside scrambled eggs or a frittata for a sweet-and-savory contrast.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking for a sweet/salty flavor pop.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for a truly decadent finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why shouldn’t I just use a toaster?
A: While a toaster heats the bread, it doesn’t allow the butter, sugar, and cinnamon to meld and caramelize. Baking and broiling in the oven creates a uniform, deeply flavorful topping with the perfect crunch and gooeyness .
Q: Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
A: Brown sugar adds extra moisture and a hint of molasses, resulting in a softer texture and less pronounced crunch. For caramelized results, stick with white sugar as Ree advocates.
Q: What type of bread works best?
A: Sturdy sandwich bread, either white or whole wheat, gives a balance of crunch and chew. Thin, airy bread may burn or become soggy. Sourdough and thicker slices deliver a more rustic bite .
Q: How do I store cinnamon toast leftovers?
A: For the best texture, enjoy it fresh. If needed, store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours and re-crisp under the broiler.
Q: Is there a way to make it gluten free?
A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread and check that your vanilla and any other flavorings are gluten-free.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a crowd?
A: Prepare and spread all the bread slices earlier in the day, then bake and broil just before serving to maintain the ideal fresh-from-the-oven crunch.
Conclusion
Making cinnamon toast the right way is all about using the oven, making a well-blended spiced butter spread, and baking (then broiling) to achieve that unbeatable combination of crunch, flavor, and nostalgia. By following the steps detailed here, you’ll transform a simple treat into a wow-worthy snack or breakfast, guaranteed to win over kids and adults alike. No more soggy bottoms or uneven sugar—just perfect cinnamon toast, every time.
References
- https://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/306877/cinnamon-toast-the-pioneer-woman-way/
- https://icecreamandneondreams.com/pioneer-woman-cinnamon-toast-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xagnFlVEDM
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9899/how-to-make-cinnamon-toast/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/a60567566/ree-drummond-cinnamon-toast-video-instagram/
- https://en.petitchef.com/recipes/cinnamon-toast-the-pioneer-woman-way-fid-827102
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hNd-JXV44E
- http://foodiewife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/05/cinnamon-toast-pioneer-woman-way.html
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