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Did you eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal when you were a kid? I did not. My mom stayed far far away from anything sugary but I did have sleepovers haha and that’s where I developed a real taste for it. Now, I will tell you right away that this granola and that cereal are VERY different. I like to keep things on the healthier side but for those of you who have been making my granolas for a while, you will notice that I increased the maple syrup ever so slightly to give this a touch more sweetness. Please feel free to increase or decrease as you see fit.
I also used my homemade cookie butter in this recipe. Let me tell you that this cookie butter alone will change your life and while it can be substituted for another nut butter like peanut or pecan I highly recommend giving that recipe a try and then coming back to this one because it does make a small but significant difference!
In the ever-expanding universe of granola on my website, I’m thrilled to introduce a nostalgic twist with this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Toast Crunch Granola. I’m continually inspired by the flavors of my childhood, transformed into healthier, homemade versions. Today, we’re revisiting those sleepover mornings where Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal was the ultimate treat—only this time, we’re making it guilt-free and gluten-free!
To make your Cinnamon Toast Crunch granola start by preheating your oven and get out a large bowl. Combine all the dry ingredients, ensuring a uniform mixture that will serve as the base for your granola. Meanwhile, in a small pot over medium heat, combine the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until they are fully mixed and warm. This mixture of wet ingredients is then poured over the dry, mixing thoroughly until everything is fully coated.
Distribute the granola evenly across two baking sheets, ensuring the layer isn’t too thick; this is crucial for achieving that desirable crunch. You may be able to get away with one baking sheet if it’s large enough but just be mindful of how thick the layer is. Gently press the granola down onto the pans, compacting it slightly – this step will ensure clumps form as the mixture bakes. Slide the trays into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, carefully turn the pans to ensure even cooking and return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until golden.
After baking, the hardest part comes! Waiting!! Keep your hands off this granola until completely cool. I’ve said it once and I will say it again; this patience is rewarded with the clumpiest and most delicious granola your heart could desire. Once cooled, use a spatula to gently lift the granola off the pans and store it in airtight jars. This step seals in the freshness and crunch, making your homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch granola a delightful, healthy snack or breakfast topping ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
For those who grew up loving Cinnamon Toast Crunch but are looking for a healthier alternative, this recipe is a dream come true. It’s not just gluten-free but can be customized several ways to suit your preference. This granola isn’t just for breakfast; it’s a treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or a dessert topping or really anytime you like! I love granola for breakfast 🙂
To keep your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Granola fresh and crunchy, store it in airtight jars once it’s completely cooled. It will likely stay fresh longer than you think if it doesn’t get eaten up first! Share it with the family or keep it all to yourself this granola is sure to be enjoyed by everyone.
If this cinnamon-infused delight has sparked your interest, explore these other delicious granola recipes:
Blueberry Tahini Cardamom Granola
Pistachio Pecan Blueberry Granola
Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola
Can you BELIEVE that I now have 18 different granolas on my website? I am floored that I still keep coming up with ideas BUT I do need your help! I would love to hear from my community on what flavours YOU want. I still have a few recipes in my brain but eventually, I will run out of steam so please comment below what you’d like to see next.
Food Photographer and Recipe Developer based in Toronto, Canada.
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*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.
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63 Responses
Thank you Teri Ann for this delicious Cinnamon Toast Crunch granola recipe. I made a batch this morning to share with my daughters. I made a half batch so I found the heat a bit high (my oven runs on the hotter side) so I found cutting the time back by 10 mins worked for me, while sill turning the pan for last 10 mins. Really satisfying and delicious!
Hey Hilary, I am so happy you enjoyed this recipe!
Can you clarify why the cinnamon amount is divided? (Making it now, smells delicious!)
Hey Nancy, the cinnamon is divided so that it goes into the dry and wet ingredients! I found this just made it as cinnamony as possible!
Thanks
These all sound yummy thank you.
I hope you enjoy!
This granola was delicious. Thank for sharing your recipe with us.
Hey Isabel! I am so happy you enjoyed it 🙂 Thank you for the rating and review on this granola recipe
Why is the 2 tbsp. cinnamon divided? What do you do with the other tbsp?
Thank you for the comment Karen! Please see modified recipe.
Where does the second tbsp of cinnamon go?
one in the wet and one in dry, thanks Bi
I made this yesterday & it’s delicious! I’ve been making granola for yrs & always cook it for 2hrs in a long & slow process. I was surprised to still get such big clusters when it cooked for such a short amount of time! Will defs be making this & trying other recipes again. Thank you!
Hey Kristy! So happy you made it and was a delightful process for you! Can’t wait for you to try some others 🙂
Hi Teri-Ann, I’m about to make this for the first time, but I’m not sure I’m using the right kind of coconut. I’m from Ireland, which might be the issue… Do you mean coconut oil? Or coconut flakes? I’ve got coconut oil in the pantry, so going with that and treating it as a wet ingredient 😬
Hi!! The coconut should be unsweetened dessicated coconut. Check out my link for granola essentials!
Hi again, Teri-Ann! Thank you for coming back to me. I’m not actually a huge fan of dessicated coconut. I ended up leaving out the coconut oil because I really wasn’t sure. The result: this is simply the best granola I have ever tasted IN MY LIFE! Thank you for sharing it!!
Hey Louise, thank you for sharing your modifications! I am so glad that this was the best granola you ever had!! What a compliment 🙂
Best tasting granola I’ve ever made! Thank you for the recipe ❤️
Wow Merrilyn! I am so happy that you feel that way and enjoyed this granola recipe!! Thank you for the love 🙂
Thanks a lot!!!
Instead of maple syrup can we use any other sweetener like monk fruit or can we skip it ?
Hey Urvi, you can use whatever sweetener you’d like, honey or agave are also great alternatives.
I haven’t yet determined what exactly made this granola the best I’ve ever made or tasted but it’s the truth! Will be making more of your recipes!
Hey Sarah! LOVE THIS SO MUCH! The granola got ya speechless! Thank you so much for the review and rating 🙂
Simplemente deliciosa!!!!
Thanks!!!amazing flavor!!!
Hi Betty! I am so glad that you liked this recipe, thank you so much for the review and rating!
TAC I love all your granola recipes so much. My first batch of this cinnamon one is in the oven currently and it’s been a while since I’ve made any… I practically lived on this stuff as my daily snacks while postpartum…. anyhoo, very excited for this mornings batch!
Wondering if you ever throw in corn flakes or puffed millet or puffed quinoa? I’m imagining stirring those in after baking while it’s still hot/sticky? Just curious!
Hey there, I am so happy you love the granolas! I have never added inclusions after the fact but I encourage you to try! Just keep in mind that you will most likely disturb the CLUMP if you try to mix things in while it is still hot. If you want to add things, wait until it has completely cooled. Let me know how it goes!
Your granolas sll look amazing and I LOVE granola. I would love to make this today but may I ask can I use melted butter instead of olive oil? I live in a hot humid country and usually my granola is crunchy at first but then gets moist as it cools down even when sealed in tight container. Any advice? And is there any chance of having measurements in metric? Grams? I know I can google 😉 thank you ☺️ 💕🌸
Hey Nargess, I’ve never actually done my recipes in grams so I don’t know if I can give you accurate measurements. However if your granola often gets less crunchy due to your climate I would suggest storing it in the fridge (still in an airtight container) this may help prevent that and keep your crunch! You could use melted butter however I’ve never done this with any of my granola recipes – let me know how it goes! Thanks so much for the questions and I look forward to your feedback
Seriously, the best granola ever! I made the cookie butter (I thought my poor Ninja food processor was going to hate me), it was total totally worth the effort! I’m making the chocolate almond one today. Thank you for sharing your recipes with us!!
WOOO I love reviews like this – they make my heart sing! Thank you so much for making this recipe and big shout out to your ninja for pulling through on the cookie butter!! I appreciate the love and I hope you’ll try all the other granola flavors 🙂
Amazing! Love love love this granola!
Hi there! Love that you enjoyed this recipe 🙂 Thank you so much for the rating and review!
Do you have the nutrition facts for this granola
Hi Caroline, the macros have been added to the recipe card – it’s important to note that these are auto populated and should only be considered as a rough guideline. thank you
Hi Teri Ann! I love all your recipes! Making this one this weekend. Always wonder if replacing the maple syrup would be ok ( for diabetics)..?
Also, do you have a granola recipe with apples? Will check your website. Thank you!
Hi Andre, I don’t have an apple granola yet but I am working on that! I have to watch my sugar too so I get it. You could try a sugar free maple syrup if you can find one. Keep an eye for a sugar free granola. I promise to make it happen!
Deliciosa 😋
This gluten free cinnamon granola is literally out of this world!!! It was so easy to make and my family can’t get enough of it! I only wish I made a double batch because it won’t last long!
Hey Rose! Thank you so much for the rating and review – double batches make happy bellies!!
The best granola! Right amount of crunch, nuts and seeds and flavor. 💥
So happy you enjoyed it Josie! Thanks for the rating and review 🙂
This recipe turned out better than perfect! And my place smells delicious 😋 thanks Teri! I will make this over and over again it’s that good!
My granolas also double as a home scent heheh!! So happy that you enjoyed this recipe and I super hope you try some others 🙂
What do you mean when you say turn the pan?
Hey Nikkie, I mean rotate the pan in the oven so the side that was closest to the door is now the side closest to the back of the oven (do not disturb the actual granola)
This is by far the best granola we have ever tasted. Thank you. It is part of our morning breakfast and snack throughout the day. We make it every two weeks.
Hey Josie! I love reading that this is the best you’ve ever had!! So happy that it’s become a household staple for you 🙂 Thank you so much for the rating and review!
This is my go to granola recipe, I eat it every morning with my yogurt and berries. My son even eats it straight from the jar! We all love it.
You too?! Haha- Mine barely makes it into the jar!!
Can you use steel cut oats for making this granola?
I have not tried. My fear is that the steel cut would become very hard once baked. It’s something to consider though. If you try, let me know how you make out!
Just sent a care package to my daughter in Boston and it always includes your granola — this time Cinnamon Toast Crunch! She and her best friends/roommates will be very happy. Thank you!
That warms my heart SO MUCH!
Ihave made this recipe over and over! it is the best granola I have tried, botten or homemade. As a personal preference, I use walnuts instead of pecans.
AHHHHHHHHmazing!!!!!
love ypur recibes!
Thank you so much!
Delicious! I made this granola and the homemade cookie butter. It’s easy and so addictive! This is the second granola recipe of yours I’ve made and the flavor profiles are so spot on. I love the olive oil in the granola. Flavorful and crunchy!
I am so glad you loved it!