Description
This Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a delightful homemade snack that transforms sourdough starter discard into crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coated squares reminiscent of the classic cereal. Perfectly buttery and sweet, these baked treats are simple to make and enjoyable on their own, with milk, fresh fruit, or as a topping over ice cream.
Ingredients
For Cinnamon Sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For Butter
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup cold butter
For Dough
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter discard
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-3 tablespoons cold water (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; set this cinnamon sugar mixture aside. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a small dish and keep it warm for later.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and salt. Grate or cube the cold butter and incorporate it into the dry ingredients by cutting or rubbing it until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Add the sourdough starter discard and vanilla extract, then mix until a dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add cold water one tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
- Roll the Dough: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly dust it with flour and some of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place half of the dough on the parchment and roll it out evenly into a large rectangle about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the Dough: Using a pizza cutter, slice the rolled dough into 1/2 inch squares. Keep the squares on the parchment paper to transfer easily to the baking sheet.
- Add Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar: Generously brush the top of the dough squares with the melted butter. Then, sprinkle them liberally with the cinnamon sugar mixture prepared earlier, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake and Enjoy: Bake the squares in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Allow them to cool completely to achieve maximum crunchiness. Serve these crispy treats with cold milk, fresh fruit, or crumble them over egg-free vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of molasses syrup for an extra special dessert.
Notes
- You can adjust the cinnamon and sugar quantities to taste for more or less sweetness.
- Using cold butter helps create a flaky texture in the dough.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 15 minutes before rolling out.
- The cereal squares become crunchier as they cool; avoid eating them straight out of the oven for best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American