The moment this dessert comes out of the oven, the kitchen fills with warm cinnamon, buttery apples, and that cozy caramel aroma that instantly feels like home. This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Stuffed Crust topped with Apple Caramel Crumb is the kind of sweet comfort that turns an ordinary evening into a celebration. It brings together crunchy cinnamon cereal vibes, gooey caramel apples, and a soft cake like base that feels nostalgic, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, holiday tables, or when you need a quick cheap dessert that still feels special.
Serving Versatility
This dessert is wonderfully flexible. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, slice it like a caramel apple pie with crumb topping, scoop it casserole style for potlucks, or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge as a homemade cinnamon cereal snack inspired treat.
Full Recipe
Ingredients
- Box yellow or vanilla cake mix
- Eggs as directed on box
- Oil or melted butter as directed
- Milk or water as directed
- Apple pie filling
- Caramel sauce or salted caramel
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal or homemade cinnamon cereal
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter for crumb topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180 C. Grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the cake mix according to package directions. Spread batter evenly into the dish.
- In a bowl, mix crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create a crumb. This step mirrors how to make cinnamon toast cereal at home for that crunchy stuffed crust feel.
- Spoon apple pie filling over the batter. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce to create that apple pie with caramel topping flavor.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon cereal crumb all over the top, pressing lightly around the edges for a stuffed crust effect.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Time & Nutrition
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 9
Calories: Approx 380 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick dessert with apple pie filling that feels bakery worthy
- Budget friendly using pantry staples and cake mix
- Big cozy flavors inspired by homemade cinnamon toast cereal recipe classics
- Perfect balance of soft cake, crunchy crumb, and gooey caramel
- Easy to customize for healthy cinnamon toast crunch, vegan cinnamon toast crunch, or keto cinnamon toast crunch styles
Cultural and Cooking Note
This recipe is inspired by classic American apple desserts like Dutch caramel apple pie recipe favorites and easy dessert casserole traditions. Using cake mix keeps it accessible while the cinnamon cereal crumb gives a nostalgic twist similar to DIY cinnamon toast crunch or homemade sourdough cinnamon toast crunch ideas.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Serve as a slice of apple pie with caramel topping for holidays
- Spoon into bowls for reunion dessert ideas and family gatherings
- Pair with coffee or hot cider for Christmas food ideas for dinner side dishes
Pro Tips for Success
- Crush cereal finely for a tender crumb or leave it chunky for crunch
- Use salted caramel for deeper flavor
- Add chopped nuts to the topping for extra texture
- Swap apple pie filling with homemade apples for a less sweet version
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking which can dry out the cake base
- Skipping the crumb butter which helps bind the topping
- Using too much filling which can make the center soggy
Storage & Reheating
Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This dessert also freezes well when wrapped tightly.
FAQs
Can this be made vegan?
Yes. Use a vegan cake mix, dairy free butter, and vegan caramel for a vegan cinnamon toast crunch inspired dessert.
Is this a quick cheap dessert?
Absolutely. It uses affordable ingredients and delivers big flavor.
Can I make it healthier?
Try reduced sugar cereal, homemade cinnamon cereal, or lighter caramel for a healthy cinnamon toast crunch twist.
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If you loved this recipe, don’t miss my caramel apple dump cake for another comforting favorite.
Final Thoughts from Emma
This is one of those desserts everyone loves. Warm apples, caramel drizzle, and that cinnamon crunch just feel like a hug on a plate. Whether you are making it for the holidays, a reunion, or just because, I hope it brings a little extra sweetness to your table. If you try it, leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share it with someone who loves cinnamon as much as I do.
