If you are on the hunt for a snack that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and crunchy with a nostalgic twist, then this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Trail Mix Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with the warm cinnamon flavor of the iconic cereal, complemented by the crunch of Honey Nut Cheerios and pretzels, and the tart pop of dried cranberries, this trail mix is more than just a simple snack—it’s a delightful treat that will keep you energized and satisfied throughout the day. Whether you’re gearing up for a hike, packing school lunches, or just craving something fun and flavorful, this mix hits every note just right.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with a mixed snack. The snack has several layers with different colors and textures: light brown square cereal pieces, beige small round cereal pieces, dark brown pretzel sticks, and some dark red dried berries. The cereals have a rough, crunchy look and are mixed evenly in the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with no other objects around. The focus is clear on the mixed snack and the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Trail Mix Recipe is all about simple, wholesome components that come together to create a snack full of texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the cinnamon cereal brings warmth and sweetness, the Cheerios add a light, crisp texture, the dried cranberries give a juicy tartness, and the pretzels deliver an addictive salty crunch. The melted butter and sugar help bind everything with a subtle richness that makes every bite a delight.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch: The star ingredient bringing that signature cinnamon-sugar flavor and crunch.
Honey Nut Cheerios, ½ cup: Adds a nutty, crispy dimension that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
Dried cranberries, ½ cup: Offer a chewy, tangy contrast to the sweeter elements.
Broken pretzel pieces, ½ cup: Bring a salty crunch that perfectly balances the mix.
Melted butter, ¼ cup: Helps all ingredients stick together and adds a buttery richness.
Sugar, ⅛ cup: Sweetens the butter for a light glaze coating the mix.

How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Trail Mix Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Begin by grabbing a large bowl and tossing in the Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Nut Cheerios, dried cranberries, and broken pretzel pieces. This blend of crunchy cereals, sweet berries, and salty pretzels forms the essential foundation of your trail mix, promising a lively combination of flavors and textures in every handful.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Butter Mixture

Next, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl—it only takes about 30 seconds—and then stir in the sugar until it dissolves. This simple sweet butter glaze will coat your trail mix, adding a subtle, irresistible sweetness combined with a smooth, rich flavor that ties everything together.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Pour the sugar-butter mixture over your bowl of combined dry ingredients. Stir everything thoroughly but gently to ensure each piece gets a light, even coating without crushing the cereal. The goal is to maintain crispness while boosting flavor with that sweet buttery touch.

Step 4: Store in an Airtight Container

Finally, transfer your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Trail Mix Recipe into a resealable Ziploc bag or airtight container. This will keep your snack fresh, crunchy, and ready to enjoy whenever hunger strikes. Plus, it makes it wonderfully portable for on-the-go munching.

How to Serve Cinnamon Toast Crunch Trail Mix Recipe

A white bowl filled with layers of cereal pieces in light golden brown and tan colors, mixed with some dark dried berries, placed on a white marbled surface. In front of the bowl, there is a clear plastic zipper bag partially filled with the same cereal mix, lying flat. Behind the bowl, three colorful boxes stand upright: a Cheerios box on the left with a golden brown and yellow design, a Toast Crunch box in the middle with mostly white and blue colors and colorful letters, and a Ziploc box on the right with bright blue and pink colors showing various bag sizes. The overall look is simple and homey, with focused attention on the cereal and packaging. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While this trail mix is fantastic on its own, sprinkling a few extra whole Cinnamon Toast Crunch pieces on top just before serving can amplify that cinnamon aroma and add a fresh crunch sensation. For a festive touch, toss in some mini marshmallows or a dash of powdered cinnamon for a little visual flair and warmth.

Side Dishes

This snack pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of milk for a nostalgic, comforting combo. It also works perfectly as a crunchy addition to yogurt or alongside fresh fruit, bringing balance to a breakfast or afternoon snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the bowl? Fill small mason jars or decorative cellophane bags with this trail mix as thoughtful, homemade gifts. It’s also fantastic layered in clear cups alternating with vanilla yogurt for a quick trail mix parfait that’s both delicious and Instagram-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The best part about this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Trail Mix Recipe is its staying power. Keep leftovers fresh by storing them in a tightly sealed container at room temperature. Stored this way, the mix stays crunchy and flavorful for up to two weeks, making it an ideal snack to prepare ahead and enjoy over time.

Freezing

If you want to keep your trail mix longer, freezing is an easy option. Place the mix in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will remain fresh for up to three months. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before eating to regain that perfect crunch.

Reheating

This trail mix is best enjoyed straight from the container, but if you like a slightly toasted flavor, gently warm it in the oven for a few minutes at low heat. This revives the buttery sweetness and intensifies the cinnamon aroma beautifully. Just watch carefully to avoid over-toasting.

FAQs

Can I use other cereals instead of Honey Nut Cheerios?

Absolutely! You can substitute with other crunchy cereals like Golden Grahams or Rice Chex to customize the texture and flavor, but Honey Nut Cheerios compliment the cinnamon nicely with their sweet nutty undertones.

Is this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Trail Mix Recipe gluten-free?

Most Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Cheerios contain gluten, so if you require a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free certified cereals and pretzels to keep this snack safe and delicious.

Can I add nuts to the mix?

Yes, chopped almonds or pecans would be a delicious addition if you want to boost the protein and add a different layer of crunch. Just be mindful of allergies if serving to a group.

How spicy or strong is the cinnamon flavor?

The cinnamon comes primarily from the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, offering a warm and sweet cinnamon flavor that is noticeable but not overpowering—perfect for cinnamon lovers and those who enjoy a balanced sweet snack.

Is this trail mix suitable for kids’ lunchboxes?

Definitely! It’s a fun and tasty treat that kids generally adore. Just be cautious if your child’s school has nut policies if you add nuts, and pack the mix in a sturdy container to keep it fresh.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Trail Mix Recipe—the way simple ingredients combine to create such an addictive, flavorful snack makes it a perfect go-to for any time of day. I hope you’ll give it a try yourself and discover just how effortless and delightful snack time can be with this cinnamon-sweet treat in your pantry. Enjoy every crunchy bite!