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Home » Traditional

Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Toast [French Toast Alternative]

Published: May 23, 2022 · Modified: Apr 1, 2024 by Jacq · This post may contain affiliate links ·Leave a Comment

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This recipe for Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Toast is an old family favourite for a reason - it is easy, quick and only requires a few pantry ingredients and the result in the best crunchy caramelised sugar cinnamon toast. Cinnamon toast is the perfect alternative to French Toast, cinnamon rolls, pancakes or crepes. Any bread is great for cinnamon toast but for a budget-friendly breakfast, brunch, snack, after-dinner treat, or supper use stale or reduced price bread as this works just fine. Cinnamon toast can be easily prepared with vegan ingredients, and for gluten-free diets choose a gluten-free bread. You can quickly bake this cinnamon toast in your oven but for a more modern method you can use an air fryer.

Flower patterned plate with three slices of cinnamon toast and small slice of lemon, brown bowl of cinnamon sugar to front, cup, coffee pot and cutlery images on place mat background.

Our Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Toast is prepared with just bread and butter, powdered cinnamon, and sugar. Once prepared a squeeze of fresh lemon finishes the toast off perfectly as the citrus compliments the sweet warm cinnamon flavours.

Jump to:
  • Origin of Cinnamon Toast
  • How To Prepare
  • Recipe Notes
  • FAQ'S
  • More traditional breakfast & brunch recipes - dairy & egg free
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Comments

Origin of Cinnamon Toast

Cinnamon toast is in essence toasted bread with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar sprinkled over.

Cinnamon toast originates within Europe, most likely Italy or France, and has been enjoyed since at least the 1500s-1600s. French toast was also popular but was more expensive as it included milk and eggs, whereas cinnamon toast was simply bread, cinnamon and sugar. Indeed cinnamon toast has also been called 'Poor Mans French Toast.'

Toasted bread dates further back to the Roman Empire where soldiers would toast slices or wedges of bread over the camp fire. The word toast originates from the Latin word tostum and translates to mean scorch, burn or roast.

Nowadays, cinnamon toast is not too popular but that's likely just because people have not tried this delicious creation. Although, recipes for cinnamon toast were more popular back in the early 1900s through to the 1930s.

Dairy-Free Cinnamon Toast

Cinnamon toast does deserve much more recognition as it has all the tasty flavours of cinnamon buns/rolls with much less of the fuss and much more budget-friendly. It is also easily adaptable to most dietary requirements as if you are vegan then you can use dairy-free margarine and vegan-friendly bread, and if you are gluten-free then you can choose a gluten-free bread.

If you like the breakfast cereal Cinnamon Toast Crunch, then cinnamon toast is the perfect home-made alternative. However, for those on a vegan diet this breakfast cereal may not vegan. Although there is debate as to whether Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal is actually vegan or not, as it depends on individuals opinions on the added Vitamin D3, which may or may not have been prepared with animal ingredients.

Our recipe for cinnamon toast uses light brown sugar as it caramelises so well, and the flavours mixed with the cinnamon and crunchy buttered toast is just amazing. Although any sugar that you prefer can be used for cinnamon toast including granulated, caster, dark brown, Demerara, as well as the more nutritious coconut or date sugar.

Breakfast table laid out with cinnamon toast and lemon slice, serving platter with cinnamon toast in background.

How To Prepare

Cinnamon toast is the perfect quick, easy, and budget-friendly replacement for French toast, cinnamon buns/rolls and even pancakes/crepes.

Whatever you would usually enjoy with pancakes can also be paired with cinnamon toast. Or just enjoy the cinnamon toast as is with a nice cup of tea or coffee.

As we are a plant-based family we use vegan ingredients and products but you can use your usual ingredients, etc.

The ingredients you will need for cinnamon toast is - your choice of bread slices [we used white bread], margarine or butter [we use dairy-free Flora], powdered cinnamon, and your choice of sugar [we used soft brown sugar].

We like to also add a wedge of fresh lemon with each portion as the citrus burst tastes very nice along with the sweet cinnamon and crunchy toast.

Oven cinnamon toast method: [you will need to toast your bread before the cinnamon toast is finished off in the oven]

Four slices of toast on baking trays with parchment paper.
Four slices of toasted bread spread with margarine on baking tray.

Step 1: Preheat the oven.

Step 2: Mix the cinnamon with the sugar.

Step 3: Using a toaster, grill or skillet toast each slice of bread until it's toasted to your preference.

Step 4: Place the toasted bread onto a baking tray. Spread each slice with margarine or butter.

Four slices of cinnamon toast sprinkled with cinnamon sugar ready to be baked in the oven.
Two slices of cinnamon toast baked in the oven and the sugar caramelised in places sitting on baking tray.

Step 5: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over each slice of toast.

Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the toast is extra golden and crunchy and the sugar has delicious looking caramelised bits.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Toast Method:

One slice of bread in an air-fryer.
Slice of bread lightly toasted in air-fryer.

Step 1: Place the bread slices into an air fryer. The amount of bread slices that can be toasted together will depend on the size of your air fryer.

Step 2: Set the temperature to 200F and toast each side for 3-4 minutes. Exact time will depend on how toasted you prefer your bread.

Step 3: Once toasted remove the bread and spread with margarine or butter.

Step 4: Sprinkle over the cinnamon and sugar mixture.

Cinnamon toast air-fried in an air-fryer basket.

Step 5: Place the toast back into the air fryer.

Step 6: Toast one side [cinnamon sugar side upright] for about 4-5 minutes or until it's toasted to your likeness and the cinnamon sugar has caramelised parts.

Recipe Notes

Storing

Cinnamon toast is best enjoyed soon after preparing otherwise it could loose its crunchiness. However, to enjoy the cinnamon toast later in the day or even the next day simply place the cinnamon toast onto a plate or back onto the baking tray [see image below] and cover the leftover cinnamon toast tightly with kitchen foil and leave on the countertop. Enjoy at room temperature or pop the cinnamon toast back into a hot oven for a few minutes to heat through. Or crisp up the toast within a hot skillet/non-stick fry pan. A few minutes in an air fryer will also refresh cinnamon toast.

Cooked sliced cinnamon toast placed back onto the baking tray lined with parchment.

Traditionally, Cinnamon Toast has been a popular treat for those feeling sick or under the weather. It's a deliciously easy comfort food to prepare and is sure to put a smile on anyone's face.

FAQ'S

Is cinnamon toast fine for gluten-free diets?

Yes, to prepare gluten-free cinnamon toast you can choose a gluten-free bread and ensure that the other ingredients you use are also free from gluten.

Can cinnamon toast be prepared as refined sugar free?

You can use any variety of sugar to prepare cinnamon toast including the less refined coconut sugar, date sugar or unrefined cane sugar. Or replace the sugar with your choice of sweetener.

What goes well with cinnamon toast?

Cinnamon toast is delicious on its own with a nice cup of tea or coffee, or a chilled glass of milk, or fruit juice. However, a few more tasty ideas include having fresh fruit with the toast such as orange slices, apple slices, chopped banana, grapes, sliced kiwis, fresh berries, pineapple slices, etc.

Canned fruit is a good option for when fresh fruit is not available. Other sides include ice-cream, whipped cream, or yogurt. For a savoury breakfast we often like some vegan bacon rashers along with our cinnamon toast.

Can the cinnamon be replaced?

Technically, the cinnamon powder can be replaced with a different flavour but obviously it will not be cinnamon toast! For example you could use ground ginger, or mixed spice powder, or apple pie powder, or pumpkin pie spice mix, or a mixture of nutmeg, cloves, and star anise, etc. Alternatively, you could use some vanilla powder. The quantities of any substitutions may need to be adjusted so add less at first, taste the flavour, and then add more spice to taste.

Do I have to add the margarine/butter to the cinnamon toast?

No, the margarine is not necessary but does contribute to the flavour and the overall texture If preferred you can omit the margarine and just go with the sugar and cinnamon, or replace the margarine with say mashed banana, fruit jam, or even tahini or peanut butter.

Three plates of cinnamon toast with slices of lemon, basket with bananas and a whole lemon to edge of photo, coffee pot to side, small brown bowl of cinnamon sugar with wooden scoop.

Serve tasty cinnamon toast with slices of fresh lemon or fresh fruit such as banana, orange slices, or pineapple rings - this makes a very nice breakfast or brunch meal. Cinnamon toast can also be sliced into extra small pieces and enjoyed as part of a party or buffet spread.

More traditional breakfast & brunch recipes - dairy & egg free

All our recipes are egg-free and dairy-free so perfect for vegans and those requiring egg and dairy-free recipes either because of allergies or looking for budget-friendly bakes and recipes.

Our family love these Traditional Scotch Pancakes and our Chocolate Pancakes variation as they only require a few everyday ingredients and they taste amazing.

We also love our take on Welsh Bakestone Cakes especially when just cooked and the margarine melts deliciously over the cakes. And our eldest daughter especially loves this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake as it's her all-time favourite bake so we have it frequently. It's great for a special brunch and it does taste pretty good warm from the oven.

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***please note: for US measurements click the 'US customary button' within the recipe and the measurements will switch to tablespoons, cups, and ounces.***

📖 Recipe

Flower patterned plate with three slices of cinnamon toast and small slice of lemon, brown bowl of cinnamon sugar to front, cup, coffee pot and cutlery images on place mat background.

Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Toast [Tasty French Toast Alternative]

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack, Supper
Cuisine: British, Europian
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 slices of cinnamon toast
Calories: 177kcal
Author: Jacq
Cinnamon toast is perfect for an easy breakfast, brunch, supper or snack. It is deliciously crunchy, and flavoured with caramelised sweet sugar-cinnamon. It's easy to prepare in an oven or air fryer, and is easily adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets.
This recipe makes 4 slices of cinnamon toast but you can easily double up the recipe for more servings.
Print Recipe
US Customary - Metric

Equipment

  • butter knife
  • small mixing bowl
  • Baking tray lined with baking paper
  • Toaster optional, can grill, broil or use a non-stick skillet/fry pan to toast the bread
  • Oven

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bread [any bread is fine, including gluten-free bread, we used ordinary shop bought sliced white bread]
  • 2 tablespoons margarine or butter [we use dairy-free Flora margarine, use more or less as desired]
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
  • 60 grams soft brown sugar [or replace with granulated/caster/coconut, date sugar, or your preferred sugar or sweetener]

Instructions

Oven method:

  • Preheat the oven to 160 Fan/ 180C/ 356 Fahrenheit/ Gas 4.
  • Prepare the baking tray by lining with baking paper.
  • Stir the cinnamon powder through the sugar in a small bowl.
    2 teaspoons cinnamon powder, 60 grams soft brown sugar
  • Toast each slice of bread [both sides] using a toaster, grill, broiler, or within a dry non-stick skillet/fry pan.
    Place the toast onto a baking tray.
    Spread each slice with margarine or butter.
    4 slices bread, 2 tablespoons margarine or butter
  • Divide the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of each sliced of buttered bread.
  • Cook in the oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on how crunchy you like your toast and the sugar to caramelise.
    Fan ovens may take quicker so check after 12 minutes.
  • If preferred bake for a few minutes longer.

Air fryer method:

  • Mix the cinnamon and sugar together.
    2 teaspoons cinnamon powder, 60 grams soft brown sugar
  • Place the bread into the air fryer.
    The amount of bread that will fit within your basket depends on the size of your air fryer so repeat the steps as necessary. Alternatively, you can toast the bread in a toaster before finishing the cinnamon toast off in the air-fryer.
    4 slices bread
  • Turn the temperature to 200F and cook each side of bread for 3-4 minutes or until the bread has toasted to your desired colour.
  • Remove the toast and spread with the margarine.
    2 tablespoons margarine or butter
  • Sprinkle each slice with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  • Place the bread back into the air fryer and cook for about 4-5 minutes.
    Check the toast and if its not done enough cook for an extra minute or so until the cinnamon-sugar has caramelised in places.
  • Please note: As air fryers may differ do consult the manual for cooking temperatures, etc., in case they may differ from what this recipe states.

Optional serving suggestion:

  • Serve with a lemon wedge as a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice does pair very well with the sweet cinnamon flavours.

Notes

  • Nutritional data is for guidance only and is not a strict calculation as ingredients vary.
  • Cinnamon toast is best eaten soon after preparing, but it can be stored for 1-2 days on a plate [once cool] or baking tray and covered tightly with kitchen foil and left on the countertop.
  • If storing the cinnamon toast, it can be refreshed by placing back in the oven for a few minutes or until heated through and crunchy. Or place the toast in an air-fryer for a few minutes until hot.
  • Cinnamon toast can be enjoyed on its own or served with lemon or lime wedges,  yogurt, whipped cream, ice-cream, fresh fruit especially berries, banana slices, pineapple slices, orange segments, or canned fruit. 
  • Cinnamon toast can be a budget-friendly dessert.
  • Any type of bread is fine for cinnamon toast.
  • For gluten-free cinnamon toast use a gluten-free bread.
  • For vegan cinnamon toast use a dairy-free margarine or butter - we used dairy-free Flora margarine. Also choose a vegan-friendly bread - we used a white sliced bread from our local Co-op which is labelled vegan.
  • Reduced price or staler slices of bread is perfect for using up for cinnamon toast.
  • Cinnamon toast is a great alternative for French toast, pancakes, crumpets, cinnamon rolls/buns or crepes.

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 271IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg

Comments

Prepared our Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Toast recipe? Do let us know how you got on with the recipe by dropping us a comment below and clicking the star ratings. We appreciate all feedback as then we know which of our family recipes you are loving. Thanks so much! All the best, Jacq x

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