When plain toast sounds a little boring, this cinnamon sugar sourdough toast is an easy way to make breakfast feel more like a treat. The bread is cooked in a skillet until crisp and golden, while the butter and cinnamon sugar form a lightly caramelized crust.
Sourdough works especially well because its slight tang balances the sweetness. Add a drizzle of maple syrup while the toast is still warm and serve it with fruit, yogurt, or a cup of coffee.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup maple syrup, or as needed for serving
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Sourdough Toast
1. Make the Cinnamon Sugar
Add the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to a small bowl. Stir until the cinnamon is evenly mixed through the sugar.
2. Butter the Bread
Spread a generous layer of softened butter over one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Make sure the butter reaches close to the edges so the cinnamon sugar can stick across the entire slice.
3. Add the Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the buttered sides of the bread. Gently press it into the butter with the back of a spoon.
You may not need every bit of the cinnamon sugar. Use enough to cover the bread without leaving a very thick layer that could burn in the pan.
4. Heat the Skillet
Place a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Let it warm for a minute before adding the bread.
Medium-low heat gives the sugar time to melt and caramelize without burning before the bread is toasted.
5. Cook the Sugared Side
Place the bread in the skillet with the cinnamon sugar side facing down. Cook for 2–4 minutes, checking it regularly.
The toast is ready to flip when the bottom is golden and the sugar has formed a caramelized crust.
6. Toast the Other Side
Carefully flip each slice. Add a little more butter to the skillet if the pan looks dry.
Cook the second side for another 2–3 minutes, or until the bread is crisp and golden.
7. Add the Maple Syrup
Transfer the toast to a plate and let it cool for about a minute. Drizzle it with maple syrup while it is still warm. Serve any remaining syrup on the side rather than pouring all of it over the toast at once.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Toast
Keep the heat under control. Sugar burns quickly, so medium-low heat is safer than high heat.
Use softened butter. Cold butter can tear the bread and make it difficult to coat the surface evenly.
Choose sturdy slices. Slightly thick sourdough slices hold up better in the skillet and give you a crisp outside with a softer center.
Watch the toast closely. Once the sugar begins to caramelize, it can go from golden to burnt quite quickly.
Serve it right away. The caramelized topping is at its best while the toast is still warm and crisp.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Toast
This toast is sweet enough to serve on its own, but you can turn it into a fuller breakfast by adding:
- Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices
- Greek yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Crispy bacon
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- A spoonful of whipped cream for a more dessert-like version
Recipe Variations
Apple cinnamon toast: Add thinly sliced cooked apples before serving.
Banana toast: Top the toast with banana slices and a small drizzle of maple syrup.
Nutty cinnamon toast: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the warm toast.
Honey cinnamon toast: Replace the maple syrup with honey.
Vanilla cinnamon toast: Stir a small amount of vanilla sugar into the cinnamon mixture.
Can I Make It in the Oven?
Yes. Place the prepared bread on a lined baking sheet with the cinnamon sugar side facing up. Bake at 375°F or 190°C for approximately 8–10 minutes, then broil it briefly if you want a more caramelized topping.
Watch it closely under the broiler because the sugar can burn quickly.
Can I Use Regular Bread?
You can use white bread, whole-wheat bread, brioche, or another sturdy bread. Sourdough gives the toast more texture and a slight tang, but the recipe does not depend on it.
Softer bread may cook faster, so check it sooner.
How to Store Leftovers
Cinnamon sugar toast tastes best immediately after cooking. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to two days.
Reheat the toast in a dry skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer to bring back some of its crisp texture. Add the maple syrup after reheating rather than before storing.