If someone would have told me in the ’90s that there would one day be a cereal more delicious than Cinnamon Toast Crunch, I wouldn’t have believed them. But after the releases of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnadust and remixed versions of the iconic cereal, it looks like General Mills is always willing to try new and delicious things with Cinnamon Toast Crunch. The latest holiday spinoff, Apple Pie Toast Crunch, has officially hit some shelves across the US, and believe me when I say it surpassed all of my expectations.
At first glance, I thought the green box was Apple Cinnamon Toast Crunch: another spinoff flavor that, in my opinion, offers a taste reminiscent of a holiday candle. Great for the nostrils, but not for the taste buds. However, after a triple take, I realized that the iconic Cinnamon Toast cartoon squares on the box were dressed in winter gear, and there were images of apple pies around them. I didn’t even have to read the flavor on the box to know that I needed to take it home with me ASAP, given that I am a sucker for anything that reminds me of apple pie.
Although I was partially expecting a doughier square more reminiscent of pie crust, Apple Pie Toast Crunch squares have the same texture as other puffed rice and wheat cereals. However, the flavor of this cereal really sets it apart from its counterparts. Within the swirls of what is typically cinnamon sugar, the Apple Pie Toast Crunch squares carry more robust spices that provide layers of flavor to every bite far beyond what cinnamon by itself delivers.
Flecks of nutmeg, cinnamon, and an apple flavor far more complex than that found in Apple Cinnamon Toast Crunch coat each square of Apple Pie Toast Crunch, making every bite taste like you are right back at the holiday dinner table enjoying dessert with the family. Most importantly, the remnants of the apple pie coating on each square make the remaining milk taste identical to the melted whipped cream left behind by a warm slice of apple pie, which I will gladly consume for breakfast any day.
As of right now, the limited-edition flavor is only available in certain stores (I found mine at my local Albertsons), but it can be ordered on services such as Instacart. News about whether or not it will be making an appearance on more cereal aisle shelves across America any time soon is still under wraps, though I’m hopeful that the winter theme of the cereal box hints towards a wider rollout later this year. Either way, 5-year-old me couldn’t be happier that someone finally combined her favorite food groups: breakfast items and fall desserts. Now, 28-year-old me is waiting in anticipation to devour all the future “Toast Crunch” flavors to come.
