If you’re searching for a delightful and addictive snack, look no further than Crack Sticks! These crispy, sugary delights take mere minutes to prepare and even less time to devour. Once you try them, these little indulgences will be a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the magical world of Crack Sticks and discover what makes them so irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of sweet perfection.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for any occasion, from breakfast treats to party desserts.
- Kid-Friendly: Little hands love helping to roll and dip these tasty treats.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These Crack Sticks disappear fast, making them a hit with any crowd!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crack Sticks lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create tantalizing treats sure to impress your taste buds. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- White Bread: Soft, white bread provides the perfect canvas for our sweet toppings, offering a tender bite that holds up well when rolled.
- Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy, tangy layer that pairs beautifully with sugar, softening and enriching the taste.
- Powdered Sugar: Merges seamlessly with cream cheese, adding the right amount of sweetness without being grainy.
- Sugar & Cinnamon: The ultimate flavor duo, giving each stick that classic, warm sweetness that makes them so irresistible.
- Butter: Helps adhere the cinnamon sugar mixture to each roll for a slightly crispy finish after baking.
Variations
Feel like experimenting a bit? Crack Sticks are incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tweak ingredients based on preference or what you have on hand. Get creative and make this recipe truly yours!
- Nutty Delight: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts inside or atop each roll before baking for a crunchy twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle over the sticks once they’ve cooled for an extra indulgence.
- Fruit-Filled: Add a thin layer of fruit preserves alongside the cream cheese for a fruity burst of flavor.
How to Make Crack Sticks
Step 1: Prepare the Mixtures
Start by beating the cream cheese and powdered sugar until you achieve a creamy consistency. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Finally, melt the butter in a third bowl, which will be used to coat the bread rolls.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Cut the crusts off your bread slices and roll each piece with a rolling pin to flatten. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over the bread, then roll each slice tightly.
Step 3: Dip and Coat
Dip each roll quickly into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Immediately roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure every inch is covered in sweet goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Crack Sticks
- The Perfect Roll: Use a rolling pin to flatten your bread completely for easier rolling and filling.
- Dipping Magic: Quick dips are key to prevent the bread from getting too soggy before baking.
- Even Coating: Roll the sticks thoroughly in cinnamon sugar to ensure even distribution and flavor.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the oven to prevent over-baking, as you want them golden, not burnt.
How to Serve Crack Sticks
Garnishes
Adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of each Crack Stick can elevate the presentation and taste dramatically. It gives them a bakery-fresh look that dazzles.
Side Dishes
They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or cold glass of milk. For a heavier meal, consider serving with fresh fruit or a light and airy scrambled egg dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try setting up a dipping station with small bowls of chocolate, fruit purees, and whipped cream to allow guests to personalize their Crack Sticks. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy these tasty treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them from drying out and maintains their deliciousness.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each baked Crack Stick individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month, allowing you to enjoy them later when the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen Crack Sticks in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This refreshes their crispness, making them taste freshly baked.
FAQs
-
Can I use whole wheat bread for Crack Sticks?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bread can be used, though it may alter the taste and texture slightly by adding a denser, nuttier feel to the finished product.
-
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No cream cheese, no problem! Try substituting with mascarpone or a nut butter for a different but equally tasty twist.
-
How can I make these suitable for a low-sugar diet?
You can replace the sugar with a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup with sugar to cut down on the sweetness while keeping the sticks delicious.
-
Can these be made ahead for a brunch?
Definitely! Assemble the rolls and store them in the fridge, then bake them fresh on the day you plan to serve to maintain their crispness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these delicious Crack Sticks! From their simple preparation to their undeniable allure, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household. Gather your ingredients and let your kitchen be filled with the sweet scent of success. Enjoy the delightful crunch of your new favorite treat!
Print
Crack Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crack Sticks are sweet and flaky cinnamon roll-inspired treats made from soft bread, creamy filling, and a crispy cinnamon-sugar coating. They are quick to prepare and perfect for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 16 slices white bread (crust removed)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 cup butter (melted)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy, setting aside.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
- Prepare the Bread: Remove crusts from each slice of bread and use a rolling pin to flatten each slice evenly.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture on each flattened bread slice, then roll each slice tightly.
- Dip in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Dip each roll into the melted butter, then immediately roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
- Bake: Place the coated rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Notes
- Ensure the bread slices are evenly flattened for uniform rolls.
- You can prepare these rolls a day ahead and store them refrigerated before baking.
- For a more intense cinnamon flavor, sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (about 25g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
