Trenary Toast Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

30 May, 2023

Discover the Irresistible Delight of Trenary Toast: A Perfectly Crispy Recipe with a Touch of Finnish-American Heritage

Trenary Toast

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: American
Category: Snack, Breakfast
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 (Although, varies depending on the number of bread slices used)
Calories: 150 calories

About this recipe

About Trenary Toast, let me tell you about this delightful treat!

Picture this: a small town called Trenary nestled in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where Finnish immigrants settled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These folks brought along their tradition of making "korppu," a type of hard, crunchy bread perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.

Now, the creative minds of Trenary took that tradition and put their own spin on it, giving birth to what we now know as Trenary Toast. Here's how it goes: you take a slightly stale loaf of white bread (trust me, it works best this way), cut it into thick slices, and prepare for a flavor explosion.

First, you melt some unsalted butter until it's all gooey and tempting. Then comes the magic part – you generously brush one side of each bread slice with that melted butter. It's like giving each piece a little buttery hug.

But we're not done yet! Next, you dip that buttered side into a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. The bread gets coated, embracing the sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors.

Once your bread slices are properly coated and arranged on a baking sheet, it's time to let the oven work its magic. You pop them in, and the heavenly aroma of cinnamon fills your kitchen as the toast transforms into golden perfection. The crust becomes delightfully crispy, while the inside remains soft and warm.

When they come out of the oven, you exercise a little patience and let the Trenary Toast cool slightly. Trust me, this will allow it to reach the pinnacle of crispy goodness. And then, it's time to indulge.

You can enjoy Trenary Toast as is, savoring every bite of its sweet and cinnamon-kissed flavor. Or you can take it up a notch by spreading some butter, jam, or even peanut butter on top. The choice is yours, my friend.

But here's the thing: Trenary Toast isn't just a local sensation anymore. It has spread its delicious reputation far beyond the confines of Trenary. People from all walks of life have come to appreciate this crispy, buttery, and cinnamon-infused delight.

So, whether you're starting your day with a delightful breakfast or treating yourself to an afternoon snack, Trenary Toast is there to satisfy your cravings. It's a testament to the ingenuity and culinary traditions of the Finnish-American community in Trenary, and a treat that brings joy with every bite.

Recipe origin and background

Trenary Toast takes its name from the small town of Trenary, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the United States. The recipe has its roots in the Finnish-American community that settled in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Finnish immigrants brought with them a tradition of making "korppu," which is a type of hard, crunchy bread that can be dipped in coffee or tea.

Over time, the residents of Trenary developed their own unique twist on the traditional korppu, creating what is now known as Trenary Toast.

The bread used for Trenary Toast is typically a slightly stale loaf of white bread, which is then generously coated with butter and cinnamon-sugar before being baked until crispy.

Trenary Toast has become a beloved local delicacy and a source of pride for the Trenary community. It is often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or as a snack with coffee or tea.

Today, Trenary Toast is not only popular in Trenary but has gained recognition and popularity beyond the local area, with people from different regions enjoying this crispy and flavorful cinnamon toast.

Why try this Trenary Toast recipe?

Irresistible Flavor: Trenary Toast offers a truly delightful and irresistible flavor profile. The combination of butter, sugar, and cinnamon creates a perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and warm spice. Each bite is a symphony of deliciousness that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Crispy Texture: The baking process transforms the bread slices into crispy, golden perfection. The exterior becomes wonderfully crunchy while the interior remains soft and pillowy. The textural contrast is a delight to experience, making Trenary Toast a satisfying treat for your senses.
Simple and Quick Recipe: Making Trenary Toast is incredibly easy and requires only a handful of ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time. It's a great recipe for breakfast or a snack when you're craving something special but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Enjoyment: Trenary Toast can be enjoyed in various ways. You can savor it as is, appreciating the pure flavors of butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Alternatively, you can enhance it by spreading your favorite toppings like butter, jam, or even peanut butter. The versatility allows you to customize it to your preferences, making it a versatile treat for any time of the day.
Culinary Tradition and Regional Delight: Trenary Toast has its roots in the Finnish-American community of Trenary, Michigan. By trying this recipe, you get to experience a taste of that unique culinary tradition and regional delight. It's a connection to a specific time and place, and a chance to appreciate the cultural heritage embedded in this delicious toast.

So, why not give the Trenary Toast recipe a go? Indulge in its mouthwatering flavors, relish the crispy texture, and embrace the simplicity and tradition it represents. It's an opportunity to treat yourself to a delightful culinary experience that will leave you wanting more.

What does Trenary Toast taste like?

The taste of Trenary Toast is something to savor and cherish. Imagine biting into a slice of this delectable treat and being greeted with a delightful combination of flavors.

The first thing that hits your palate is the buttery richness. The generous brushing of melted butter on the bread slices creates a luscious and indulgent taste. It adds a smooth and creamy texture, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that is simply irresistible.

As you continue to chew, the sweetness of the sugar comes into play. The cinnamon-sugar mixture adheres to the buttered surface, creating a sweet and slightly caramelized crust. The sugar brings a gentle sweetness that is perfectly balanced with the warmth and aromatic essence of cinnamon.

The crispy exterior of the toast provides a satisfying crunch with each bite. It creates a delightful contrast to the soft and pillowy interior of the bread, adding an enjoyable texture to the overall experience.

When it all comes together, the combination of butter, sugar, and cinnamon dances on your taste buds. The flavors meld harmoniously, creating a symphony of sweetness, richness, and warmth. It's like a comforting hug for your palate, invoking feelings of nostalgia and contentment.

Whether enjoyed plain or with a spread like butter or jam, the taste of Trenary Toast is a delightful balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more. It's a truly satisfying treat that brings joy to every bite.

What is in Trenary Toast?

White Bread: A loaf of white bread is the base for Trenary Toast. It's best to use slightly stale bread as it holds up better during the baking process.
Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter is generously brushed onto the bread slices, adding a rich and creamy flavor to the toast.
Granulated Sugar: The granulated sugar is mixed with cinnamon to create a sweet and aromatic coating for the toast. It caramelizes slightly during baking, enhancing the overall flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings warmth, spice, and a lovely aroma to the toast. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar and complements the buttery richness.

That's it! With just these four simple ingredients, you can create the magic of Trenary Toast in your own kitchen. It's a straightforward recipe that allows the flavors of the bread, butter, sugar, and cinnamon to shine.

Equipment required for this recipe

Baking Sheet: A baking sheet, also known as a cookie sheet, is used to arrange the bread slices and bake them in the oven. It provides a flat surface for even baking. If you don't have a baking sheet, you can use a regular oven-safe dish or even a lined or greased oven-safe tray.
Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: These can be used to line the baking sheet, preventing the toast from sticking and making cleanup easier. If you don't have parchment paper or aluminum foil, you can lightly grease the baking sheet to prevent sticking. However, using a lining material is recommended for easier cleanup.
Shallow Dish or Bowl: A shallow dish or bowl is used to mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the cinnamon-sugar coating. Any shallow container or plate that can hold the sugar and cinnamon mixture will work as a substitute.
Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is used to generously brush melted butter onto the bread slices, ensuring they are evenly coated. If you don't have a pastry brush, you can use a clean kitchen brush or even the back of a spoon to spread the melted butter onto the bread slices.

How to make Trenary Toast

Indulge in the crispy goodness of Trenary Toast - a delightful Finnish-American treat. Easy-to-make recipe with butter, sugar, and cinnamon.

Ingredients

1 loaf of white bread (preferably slightly stale)
1 cup (225 grams) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Cut the white bread into thick slices, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. If the bread is slightly stale, it will work better for making Trenary Toast.
In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This will be your cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Take one slice of bread and generously brush one side with melted butter. Then, dip the buttered side into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Place the coated slice onto the prepared baking sheet, cinnamon-sugar side up. Repeat this process with the remaining slices of bread.
Once all the slices are coated and arranged on the baking sheet, place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the toast is golden brown and crispy.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the Trenary Toast to cool slightly before serving. The toast will become crispier as it cools down.
Serve the Trenary Toast as is or pair it with your favorite spreads, such as butter, jam, or even peanut butter.

Enjoy your homemade Trenary Toast!

How to serve Trenary Toast

Allow the Toast to Cool: Once you've baked the Trenary Toast, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack or the baking sheet. This will allow the toast to crisp up even more and reach an optimal serving temperature.
Serve as is: Trenary Toast can be enjoyed on its own, without any additional toppings or spreads. The combination of butter, sugar, and cinnamon provides a delicious flavor profile, making it a delightful treat all by itself. Simply arrange the toast on a serving plate or platter and present it to your guests or family members.
Add Butter or Spreads: If desired, you can enhance the Trenary Toast by adding butter or your favorite spreads. Softened butter can be spread over the crispy surface of the toast, allowing it to melt and add richness. Alternatively, you can experiment with various spreads such as jam, jelly, Nutella, or peanut butter. Apply a generous amount of your chosen spread on top of the toast for an extra burst of flavor.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: Trenary Toast is often enjoyed as a companion to a warm beverage like coffee or tea. The crispy texture and sweet flavors of the toast complement the comforting flavors of these drinks. Brew a fresh cup of coffee or steep your favorite tea and serve it alongside the Trenary Toast for a cozy and satisfying snack or breakfast experience.
Share and Enjoy: Finally, invite your family, friends, or loved ones to join you in savoring the deliciousness of Trenary Toast. Share the crispy slices, engage in conversation, and relish the flavors and textures together. Whether you're enjoying it as a breakfast treat, a snack, or even as a dessert, the act of sharing adds an extra touch of warmth and connection to the experience.

Note: Trenary Toast is best enjoyed fresh and crispy, so try to serve it shortly after baking. Whether you keep it simple or add your favorite spreads, the choice is yours. So go ahead, serve it with love and watch as everyone delights in the wonderful flavors of Trenary Toast.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 504 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Trenary Toast, Trenary Toast Recipe, Recipe, Top rated

What to serve Trenary Toast with

Trenary Toast is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some suggestions for serving it with complementary accompaniments:

Butter or Margarine: Serve Trenary Toast with a side of softened butter or margarine. Allow your guests to spread a generous amount of butter on the warm toast, letting it melt and create a creamy and rich combination of flavors.
Jam, Jelly, or Preserves: Offer a selection of jams, jellies, or preserves for spreading on the Trenary Toast. Choices like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot can provide a fruity and sweet contrast to the buttery and cinnamon flavors of the toast.
Nut Butter: If you're a fan of nut butters, consider serving Trenary Toast with options like peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. The creamy and nutty profiles of these spreads complement the crispiness of the toast, adding a protein-rich twist to your snack or breakfast.
Cream Cheese: A schmear of cream cheese can lend a tangy and creamy element to the Trenary Toast. You can opt for plain cream cheese or experiment with flavored varieties like strawberry or cinnamon for an extra burst of taste.
Fresh Fruit: Serve sliced or diced fresh fruit alongside the Trenary Toast to add a refreshing element to your plate. Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, work particularly well. The juicy fruit can balance the sweetness of the toast and offer a contrast in texture.
Whipped Cream: For a touch of indulgence, serve Trenary Toast with a dollop of whipped cream on top. This adds a light and airy component to the dish, elevating it to a more dessert-like experience.
Hot Beverages: As Trenary Toast has a cozy and comforting quality, it pairs wonderfully with hot beverages. Offer a pot of freshly brewed coffee, a selection of teas, or even hot chocolate to accompany the toast. The warmth of the beverage complements the crispy texture and fragrant flavors of the toast.

My recommendations and tips

Use Slightly Stale Bread: Trenary Toast is traditionally made with slightly stale bread, as it holds up better during the baking process and allows for a crispier texture. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast it beforehand or leave it out overnight to dry slightly.
Generously Coat the Bread: When brushing the melted butter onto the bread slices, be generous and make sure to coat both sides thoroughly. This will enhance the richness and flavor of the toast.
Evenly Apply Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: After brushing the butter, dip the bread slices into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating on both sides. This will distribute the sweet and aromatic flavors consistently across the toast.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: When placing the bread slices on the baking sheet, make sure they are arranged in a single layer with some space between them. This allows for even airflow and ensures they crisp up uniformly during baking.
Keep an Eye on the Toast: Trenary Toast can go from perfectly golden to overly browned quite quickly. Keep a close eye on the baking process to avoid burning the toast. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so monitor it closely and adjust accordingly.
Let it Cool: After removing the toast from the oven, let it cool slightly on a wire rack or the baking sheet. This helps the toast crisp up further and prevents it from becoming too soft due to residual heat.
Customize to Your Taste: Trenary Toast is versatile, so feel free to customize it to your preferences. You can adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon in the coating mixture to suit your desired level of sweetness and spiciness. Additionally, experiment with different spreads or toppings to create your perfect combination.
Share and Enjoy Fresh: Trenary Toast is best enjoyed fresh and crispy. Serve it shortly after baking, ideally while it's still warm. Share the experience with others, as it adds to the enjoyment and creates a sense of connection.

Potential ingredients substitutes

Bread: While Trenary Toast is traditionally made with white bread, you can experiment with different types of bread to suit your preference. Try using whole wheat bread, multigrain bread, or even sourdough bread for a unique twist on the recipe.
Butter: If you don't have unsalted butter on hand, you can use salted butter instead. Just be mindful of the added salt content, especially if you're using salted butter and also adding a sprinkle of salt to the recipe. Alternatively, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter substitute if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is commonly used in Trenary Toast, but you can try using alternatives such as brown sugar or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the color and taste of the final product.
Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a key ingredient in Trenary Toast, but if you don't have it available, you can try using other warm spices as substitutes. Ground nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin spice blend can provide similar aromatic notes and add a touch of complexity to the flavor.

Additional Info

Shelf Life and Storage: Trenary Toast is best enjoyed fresh and crispy. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for a few days. Keep in mind that the toast may lose some of its crispness over time.
Reheating: If you have leftover Trenary Toast that has softened, you can try reheating it in a toaster or oven to regain some of its crunchiness. Place the slices in a toaster or on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again.
Serving Size: The number of servings will depend on the amount of bread you use and how many slices you cut. The recipe usually yields several slices of Trenary Toast, but you can easily adjust the quantities based on your needs.
Recipe Variations: While the traditional Trenary Toast recipe involves butter, sugar, and cinnamon, you can get creative and experiment with different flavor variations. Consider adding a sprinkle of cardamom, a dash of vanilla extract, or a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a unique twist.
Cultural Significance: Trenary Toast has its roots in the Finnish-American community of Trenary, Michigan. It's a recipe that reflects the cultural heritage of the area and has become a beloved regional treat. Embracing the cultural significance of Trenary Toast adds an extra layer of appreciation to the experience.

Final Remark

Experience the nostalgic charm of Trenary Toast, a beloved Finnish-American classic. With its crispy texture and sweet flavors, it's a delightful treat for any occasion. Try this easy recipe today and savor the deliciousness!