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Okay, let’s talk about the flavor combo that made me question everything I thought I knew about desserts. Cinnamon and basil?! I know, I know – it sounds like one of those weird food combinations that pregnant women crave. But trust me on this Cinnamon-Basil Sugar Rub – these seemingly mismatched flavors create something truly magical together!
I discovered this pairing completely by accident during what my family now refers to as “The Great Herb Garden Overflow” – that point in summer when my basil plants transformed from cute little seedlings into monsters threatening to take over the entire yard. In a desperate attempt to use up the basil apocalypse, I started throwing it into everything… including, on a particularly wild day, a cinnamon sugar mix for snickerdoodle cookies.
The result? Mind-blowing! The sweet aromatic notes in basil actually complement cinnamon beautifully, creating this complex flavor profile that’s familiar yet intriguing.
Cinnamon-Basil Sugar Rub is perfect for sprinkling over everything from grilled stone fruits to buttery pastries to vanilla ice cream. It’s that little something special that makes people say, “Wow, what IS that?” And then you get to act all mysterious and chef-like while internally doing a happy dance because it took you approximately two minutes to make. Win-win!
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Cinnamon-Basil Sugar Rub
Unexpected Cinnamon-Basil Sugar Rub pairs warming cinnamon with aromatic basil for a sweet-herbaceous blend that adds intrigue to both desserts and savory dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4oz 1x
- Category: Sides & Sauces
Ingredients
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried basil, finely crushed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder (optional but wonderful)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions
- Mix together then store in a 4oz jar
Notes
- Serving size: 1-2 teaspoons per dessert serving
This unique sweet rub is a game-changer for desserts! Sprinkle Cinnamon-Basil Sugar Rub over grilled peaches or pineapple for a summer dessert that will make you look like a culinary genius. It’s also amazing on buttered toast, stirred into oatmeal, or rimming a glass for an extraordinary hot chocolate experience. For a simple yet impressive dinner party dessert, brush thick slices of pound cake with melted butter, sprinkle generously with this rub, then grill briefly on each side – serve with mascarpone cream and fresh berries for a dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Cinnamon-Basil Sugar Rub is also fantastic in baking – add it to cookie dough, cake batter, or quick bread for a unique twist on classic recipes. My daughter’s favorite after-school snack is “magic toast” – just butter a slice of bread, sprinkle with this rub, and broil until the sugar starts to caramelize. The aroma alone is worth the minimal effort! Store the rub in an airtight container and it will keep for several months, though the basil flavor is most vibrant in the first few weeks.
Has this unexpected flavor combo rocked your dessert world? Or have you discovered an amazing new use for it that I need to know about immediately? Share your sweet adventures in the comments – cooking is more fun when we’re brave enough to try unusual combinations!
