There’s something downright irresistible about that perfect crunch paired with a tender, custardy center. This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe delivers exactly that—imagine golden cornflakes acting like a crispy armor around sweet, soft brioche. It’s a breakfast game changer you'll want to make again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I tried this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe—it was a revelation. The crispy cornflake coating adds such a delightful texture that takes classic French toast to a whole new level. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull off!
- Crunchy Texture: The cornflakes provide an unbeatable crunch that makes each bite extra satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge.
- Customizable: Easily tweak flavorings or toppings to suit your mood or occasion.
- Great For Entertaining: Impress guests with a fresh take on a comfort breakfast classic.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe plays its part to make sure you get the best balance of flavor and texture. From the richness of the eggs to the sweet crunch of cornflakes, I love how they all come together.
- Large Eggs: They provide the classic custard base that French toast is built on, helping the cornflake coating stick perfectly.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, making sure your bread stays tender inside.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash brightens the whole flavor, giving a warm, sweet aroma.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds cozy spice notes that pair beautifully with the sweet bread and cornflakes.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Cornflakes: This is the secret hero for crunch—crushing them just right ensures a crispy coating without turning into mush.
- Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick slices of these soft, rich breads soak up the custard perfectly and stay tender inside while toasting up crisp outside.
- Unsalted Butter: For cooking—it helps achieve a golden, buttery crust without overpowering the cornflake coating.
- Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, Berries: These finishing touches add sweetness, freshness, and a pretty presentation.
Make It Your Way
One of the reasons I love this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add a bit more spice or adjust for dietary needs, it’s super flexible. You’ll find your own perfect spin on it once you’ve made it a couple times!
- Variation: I’ve tried swapping out cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the fall—it’s a cozy twist that makes the French toast feel instantly seasonal.
- Gluten-Free Option: Try gluten-free challah or brioche to accommodate gluten sensitivities without losing that rich flavor.
- Vegan Tip: Use plant-based milk and a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and opt for coconut oil to crisp up the toast.
- Sweetness Level: Feel free to skip powdered sugar and rely on syrup and fresh fruit for natural sweetness if you prefer.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Your Custard Mix
First things first, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a shallow dish. I like using a pie plate or something wide enough so I can dip the bread easily. Whisking thoroughly means your custard is well blended and the cinnamon is evenly dispersed, so no clumps or surprises when you bite in.
Step 2: Prep the Cornflakes Coating
Place your cornflakes in a large bowl and gently crush them with your hands. You want smaller, manageable flakes—not fine crumbs—so the coating stays crunchy. This step is key. Too much crushing and your cornflakes lose their crunch; too little and they might fall off when cooking.
Step 3: Dunk, Coat, and Press
Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure it’s soaked but not soggy, then immediately dip into the crushed cornflakes. Press gently so the flakes stick well on both sides. I usually set them aside on a baking sheet while I prep the rest — this saves time and keeps you organized.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Melt butter on a medium-heat griddle or skillet. Place slices down and cook about 3-4 minutes per side or until the outside is a radiant golden brown and the cornflakes are crisp. Keep an eye on the heat—too high, and your crust might burn before the bread cooks through.
Top Tip
From my many weekend morning experiments with this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe, I’ve learned these tips really make the difference between good and truly great results.
- Keep Cornflakes Crunchy: Don’t pre-crush cornflakes too early or expose them to moisture; crush them just before coating.
- Use Thick Bread Slices: I prefer thick-cut brioche or challah—this soaks up the custard and holds the coating better without falling apart.
- Moderate Heat Cooking: Medium heat prevents burning the cornflake crust while allowing the inside to cook fully.
- Keep Warm: If making batches, keep finished pieces warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack so they stay crispy, not soggy.
How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with a generous drizzle of real maple syrup for that classic sweetness and a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy touch. Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a juicy pop that balances the crunch perfectly. Sometimes, I add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence—because why not?
Side Dishes
For a complete brunch, I love pairing this French toast with crisp bacon or breakfast sausage to add savory contrast. A fresh fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait also complements the sweet and crunchy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or brunch parties, stack the French toast slices in layers on a pretty platter, alternating with fresh fruit and mint leaves. I’ve even served mini squares as finger food with skewers for a fun twist that guests love. Presentation really elevates this simple recipe into a celebration-worthy dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers? No problem! I usually let the French toast cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The crunch softens a bit, but reheating helps bring some crispiness back.
Freezing
I’ve had good luck freezing the cooked French toast by placing individual slices on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a zip-top bag. This way, you can pull out just what you need for a quick breakfast anytime.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes to restore that golden crunch. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to keep the crisp coating intact, as it tends to get soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal because they absorb the egg custard without falling apart and give a rich, tender texture. Avoid thin or crumbly breads that can get too soggy or break under the cornflake crust.
To keep the coating intact, make sure to press the crushed cornflakes firmly onto both sides of the soaked bread right after dipping it into the egg mixture. Also, cook on medium heat to avoid crust burning before it sets. Lastly, don’t over-soak the bread so it’s not overly wet.
Yes! For a vegan version, swap eggs for a flax or chia egg, and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Cook using coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives. The texture won’t be exactly the same but still delicious and satisfying.
I always place cooked slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. This method keeps the French toast warm without becoming soggy. Avoid stacking slices as that traps steam and ruins the crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe has truly become a staple in my weekend breakfasts. There’s something about that satisfying crunch combined with soft, custardy bread that just makes mornings feel special. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it, and I hope it brightens your brunch table like it does mine. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast treat!
Print
Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crunchy French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, featuring thick slices of Brioche or Challah bread dipped in a cinnamon-spiced egg mixture and coated with crispy crushed cornflakes. Cooked until golden brown and served with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries, this recipe offers a crunchy texture and rich flavor perfect for a comforting morning treat.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Coating
- 4 cups cornflakes
Main
- 8 thick slices Brioche or Challah bread
- Unsalted butter, for cooking
For Serving
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Berries
Instructions
- Preheat Cooking Surface: If using an electric griddle, preheat it to 350 degrees F. Alternatively, prepare a large skillet over medium heat for cooking.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a shallow pan or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined and smooth.
- Crush Cornflakes: Place the cornflakes in a large bowl and crush them gently with your hands until the pieces are small but still slightly chunky and uniform in size, avoiding turning them into fine crumbs.
- Dip Bread in Egg Mixture: Dip each side of the Brioche or Challah bread slices into the egg mixture, ensuring the slices are well soaked but not overly saturated.
- Coat with Cornflakes: Immediately after dipping in the egg mixture, press each side of the bread slices into the crushed cornflakes in the bowl, making sure the flakes adhere well on both sides. Set the coated slices aside on a baking sheet or platter.
- Cook the French Toast: Melt a small amount of unsalted butter on the preheated griddle or skillet over medium heat. Cook each slice of French toast for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Warm: Serve the crunchy French toast warm, topped with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh berries as desired.
Notes
- To keep French toast warm before serving, preheat the oven to 200 degrees F and place cooked slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, keeping them warm for up to 30 minutes.
- You can substitute Brioche or Challah with thick slices of other rich bread like Texas toast if preferred.
- Adjust the cinnamon and vanilla quantities to taste for a stronger or milder flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter for cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
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