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.

Two thick pieces of crunchy golden-brown French toast stacked on a white plate, topped with fresh red strawberries, red raspberries, and dark blue blueberries. A woman's hand is pouring syrup from a white pitcher over the fruit, with syrup flowing softly. The toast has a crispy, crumbly texture on the outside. Some powdered sugar is sprinkled over the fruit and toast, and extra berries are placed on the plate. A silver fork sits on the right side of the plate, all set on a white marbled surface with a folded cloth beneath the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe

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.

A stack of three pieces of golden brown crispy toast is placed in the center of a round white plate. The toast is topped with fresh berries including red strawberries, bright red raspberries, and deep blue blueberries, which add vibrant colors and a juicy texture. Powdered sugar is lightly dusted over the toast and berries, giving a soft white contrast. Around the base of the toast, a few berries spill onto the plate. A vintage golden fork lies on the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a light-colored checkered cloth with a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of large brown eggs, a glass of whole milk, a small bottle of vanilla extract, a pile of golden cornflakes, thick slices of rich brioche bread, a pat of creamy unsalted butter, a jar of amber maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and vibrant mixed berries including blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

Cornflake French Toast - Serving Suggestion

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:

What bread works best for Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe?

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.

How do I keep the cornflake coating from falling off?

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.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

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.

How do I keep French toast warm while cooking multiple batches?

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!