Name: Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 4 cups cornflakes; 8 thick slices Brioche or Challah bread; Unsalted butter, for cooking; Maple syrup, for serving; Powdered sugar, for serving; Berries, for serving

There's something undeniably delightful about the way textures play together in breakfast, and this Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe really nails that perfect balance of crispy and fluffy. The cornflake crust gives a wonderful crunch that turns simple French toast into an irresistible treat 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 Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my weekend morning routine because it turns the humble French toast into something truly extraordinary with its crunchy cornflake coating. It’s a little nostalgic, easy to prepare, and always impresses guests or family alike.

Unexpected Crunch: The cornflakes add a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior of the bread.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything in your pantry already, making this recipe easy and fuss-free.
Versatility: It pairs well with sweet or savory toppings—making it perfect for any breakfast mood.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the coated slices ahead and cook them fresh, great for busy mornings or brunch parties.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a key role in creating that perfect French toast experience—the creamy custard base, the crispy coating, and the rich bread all come together beautifully. Plus, I'll share some tips to help you pick the best options when shopping.

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

Eggs: Essential for the custard bath, eggs provide structure and richness that bind flavors with the bread.
Whole Milk: Using whole milk helps keep the custard rich and creamy—don’t skimp for skim or it won’t be as luscious.
Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, sweet aroma that elevates the flavor profile without overpowering.
Ground Cinnamon: Just a hint makes all the difference, bringing warmth and depth to every bite.
Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the other flavors perfectly.
Cornflakes: The secret star here — crush them gently so they keep a satisfying crunch without turning to dust.
Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick, buttery bread soaks up the custard but still holds it together under the crunchy coating—avoid thin or stale slices.
Unsalted Butter: For cooking to get that golden sear and add subtle richness without extra saltiness.
Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, Berries: Classic toppings that add sweetness, color, and freshness to your plate.

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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 joys I find with this Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to match your taste—swapping spices, changing up the bread, or even changing the coating can create entirely new experiences!

Variation: I sometimes swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the fall, which adds a lovely autumnal twist that my family adores.
Dietary Switch: For gluten-free options, I use gluten-free cornflakes and bread. It works just as well and nobody misses traditional flour!
Crunch Boost: Adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts mixed with the cornflakes gives an extra nutty crunch I find irresistible.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up The Perfect Custard

I start by whisking eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt together in a shallow bowl. This step is crucial. Make sure the cinnamon is evenly distributed so every bite has that warm spice touch. I always use a pie plate because the wide surface makes dipping the bread quick and easy.

Step 2: Prep The Cornflake Coating

Next, I crush the cornflakes by hand in a large bowl. You want them broken into smaller, uniform pieces, but not pulverized into dust. This texture provides that signature crunch. I find pressing gently between my palms gives the best results. Avoid using a food processor here, as it can over-grind the flakes.

Step 3: Dip and Coat with Care

Now the fun part—dip each thick slice of bread in the custard, coating both sides well but not letting it get too soggy. Then press each side into the crushed cornflakes, applying gentle pressure to get those flakes to stick nicely. Place each slice on a flat surface to keep its crispy coating intact while you finish the batch.

Step 4: Cook to Crunchy Perfection

I melt unsalted butter on my skillet over medium heat and cook the coated slices for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust that’s crisp but not burnt. Keep the heat steady—too hot and the coating will burn before the inside cooks through. If you’re making a bunch, keep finished slices warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack.

Top Tip

Having tried a few different ways, I've learned these insider tricks help you get the best results and avoid common pitfalls when making the Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe.

Right Bread Choice: Thick slices of soft brioche or challah hold up best without falling apart when dipped and cooked.
Gentle Cornflake Crushing: Crushing the flakes by hand prevents powdery mess and keeps that satisfying crunch.
Medium Heat Cooking: Cooking too fast on high heat burns the coating before the egg custard cooks through—medium heat is your friend.
Keep Warm in Oven: If cooking in batches, use a low oven with a wire rack to keep slices crispy rather than soggy.

How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe

cornflake French toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries like raspberries and blueberries, and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. The fresh fruit adds brightness and the syrup gives just the right level of sweet stickiness to complement that cornflake crunch.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this French toast with crispy bacon or breakfast sausages for savory contrast. A side of fresh fruit salad or even a spinach and mushroom sauté works beautifully too, especially if you're aiming for a balance of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like stacking the French toast slices tall, layering a bit of whipped cream and berries between them like a breakfast cake. You can also cut the slices into triangles and arrange them like a fan on the plate with a berry compote drizzle for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When I’ve done this, the coating keeps its crunch surprisingly well, especially if you reheat them properly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover French toast slices by flash-freezing them individually on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight bag. They freeze beautifully and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a quick breakfast fix.

Reheating

To reheat and preserve the crunch, I recommend using a toaster oven or regular oven set to 350°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid microwaving unless you don't mind losing that delightful crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cereals instead of cornflakes?

Yes! While cornflakes provide the classic crunch and mild flavor, you can experiment with other cereals like rice crisps or crushed bran flakes. Just be sure to crush them to a similar size and check how they toast to avoid burning.

What type of bread is best for this recipe?

Using thick slices of rich breads such as brioche or challah is best because they soak up the custard without falling apart and create a soft interior under the crunchy coating. Avoid thin, crusty bread which won’t hold the custard as well.

How do I keep the French toast crispy after cooking?

After cooking, keep your French toast warm in a low oven (around 200°F) on a wire rack so the steam doesn’t make them soggy. This technique helps maintain that wonderful cornflake crunch until you’re ready to serve.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking. The texture may vary slightly but the crunchiness remains delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe has easily become a favorite in my kitchen because it turns ordinary breakfast into a little celebration of textures and flavors. It’s easy to make, customizable, and just fun to eat. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll want to keep this one in your rotation—as I do—whenever you want to impress or just treat yourself to something scrumptiously different.