Description
This Crunchy French Toast recipe features thick slices of brioche or challah bread dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, coated with crushed cornflakes for an irresistible crunchy texture, and cooked to golden perfection. Served warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries, it offers a delightful twist on classic French toast that's perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Coating
- 4 cups cornflakes
Bread
- 8 thick slices Brioche or Challah bread
For Cooking and Serving
- Unsalted butter, for cooking
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for serving
- Berries, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the cooking surface: If using an electric griddle, preheat it to 350 degrees F. Alternatively, prepare a large skillet over medium heat.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a shallow pan or pie plate, whisk together eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Prepare the cornflake coating: Place the cornflakes in a large bowl and crush them gently with your hands until pieces are small but not reduced to crumbs, aiming for somewhat uniform size.
- Dip the bread slices: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Then press each side into the crushed cornflakes, ensuring flakes adhere evenly. 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. Cook the coated bread slices for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crunchy.
- Serve: Serve the French toast warm, topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries as desired for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat.
Notes
- To keep French toast warm before serving, preheat the oven to 200 degrees F and place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Arrange cooked French toast on the rack and keep warm for up to 30 minutes.
- Using thick slices of brioche or challah bread helps achieve the best texture and soaking without falling apart.
- Gently crush cornflakes by hand to maintain some crunch and avoid coating becoming too powdery.
- Butter can be replaced with a neutral oil for a different flavor profile or to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Fresh berries can be substituted with other fruits such as sliced bananas or peaches for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg