Name: Crunchy Cornflake 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; Powdered sugar; Berries

There’s just something irresistibly nostalgic about a breakfast dish with a crispy twist. This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe brings that perfect crunch to soft, custardy bread that makes every bite a little celebration of texture and flavor. I can’t wait to share why it’s such a winner for weekend brunches or whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss.

There are two thick pieces of golden brown French toast stacked on a white plate with a textured, crunchy crust on the outside. On top of the stack, there are fresh red strawberries, bright blue blueberries, and red raspberries, all dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. Some berries spill onto the plate around the toast. A white pitcher is pouring amber-colored syrup over the fruit and toast from the top right. A silver fork lies to the right of the plate, and the plate sits on a white marbled surface with a black and white checkered cloth underneath. 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 first stumbled on this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe when I wanted something beyond the usual. The cornflakes add a golden, buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the warm, tender inside of the bread. It’s playful, delicious, and hits that perfect combo of crispy and creamy every time.

Crispy, Yet Custardy: The cornflake coating keeps the toast delightfully crunchy without sacrificing that classic French toast softness inside.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything needed in your kitchen already—no fancy add-ons required.
Kid-Friendly: The crunchy texture and familiar sweetness make it a hit with little ones and adults alike.
Flexible and Fun: Switch up the bread type or toppings to suit your mood or what’s in season.

Two thick pieces of golden-brown French toast are stacked in the center of a white plate on a white marbled surface. The top layer is covered with a mix of fresh berries including bright red strawberries (one sliced in half showing the inside), deep red raspberries, and round dark blue blueberries. Some berries spill onto the plate around the toast. Powdered sugar is sprinkled over the toast and berries like a light dusting of snow. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, and a small white bowl filled with more mixed berries is visible in the background. The scene is softly lit, showing the texture of the crispy toast and freshness of the fruit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe plays a part in balancing flavor and texture. The eggs and milk create that classic custard, while vanilla and cinnamon bring warming spice notes. Cornflakes are the secret weapon, adding that crave-worthy crunch that makes this dish stand out.

Flat lay of large eggs with smooth shells, a small glass of whole milk, golden vanilla beans alongside a small dish of vanilla extract, a wooden spoon filled with warm brown ground cinnamon, clusters of crunchy golden cornflakes, thick slices of soft brioche bread with a light golden crust, fresh mixed berries including blueberries and raspberries, and a small pot of rich amber maple syrup, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Eggs: The base for the custard, eggs provide richness and structure to soak into the bread perfectly.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess, making the custard smooth without being too heavy.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of warmth and sweetness that elevates the flavor beautifully.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds subtle spice and depth—you can’t really go wrong with cinnamon in French toast.
Salt: Just a pinch brightens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cornflakes: Crushed just right, these bring that signature crunchy coating that sets this French toast apart.
Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick slices soak up the custard while staying sturdy enough for frying, plus their buttery flavor complements the cornflakes wonderfully.
Unsalted Butter: For cooking—gives a lovely golden crust without overpowering flavors.
Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, Berries: Perfect finishing touches for a sweet, fresh, and beautiful 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

What I love most about this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Sometimes I swap brioche for thick-cut sourdough or add a dash of nutmeg to the custard for a cozy twist. Feel free to make it yours — the crunch stays amazing no matter what!

Variation: I’ve tried using gluten-free bread before and it still worked beautifully, just watch the soak time since different breads absorb differently.
Seasonal Touch: Add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice in the fall or a hint of orange zest in spring—it’s a simple way to make it feel fresh.
Sweet or Savory: For a savory spin, swap cinnamon for herbs and use sharp cheddar cheese melted on top after cooking—yum!

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

Step 1: Mix the Magic Custard

In a shallow pan or pie plate, whisk together eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until everything’s well combined and slightly frothy. This ensures each slice soaks evenly and gets that irresistible flavor through and through.

Step 2: Prep Your Cornflake Crunch

Take your cornflakes and gently crush them with your hands—aim for small pieces but not powder. This texture is key; it gives a satisfying crunch without falling apart too easily when cooking. Spread them out in a large bowl ready to coat your custard-soaked bread.

Step 3: Dip & Coat With Care

Dip each thick slice of brioche or challah in the egg mixture, flipping to coat both sides well. Then press each side into the crushed cornflakes—don’t be shy about pressing gently so the flakes stick well. Set the coated slices on a baking sheet or platter to get ready for cooking.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat up a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and melt a bit of unsalted butter. Cook the French toast for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until beautifully golden brown and crunchy. You’ll want to keep the heat moderate so the custard cooks through but the cornflakes don’t burn.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Crunchy Cornflake French Toast warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a handful of fresh berries. It’s that gorgeous balance of sweet, crunchy, and soft that makes it pure comfort on a plate.

Top Tip

Throughout my experiences making the Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe, I’ve learned a few nuggets that help you nail it every time. Don’t worry if it’s your first attempt—I’ve made plenty of small tweaks over the years to keep it foolproof and delicious.

Flake Size Matters: Crush your cornflakes enough to stick nicely, but keep some texture for the best crunch factor.
Don’t Over-Soak: Too long in the egg mix will make your bread soggy and hard to coat well with cornflakes.
Butter + Medium Heat: Use unsalted butter and keep your pan on medium heat to get that golden crust without burning the cornflake coating.
Keep Warm Trick: Pop finished slices on a wire rack inside a 200°F oven to stay warm and crispy while you finish cooking the rest.

How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe

Crunchy Cornflake French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I personally love topping this crunchy French toast with a mix of powdered sugar and fresh berries—like juicy blueberries or sweet strawberries. A drizzle of warm maple syrup ties it all together with that classic sweet finish. Sometimes I throw on chopped toasted nuts too for an extra crunch.

Side Dishes

A handful of crispy bacon or breakfast sausages complements the sweet crunch perfectly in my book. If you want something lighter, a fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie pairs beautifully and keeps things balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch with friends, I like to stack the slices neatly and top them with a fresh berry compote or whipped cream. You could even thread bite-sized pieces on skewers for a playful finger food look at parties—guaranteed to be a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Crunchy Cornflake French Toast (which is rare in my house!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The crunch fades a bit but it stays tasty for about 2 days. I recommend reheating it in a toaster oven for best results.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked French toast on baking sheets first, then transferred to freezer bags. When you want to enjoy it, toaster ovens work wonders for reheating while preserving some crunchiness. Just avoid the microwave since it tends to make the crust soggy.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to help crisp up the coating again. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out. This method really brings back that freshly-cooked texture best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cereal instead of cornflakes?

You can experiment with other cereals like crushed Rice Krispies or bran flakes, but cornflakes tend to have the perfect light crunch and stick well to the custard. Keep in mind texture differences may affect the final crispiness.

What’s the best bread for this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe?

Brioche and challah are ideal because of their soft texture and ability to soak up custard without falling apart. Thick-cut slices are key to hold the coating and maintain structure during frying.

How do I prevent the cornflakes from burning while cooking?

Cooking on medium heat with butter and not rushing the process helps. Also, crushing cornflakes too finely can cause quicker burning, so keep a slightly chunky texture to protect the crust.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

For dairy-free, substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter for cooking. For vegan, replace eggs with a flax egg or chickpea flour batter, though the texture will be a bit different but still tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to jazz up a classic. It’s approachable yet special, and every time I serve it, I get those happy, “oh wow!” reactions. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you won’t regret the crunch that turns simple French toast into a memorable treat.