If you love a breakfast that’s both comforting and delightfully crunchy, you’re in for a treat with this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe. Imagine thick slices of bread soaked in a spiced vanilla-egg custard, then coated in crispy crushed cornflakes before being fried to golden perfection. The result is an irresistible combination of soft, fluffy interior and a satisfyingly crunchy crust that turns ordinary French toast into a showstopper. Whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, this recipe delivers a wonderful texture and flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that work beautifully together. Each component plays a crucial role: from the creamy custard soak to the crispy cornflake coating, these ingredients are easy to find and essential for achieving that perfect balance of taste and texture.
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or Texas toast): Choose slightly stale bread for better soaking without falling apart.
- 2 large eggs: The base of the custard that binds and enriches the toast.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, making the toast tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, sweet aroma and depth to the custard.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle spiced note that complements the sweetness.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors for a balanced taste.
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional): A little extra sweetness for those who like their toast on the sweeter side.
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes: The secret to the irresistible crunchy exterior that sets this recipe apart.
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for cooking): Provides a golden, crisp crust and a rich flavor.
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit (optional): Perfect finishing touches for serving and presentation.
How to Make Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and sugar if you’re using it. This custard is where all the warm, comforting flavors combine, and it’s important to mix it well so that your bread absorbs the flavors evenly.
Step 2: Crush the Cornflakes
Place your cornflakes in a separate shallow bowl or plate and crush them slightly with your hands or a rolling pin. You want some texture to remain for that perfect crunch, so don’t pulverize them too finely.
Step 3: Dip and Coat the Bread
Take each slice of thick-cut bread and dip it into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side. Then immediately press both sides into the crushed cornflakes, ensuring an even coating. This step is critical to create that signature crispy crust that makes the Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat your butter or oil in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Carefully add the coated bread slices and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’ll want a golden-brown, crispy exterior that contrasts with the tender inside. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning and achieve the perfect crunch.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve your Crunchy Cornflake French Toast immediately while it’s still warm and crunchy on the outside. This is where the magic of texture and flavor comes alive on your plate.
How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe, dust the slices with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a pretty presentation. Fresh fruit such as berries, banana slices, or even a few mint leaves add color, brightness, and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the toast.
Side Dishes
Pairing this French toast with crispy breakfast bacon, a side of creamy yogurt, or even a small bowl of warm fruit compote turns it into a full and satisfying meal. The versatility of this recipe means it can be paired with sweet or savory sides to suit your mood or occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, assemble the Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe into a layered stack, drizzling generous amounts of maple syrup between each slice. You can also serve the toast cut into sticks alongside a small pot of caramel or chocolate dipping sauce for a playful brunch treat everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Crunchy Cornflake French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, place a paper towel underneath the slices to absorb any excess moisture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, flash freeze the coated but uncooked slices on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can cook fresh French toast in just a few minutes whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or conventional oven at medium heat to restore the crispiness of the cornflake coating. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make the crust soggy and takes away from that signature crunch of the Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cereal instead of cornflakes?
Absolutely! While crushed cornflakes provide the classic crispy texture, you can experiment with crushed granola, Rice Krispies, or even panko breadcrumbs for different flavors and crunch levels.
What bread is best for making this French toast?
Thick-cut breads like brioche or Texas toast are ideal because they soak up the custard without falling apart and provide a sturdy base for the crunchy coating.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat, just eggs, dairy, and bread.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based alternative and use oil instead of butter for cooking.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten it up, use whole-grain bread, reduce or omit the sugar, and pair with fresh fruit instead of syrup. Baking the toast instead of frying can also reduce added fat.
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe is one of those delicious breakfasts that feels like a treat but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients and steps. Its perfect crunch combined with warm, spiced custard-soaked bread is a breakfast win every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this easy twist will transform your morning routine into something truly special.
Print
Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crunchy French Toast recipe transforms the classic breakfast favorite into a crispy, golden delight by using crushed cornflakes as a coating. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, it offers a satisfying crunch and a sweet, comforting flavor. Ideal for a quick and easy brunch, this dish combines thick-cut bread soaked in a rich custard mixture and pan-fried to perfection, served with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit for a balanced morning treat.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Coating
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes
Main
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (such as brioche or Texas toast)
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for cooking)
To Serve
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and the optional sugar until well combined, ensuring a smooth custard base for soaking the bread.
- Crush the Cornflakes: Place the cornflakes in a separate shallow bowl or plate and crush them finely to create an even crunchy coating for the French toast.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of thick-cut bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side so it absorbs enough mixture without becoming soggy.
- Coat with Cornflakes: Press both sides of each soaked bread slice firmly into the crushed cornflakes, ensuring an even and thorough coating to achieve the desired crunch.
- Heat the Pan: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot and shimmering, ready to cook the French toast evenly without burning.
- Cook the French Toast: Add the coated bread slices to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until each side is golden brown and crispy, turning carefully to maintain the coating.
- Serve: Serve the crispy French toast immediately, topped with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh fruit if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use slightly stale bread as it holds up better when soaked and maintains its structure without becoming too soggy.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mixture for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Substitute crushed granola in place of cornflakes for a different texture and flavor profile.
