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

Scale

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)

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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.