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 (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)

There’s something simply magical about the way crisp cornflakes hug golden, fluffy bread in this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe. It’s an everyday breakfast upgrade that transforms your morning with crunch and comfort all in one bite.

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

This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe has a special place in my weekend routine because it’s both indulgent and surprisingly simple. The cornflakes add this addictive crunch that you won’t get with regular French toast, making each bite exciting.

Perfect Texture: The cornflakes create a crisp coating that stays crunchy even when sandwiched between soft, custardy bread.
Easy Ingredients: No need for fancy pantry items — just eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and good bread.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap bread types or add toppings to suit your mood or fridge contents.
Great for Company: It feels fancy enough for weekend brunch guests but straightforward enough for busy mornings.

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 here brings something crucial to the table — from flavor depth to texture. Choosing the right basics sets you up for that perfect Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe triumph.

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: They’re the backbone, giving the custardy soak that makes the bread tender but sturdy enough to hold the cornflake coating.
Whole Milk: Adds richness — you can swap for cream or plant milk, but whole milk balances custardiness without heaviness.
Vanilla Extract: Layered warmth that rounds out the sweetness without being overpowering.
Ground Cinnamon: A little spice magic that complements the cornflakes and gives cozy aroma.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance flavors and balance sweetness.
Cornflakes: The star of the show — crushed to just the right size so each piece crisps beautifully on the outside.
Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick, soft, and slightly sweet — perfect for soaking and holding up well without sogging through.
Unsalted Butter: For cooking — it adds flavor and helps get that golden crust without burning.
Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, Berries: Classic finishing touches that brighten and sweeten 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

I love tweaking this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe based on what’s in season or what flavors I’m craving—this is your playground! Feel free to swap breads, spices, or toppings to make it truly yours.

Variation: Once, I tried using cinnamon raisin bread instead of brioche — the raisins added bursts of sweetness that were a hit with my family.
Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter — it works surprisingly well!
Extra Crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts with the cornflakes for an even heartier crunch.
Seasonal Twist: Add nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice during fall for a cozy seasonal spin.

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

Step 1: Whisk Up the Custard Mix

Start by whisking together eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a shallow pan. I like using a pie plate here — it’s shallow and wide, perfect for dipping. Keep that mixture smooth and well combined, so every slice can soak evenly.

Step 2: Prep the Cornflakes Coating

Take your cornflakes and gently crush them with your hands into smaller bits but not powder. This step is important because you want the flakes to stick and provide texture, not turn into crumbs. Toss them into a large bowl to prepare for coating.

Step 3: Dip & Coat Your Bread

Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the egg mixture, letting it absorb the liquid but not get soggy. Then press each side firmly into the crushed cornflakes, making sure the coating sticks well. I place them on a baking sheet to keep them organized and ready to cook.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Melt a little unsalted butter on your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the coated bread slices for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Patience here is key — if your heat is too high, the cornflakes can burn before the inside cooks.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Toppings

Serve immediately with maple syrup, dusted powdered sugar, and fresh berries. Don’t skip the berries; their tartness brightens up every bite of the crunchy, sweet French toast.

Top Tip

From plenty of mornings in the kitchen, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe foolproof and extra delicious.

Crush With Care: Avoid pulverizing your cornflakes into dust — keeping a bit of chunkiness ensures that desirable crunch.
Keep Your Heat Moderate: Cooking low and slow lets the French toast crisp up without burning the coating or undercooking the inside.
Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread soaks custard without falling apart, but fresh works in a pinch.
Layer Toppings Last: I always add syrup and berries just before serving to maintain that crunchy texture.

How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe

Cornflake French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for classic garnishes: a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and a handful of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for that pop of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory counterbalance. On lighter days, a fresh fruit salad or a smoothie on the side keeps things fresh and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch, I like stacking the Crunchy Cornflake French Toast slices with layers of whipped cream and berries in a trifle dish. It’s both stunning and delicious! Or place slices artfully on a platter with edible flowers for an Instagram-worthy spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — which is rare — I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To keep the coating crispy, I reheat them on a wire rack in the oven instead of the microwave.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked Crunchy Cornflake French Toast slices by placing parchment between layers in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready, I pop them straight in the oven from frozen — it revives the crunch nicely.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat while keeping that crunch is to place the slices on a wire rack in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving unless you don’t mind losing a bit of that crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cereals besides cornflakes?

Yes! While cornflakes give the ideal crunch and adhesion, you can experiment with crushed Rice Krispies or even bran flakes for a different texture. Just make sure whatever you use is crushed into small, uniform pieces.

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

Brioche and challah are my favorites because they’re rich, soft, and thickly sliced, great for soaking up custard without falling apart. Day-old bread works best so it doesn’t get soggy while dipping.

How do I keep the cornflake coating from falling off?

Press the crushed cornflakes firmly onto each side of the soaked bread before cooking. Also, letting the slices sit on a plate for a few minutes before cooking can help the coating adhere better. Cooking over medium heat avoids burning and helps the crust set nicely.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan?

Yes, by substituting eggs with a flax or chia egg and using plant-based milk like almond or oat, plus vegan butter for cooking, you can make a vegan-friendly version. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious and crunchy!

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe is one of those joyful surprises I love sharing. It’s comfort food elevated with a fun crunch and sweetness that feels just right—whether for a lazy weekend or a brunch with friends. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own; once you do, I bet it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.