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 something irresistibly delightful about a breakfast that’s creamy on the inside and lusciously crispy on the outside. This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe brings that perfect crunch that makes every forkful a little celebration. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to be your new favorite weekend treat.

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 still remember the first time I coated my French toast with crushed cornflakes instead of the usual breadcrumbs or plain batter. The crispy texture combined with the buttery toast was a game changer. This recipe brings together familiar flavors with a crispy twist that’s not just tasty but fun to make.

Perfect Crunch Every Time: Cornflakes give this French toast a satisfying crunch that stays crispy even after sitting on your plate for a few minutes.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just eggs, milk, cinnamon, and of course, cornflakes.
Easy to Customize: Whether you like it sweet with berries or a little indulgent with maple syrup, it’s easy to dress up to your taste.
Great for Guests: This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe feels special enough for company but simple enough to whip up on a relaxed morning.

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

Every ingredient here plays its part perfectly. I always use thick-sliced brioche or challah to soak up the egg mixture without falling apart—a key to that custardy inside you're aiming for. And those cornflakes? They're the secret to locking in the crunch and giving each bite a little extra magic.

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 backbone of your soaking mixture, eggs provide structure and richness.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps give the French toast a tender interior.
Vanilla Extract: Lends a sweet, fragrant aroma that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy spice that’s classic in French toast.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without being noticeable.
Cornflakes: Crushed to coat the bread and give that signature crispy texture.
Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick-sliced, soft but sturdy enough to hold the batter and cornflakes without becoming soggy.
Unsalted Butter: For cooking, so you control the salt level and get a nice golden crust.
Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, Berries: Optional but highly recommended toppings to add sweetness and freshness.

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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 mixing this up with different breads and toppings, depending on the season or mood. You can easily tailor this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe to your taste buds or dietary preferences — it’s a flexible base that invites play.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out cornflakes for crushed cinnamon cereal for an extra punch of spice — it’s a subtle yet fun twist.
Dairy-Free Option: Use your favorite plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, and replace butter with coconut oil for cooking. The recipe still shines!
Extra Indulgence: Add a smear of cream cheese or Nutella between two cornflake-coated slices for a decadent sandwich-style French toast.
Fruit Boost: Toss some sliced bananas or strawberries on top before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Egg Mixture and Cornflakes

Whisk four large eggs with ¾ cup whole milk, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a shallow dish until smooth. This mixture should be well combined and fragrant. Next, pour about four cups of cornflakes into a large bowl and crush them gently with your hands. You want the pieces small enough to coat the bread evenly but not reduced to dust—that crunch is what you’re after.

Step 2: Soak and Coat the Bread

Grab your thick slices of brioche or challah and dip one side into the egg mixture, giving it a quick soak but not so long that it gets soggy. Flip and repeat on the other side, then immediately press each side into the crushed cornflakes, letting the flakes adhere firmly. Set the coated slices on a plate or baking sheet while you do the rest.

Step 3: Cooking to Golden Perfection

Melt a bit of unsalted butter in a large skillet or on an electric griddle heated to around 350°F. Carefully place the coated bread slices down and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the cornflakes are toasty and crisp. Work in batches if needed, adding more butter as you go.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Warm

Serve your crunchy french toast warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and a handful of fresh berries for a bright, fresh contrast. This sweet and crunchy combo always gets compliments from friends and family.

Top Tip

Making this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe for the first time, I learned a few things that really make the difference between a good batch and a great batch. Here’s what’s worked best for me—and what might save you a little frustration.

Don’t Over-Soak the Bread: Keeping the bread from becoming mushy means the cornflakes stick better and stay crunchy during cooking.
Crush Cornflakes By Hand: Using your hands lets you control the size of the flakes so they’re not too fine or too big—a texture sweet spot!
Medium Heat Cooking: Cooking over medium heat ensures the outside crisps slowly without burning while the inside warms fully.
Keep Toast Warm in Oven: If you’re making for a crowd, warm finished slices on a wire rack in a 200°F oven to keep the crunch until served.

How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe

Crunchy Cornflake French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I tend to keep things simple but colorful—powdered sugar for a snow-dusted look, maple syrup for that classic sweet finish, and fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. The tartness cuts through the richness and adds a lovely burst of freshness.

Side Dishes

For a cozy brunch, I like pairing it with crispy bacon or sausage links and a side of scrambled eggs. If you want a lighter option, a green salad with lemon dressing also works surprisingly well!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered these French toast slices stacked with mascarpone and fresh fruit, then drizzled with honey or chocolate sauce. They make a stunning centerpiece for holiday breakfasts or birthday brunches, and your guests will be wowed by the crunch and flavor combo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend cooling them completely and storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to two days, but you’ll want to re-crisp them before eating.

Freezing

This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe actually freezes nicely. Lay cooled slices between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep for up to a month. It’s a lifesaver for busy mornings!

Reheating

To keep that crunchy exterior after reheating, pop frozen or refrigerated slices into a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain texture, as it tends to make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular cornflakes or do they need to be a specific kind?

You can use any regular cornflakes cereal you have on hand. The key is to crush them to a medium size so they create that great crunchy coating, not too fine and not whole flakes. Gluten-free varieties work fine too if needed.

What type of bread works best for this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe?

Thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal because they soak up the egg mixture beautifully without falling apart. That custardy inside with a crunchy outside is what you’re after, and softer breads like white sandwich bread might get too soggy.

How do I keep the cornflake coating from falling off during cooking?

Make sure to press the crushed cornflakes firmly onto both sides of the bread slices after dipping in egg mixture. Avoid soaking the bread too long, which can cause the coating to slide off. Cooking gently over medium heat also helps the coating to set and stay intact.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a crowd?

Absolutely! You can prep and coat the bread slices in advance and keep them on a baking sheet in the fridge for a few hours. When you’re ready, cook them fresh and keep warm in a low oven until serving to maintain that crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe has become one of my go-to breakfasts for its unbeatable crunchy texture and cozy, comforting flavors. It never gets old, and every time I make it, I’m reminded how a simple change—like adding crushed cornflakes—can turn an everyday dish into something wonderfully special. Give it a try on your next slow morning; I have a feeling you’ll be hooked just like I am!