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, for serving; Powdered sugar, for serving; Berries, for serving

There’s something just so satisfying about biting into a golden slice that crackles with texture and flavor. That’s exactly why I adore this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe—it’s a breakfast that’s both comforting and exciting, with that unbeatable crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

Two thick pieces of crunchy golden-brown French toast stacked on a white plate, topped with fresh red strawberries, red raspberries, and dark blue blueberries. A woman's hand is pouring syrup from a white pitcher over the fruit, with syrup flowing softly. The toast has a crispy, crumbly texture on the outside. Some powdered sugar is sprinkled over the fruit and toast, and extra berries are placed on the plate. A silver fork sits on the right side of the plate, all set on a white marbled surface with a folded cloth beneath the plate. 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 isn’t just any French toast. I fell in love with this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe the first time I tried it because it combines the fluffiness you expect with a crispy, flaky crust that makes breakfast feel like a special treat. It’s quick to whip up and feels fancy without any fuss.

Unexpected Crunch: Cornflakes add a fun, crispy twist that contrasts perfectly with soft, custardy bread inside.
Rich Flavor: A hint of vanilla and cinnamon turns this simple breakfast into a cozy, aromatic delight.
Easy to Make: No complicated ingredients or steps—just basics you probably already have.
Flexible & Fun: Customize with your favorite breads, toppings, or even vegan options for a personal touch.

A stack of three pieces of golden brown crispy toast is placed in the center of a round white plate. The toast is topped with fresh berries including red strawberries, bright red raspberries, and deep blue blueberries, which add vibrant colors and a juicy texture. Powdered sugar is lightly dusted over the toast and berries, giving a soft white contrast. Around the base of the toast, a few berries spill onto the plate. A vintage golden fork lies on the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a light-colored checkered cloth with a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe really lies in the harmony between simple, trusted ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and warmly spiced goodness.

Flat lay of large brown eggs, a glass of whole milk, a small bottle of vanilla extract, a pile of golden cornflakes, thick slices of rich brioche bread, a pat of creamy unsalted butter, a jar of amber maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and vibrant mixed berries including blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Eggs: They’re the base that binds everything together and provide that rich custard texture.
Whole milk: Creamy and essential for a luscious soak that keeps the bread soft inside.
Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant depth that lifts the flavors beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: Warm and aromatic, it makes the taste feel cozy and inviting.
Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Cornflakes: The star of the show—a crispy coating that sticks to the bread and toasts up golden and crunchy.
Brioche or Challah bread: Thick-sliced and slightly sweet, these breads soak up the custard perfectly and hold their shape well.
Unsalted butter: For cooking, it adds flavor without overpowering and helps crisp that cornflake crust.
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries: Classic toppings that add sweetness, freshness, and a pop of color.

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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 depending on what you’ve got in the kitchen or your mood that morning. I often swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the fall or add a teaspoon of orange zest for a bright twist.

Gluten-Free Variation: Try gluten-free bread and gluten-free cornflakes for a safe, still delicious version I make for friends.
Dairy-Free Option: Use your favorite plant-based milk and coconut oil instead of butter to suit your needs.
Extra Crunch: For the ultimate crisp, sprinkle some crushed nuts into the cornflake coating like pecans or almonds.
Sweet or Savory: Swap maple syrup for a dusting of cinnamon sugar, or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the egg mixture for a savory spin I’ve experimented with.

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

Step 1: Whisk Up the Custard Magic

Start by cracking your eggs into a shallow dish or pie plate—this helps with easy dipping. Add the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything vigorously until it’s combined and a bit frothy. This mix will give your French toast that custard-rich bite we love. Don’t rush this part—whisking well ensures even flavor and texture throughout.

Step 2: Crush the Cornflakes for the Perfect Crust

Dump your cornflakes into a large bowl and crush them gently with your hands. You want the flakes broken down into smaller, more uniform pieces but not dust or powder. This size makes the coating crispy without becoming mushy. I like getting my kids involved here—it’s fun and gets their hands messy!

Step 3: Dipping Dance

Take each slice of bread and immerse it in the egg mixture, flipping to soak each side well. Then, press both sides into the crushed cornflakes, gently patting to coat. You want even coverage but don’t press so hard the cornflakes fall apart. Place the coated slices on a platter or baking sheet while you work through the batch. It’s a bit of a dance but trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter. When it’s hot and bubbling, lay in the coated slices. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until each side is a beautiful golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on the heat—too high, and the cornflakes burn before the inside’s cooked; too low, and you lose that crisp.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Crunchy Cornflake French Toast warm, accompanied by maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and some fresh berries for that burst of freshness. I like to add a pat of butter on top too—it melts into the crunchy crust, making every bite luscious.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe multiple times, these tips have made all the difference between “good” and “wow!” moments in the kitchen.

Perfect Cornflake Size: Crushing the cornflakes by hand gives you better texture control than a blender or food processor, which can pulverize them too much.
Use Thick-Cut Bread: I’ve found that choosing sturdy breads like brioche or challah helps them soak the custard without falling apart or becoming soggy.
Medium Heat Is Key: Cooking on medium heat ensures you get that golden crust without burning the cornflakes or undercooking the inside.
Warm Oven Holding: If making for a group, hold finished slices in a 200°F oven on a wire rack—this keeps them crispy while you finish cooking the batch.

How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe

Cornflake French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about adding simple, fresh touches that shine with the crunch. I usually sprinkle powdered sugar for a touch of elegance, toss on fresh berries like blueberries or sliced strawberries for brightness, and drizzle warm maple syrup for classic sweetness. A small pat of butter that melts into the toast just before serving is my personal favorite finishing touch.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I love pairing this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for savory contrast. A simple spinach and avocado salad on the side also adds freshness and balances the richness, especially if you’re serving it for brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I stack the French toast slices, layer with mascarpone cheese and berries between each, then drizzle with syrup for a pretty, layered tower. I’ve also tried cutting the toast into bite-sized sticks for a fun, dippable breakfast treat at weekend family gatherings—everyone loved it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend placing parchment paper between slices to keep that tempting crunch intact as much as possible.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked slices successfully by laying them flat on a baking sheet until solid, then stacking with parchment paper in freezer bags. They keep well for a month or two and make for a great quick breakfast option.

Reheating

To reheat and preserve that crunch, I pop frozen or refrigerated slices into a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Microwaving tends to make the crust soggy, so I avoid that whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cereals besides cornflakes?

You can experiment with different cereals, but cornflakes are great because they’re sturdy and crisp up nicely when cooked. Flakier cereals like Rice Krispies tend to get soggy faster and lose that crunch.

What kind of bread works best for this recipe?

Thick slices of brioche or challah are the best because they absorb the custard well without falling apart. Avoid very soft or thin breads like sliced sandwich bread, which might get too soggy or break easily.

How do I keep the French toast crunchy if making ahead?

As you cook them, keep the French toast warm on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. This prevents steam from softening the crust. Avoid stacking them until serving to maintain maximum crunch.

Can I make this vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, supplement eggs with a flax or chia seed “egg” substitute, and cook with coconut or vegan butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe holds a special place in my breakfast rotation because it transforms a classic into something playful and irresistible. It’s an easy recipe that delivers impressive results every time. I really hope you try it out—you might just find it becomes your new go-to weekend treat as it has for me and many friends!