There’s something utterly delightful about the satisfying crunch paired with the soft, custardy inside in this Crunchy Cornflake Coated French Toast Recipe. It’s a breakfast that makes every bite an experience — perfect for when you want to impress yourself or guests.

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 Coated French Toast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake Coated French Toast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crunchy Cornflake Coated French Toast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment I first tasted the golden crunch of cornflakes coating the tender French toast, I knew this was a breakfast game-changer. It elevates simple ingredients into something truly memorable.

Ultimate texture: The cornflakes give an irresistible crispy crust, totally different from traditional French toast.
Easy to make: Despite the fancy look, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and quick steps anyone can master.
Customizable: You can tweak the spices or type of bread easily to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Perfect for company: It looks impressive on the plate and tastes amazing, making it a great weekend brunch dish.

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

The magic of this Crunchy Cornflake Coated French Toast Recipe comes down to balancing creamy custard-soaked bread with the toasted crunch of crushed cornflakes. Here’s why each ingredient deserves a moment of appreciation.

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 bind everything together and create that rich custard base that softens the bread inside.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps with the custardy texture—avoid skim milk to keep it luscious.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor — don’t skimp here, it’s key for that inviting aroma.
Ground cinnamon: Gives just a hint of spice that complements the sweet maple syrup perfectly.
Salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cornflakes: The star of the show — crush them to pieces small enough to coat the bread evenly but not powdery, so you get crunch without grit.
Brioche or Challah bread: Thick slices are essential here; their soft crumb soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
Unsalted butter: For cooking, it lets you control seasoning and avoids overpowering the toast’s flavor.
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries: Classic toppings that add sweetness, freshness, and a pretty finish.

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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 to adjust this Crunchy Cornflake Coated French Toast Recipe depending on the mood or occasion. Sometimes I swap the cinnamon for a sprinkle of nutmeg or add a pinch of cardamom for an exotic twist. You should feel free to experiment too!

Variation: One time, I swapped brioche for thick-cut sourdough, and it added a slight tang that paired wonderfully with sweet maple syrup.
Diet-friendly: You can use almond milk or oat milk in place of whole milk for a dairy-free option.
Add-ins: Fold chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the cornflakes for extra surprise in each bite.

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

Step 1: Whisk Your Custard Mixture

Start by combining the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl or pie plate. Use a whisk to beat everything together until it’s smooth and well incorporated. This mixture is the secret to tender, flavorful French toast.

Step 2: Prep the Cornflake Crunch

Pour the cornflakes into a large bowl and gently crush them with your hands until most pieces are small but still have some texture. This ensures each slice gets a nice crunchy coating without turning into powder.

Step 3: Dip and Coat the Bread

One by one, dip each thick slice of brioche or challah bread into the custard mixture, making sure both sides soak up plenty of the eggy goodness. Next, press each side into the crushed cornflakes, coating thoroughly. Set aside on a baking sheet—you’ll thank yourself for being organized here!

Step 4: Cook to Golden Crunch Perfection

Melt a bit of unsalted butter on a preheated griddle or skillet over medium heat. Add each coated slice and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the inside feels tender. Adjust your heat if things brown too fast—you want crisp without burning.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Toppings

Serve your crunchy masterpieces warm, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh berries for a pop of color and brightness. Trust me, every bite is worth savoring slowly.

Top Tip

Having made this Crunchy Cornflake Coated French Toast Recipe many times, I’ve learned a few tips that really elevate the results and help avoid common pitfalls.

Use thick slices of bread: Thin bread just won’t hold up to soaking and coating—go for at least one-inch slices for best texture.
Don’t over-soak: Dip bread briefly in custard, otherwise it gets soggy and falls apart.
Press the cornflakes in well: Gently but firmly press the flakes onto the bread so they stick during cooking.
Medium heat cooking: Too hot and the cornflakes burn before bread cooks through; too low and you lose the crisp texture.

How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake Coated French Toast Recipe

cornflake coated French toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I typically crown these golden toasts with a drizzle of real maple syrup and scatter fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, making each bite feel special.

Side Dishes

Serving this Crunchy Cornflake Coated French Toast Recipe with crispy bacon or sausage on the side always hits the spot for me. A fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait adds balance and a refreshing counterpoint to the rich toast.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties, I love stacking the French toast slices like a little tower on a platter, layered with berries and dollops of whipped cream. It makes a stunning centerpiece and invites guests to dig right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or a sealed container. Stored in the fridge, they keep well for up to 2 days without losing too much crispness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I freeze individual slices on a baking tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. It’s easy to reheat a few slices for a quick breakfast anytime.

Reheating

To keep the crunch alive when reheating, I pop leftover slices into a toaster oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. It restores crisp edges much better and tastes almost fresh-made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of bread is best for Crunchy Cornflake Coated French Toast Recipe?

Thick-cut brioche or challah are ideal because they soak up the custard well while keeping their structure, making them perfect for this crunchy coating.

Can I use other cereals instead of cornflakes?

Yes, you can experiment with cereals like crushed rice krispies or even bran flakes for different textures, but cornflakes provide the most classic, satisfying crunch that works perfectly in this recipe.

How do I prevent the cornflake coating from falling off?

Make sure to press the crushed cornflakes firmly onto both sides of the custard-soaked bread slices. Cooking on medium heat also helps the coating set and crisp without burning or sliding off.

Can Crunchy Cornflake Coated French Toast be made dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the whole milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter or oil for cooking. The texture and flavor will still shine.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Cornflake Coated French Toast Recipe has fast become one of my favorite weekend rituals. It’s comforting yet exciting, easy yet impressive—and each bite sings with contrast and flavor. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Trust me, once you try that buttery crunch paired with soft, custardy bread, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your breakfast rotation!