Name: Crunchy Cornflakes 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

Crunchy, golden, and oh-so-satisfying, this Crunchy Cornflakes French Toast Recipe brings a delightful twist to your breakfast plate. The crispy cornflake coating adds a perfect crunch that pairs wonderfully with soft, custardy bread inside—it's like your favorite childhood cereal meets a classic brunch staple.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Crunchy Cornflakes French Toast Recipe—it instantly became a weekend favorite. It’s got the perfect balance of textures and flavors that just feel like a little celebration in every bite.

Delicious Crunch Factor: The cornflakes coating turns ordinary French toast into something irresistibly crispy on the outside.
Simple Ingredients: It uses pantry staples you likely already have, making it super easy and quick to whip up.
Perfect for Special Occasions or Weekends: Feels fancy but isn’t complicated, so you can impress without stress.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with different breads, spices, or toppings to suit your family's tastes.

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 in this Crunchy Cornflakes French Toast Recipe comes from a few simple ingredients working in harmony. The eggs and milk create a creamy custard, cinnamon adds warmth, and cornflakes give that signature crunch. Choosing thick, sturdy bread is key to holding it all together.

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 base for the custard, eggs add richness and help bind the coating to the bread.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the custard—feel free to swap for a milk alternative if you prefer.
Vanilla Extract: Brings a subtle sweet aroma and depth of flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Gives a warm, cozy note that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
Cornflakes: Crushed just right to provide a crunchy coating without falling off too easily.
Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick slices soak up the custard while holding their shape for frying.
Unsalted Butter: For cooking, adding flavor and helping get that golden crust.
Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, and Berries: Classic toppings that add sweetness, freshness, and a pop of color.

📝

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 experimenting with this Crunchy Cornflakes French Toast Recipe depending on what’s in season or what I’m in the mood for. It’s such a flexible recipe you can easily tweak to make your own.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in fall—adds a cozy autumn vibe my family adores.
Dietary Modifications: Use gluten-free bread and oat milk for a gluten-free version that still tastes amazing.
Seasonal Twists: Top with fresh peaches or strawberries in summer, or warm spiced apples in winter.
Extra Indulgence: Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips inside the bread before coating for a fun surprise.

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

Step 1: Whip Up the Custard Mixture

Grab a shallow pan or pie plate and whisk together your eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and just a pinch of salt. Make sure it’s fully combined—the cinnamon can sometimes settle, so a good mix ensures every slice gets that lovely flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Coating

Pour your cornflakes into a large bowl and crush them gently with your hands. You want smaller pieces, but not powdery crumbs—think bite-sized clusters. This texture is key to getting that signature crunch without losing the flakes altogether.

Step 3: Dip and Coat the Bread

Dip each thick slice of brioche or challah into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are saturated but not soggy. Then press each side into the crushed cornflakes, nudging them lightly so they stick well. Lay coated slices on a baking sheet or platter while you get the pan ready.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Melt a small knob of unsalted butter in a skillet or on your griddle over medium heat. Add the coated bread slices, cooking about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden, crispy, and irresistible. Don’t rush this part—slow and steady heat seals in the custard while crisping the coating.

Top Tip

From my experience making this recipe over and over, a few tricks can really elevate your Crunchy Cornflakes French Toast Recipe and make cooking smoother.

Fresh Bread Matters: Using day-old or slightly stale brioche or challah gives you the best soak without it falling apart.
Crunch Balance: Crushing cornflakes into bite-sized pieces instead of dust keeps the perfect texture—you want clusters, not powder.
Keep It Warm: If you’re cooking in batches, place finished slices on a wire rack in a 200°F oven to keep them crisp and warm without steaming.
Butter vs. Oil: Butter gives amazing flavor but can burn if the heat’s too high—medium heat with a little patience is your friend.

How to Serve Crunchy Cornflakes French Toast Recipe

Cornflakes French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go with classic maple syrup drizzled over the top, a generous dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh berries on the side. The syrup soaks slightly into the crunchy exterior and the powdered sugar adds that little sweet cloud that makes it irresistible. Berries give freshness and brightness—perfect to balance richness.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like serving this with crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory element. A simple green salad or fresh fruit salad also works beautifully if you want something lighter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties, I sometimes stack the cornflake French toast slices and insert skewers topped with berries and mint leaves for a fun, dippable tower. Or arrange slices on a large platter with bowls of assorted toppings like whipped cream, nuts, and jams—family and friends love building their own combos!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days. Placing parchment paper between slices helps prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Flash freeze individual slices on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer bag for up to a month. It's a lifesaver for busy mornings and keeps that satisfying crunch ready to go.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness. I avoid the microwave since it tends to make the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cereals instead of cornflakes for this recipe?

Yes! While cornflakes are classic for their crunch and texture, you can try crushed Rice Krispies or even lightly crushed bran flakes. Just ensure the flakes aren’t too sugary or soggy to maintain that crisp coating.

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

Thicker, sturdier breads like brioche or challah are my go-to because they soak up the custard without falling apart. Avoid very thin or soft sandwich breads, which might get too soggy.

How do I keep the cornflakes coating crunchy after cooking?

Cooking over medium heat and using butter helps get a golden, crispy crust. If holding warm, place the cooked French toast on a wire rack in a low oven (about 200°F) to keep crisp without steaming.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

You can make a vegan version by using plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and an egg substitute such as flax eggs or commercial egg replacers. Just keep in mind the texture might be a little different and the coating may not stick as well as with eggs.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Cornflakes French Toast Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that feels special every time. It’s reliable, impressive, and just downright delicious—a perfect way to make an ordinary morning feel a bit more extraordinary. I hope you give it a try and share it with people you care about, just like I do!