There’s something truly irresistible about the crunch paired with a tender, custardy center in breakfast, and that’s exactly what my Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe delivers every time. The crispy cornflake coating adds an extra layer of texture you didn’t know you needed on your morning plate.

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

I’ve made French toast a million times, but adding crushed cornflakes changed the game for me. This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe is perfect for when you want a breakfast that feels a little special but is still quick to whip up. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and has this amazing crunch that makes you want to keep digging in.

Unexpected Crunch: The cornflake crust gives traditional French toast a crispy, golden exterior that’s simply addictive.
Easy to Customize: You can swap brioche for challah or any thick bread, so it works with what you’ve got in the kitchen.
Kid-Friendly: My kids love the texture, and it’s a fun way to get them excited about breakfast.
Perfect for Company: It looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make when feeding a crowd.

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

Each ingredient in this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe plays a role to create that perfect balance between flavor, texture, and structure. Bonus: you likely already have most of these pantry staples!

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 for the custard mixture, helping the bread soak up flavor while providing structure.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the egg mixture, creating that tender inside everyone loves.
Vanilla Extract: A subtle sweetness and warmth that rounds out the egg mixture’s flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings cozy depth without overpowering the toast.
Salt: A pinch balances all the sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
Cornflakes: The star of the show—crushed just right to create a crunchy, textured coating that sticks beautifully.
Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick, soft, and slightly sweet bread holds up perfectly while soaking in the custard without becoming mushy.
Unsalted Butter: For cooking—ensures golden browning without added saltiness.
Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, and Berries: Classic toppings that add a finishing touch of sweetness, freshness, and visual appeal.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over time, I’ve learned to adjust flavors and add mix-ins that keep breakfast interesting.

Variation: Sometimes, I sprinkle a little nutmeg in the custard or add a splash of orange zest to brighten things up—both add a nice twist without extra effort.
Swap the Bread: Love sourdough or whole wheat? Go for it! Just make sure slices are thick enough to hold the custard and cornflake coating.
Dietary Modifications: For dairy-free, I’ve used almond milk, and you can try coconut oil instead of butter for cooking.

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

Step 1: Whisk Up the Perfect Custard

In a shallow dish, I crack in 4 large eggs, pour in the milk, and add the vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisking until everything is combined creates a smooth custard that flavors each slice beautifully. I find using a pie plate or wide shallow bowl makes dunking the bread much easier!

Step 2: Crush the Cornflakes Just Right

Place your cornflakes in a large bowl and crush them gently with your hands until you have small but still recognizable pieces. A uniform texture here helps create an even crunch without turning into dust. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute.

Step 3: Dip and Coat Like a Pro

Dip each thick bread slice into the egg custard, soaking but not soggy. Then press each side into the crushed cornflakes, making sure they stick all around. Setting them on a baking sheet before cooking helps keep things organized and prevents your countertop from becoming a mess.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

I melt a little unsalted butter over medium heat in a large skillet or electric griddle preheated to 350°F. Then I add the coated bread slices, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they're golden brown and crunchy on the outside but still soft inside. Patience here pays off—don’t rush flipping!

Top Tip

After making this Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe dozens of times, I figured out a few simple tricks that really make the difference between good and great.

Don’t Skip Crushing the Cornflakes: Crushing just enough ensures they stick well and provide consistent crunch without falling off during cooking.
Use Thick Bread Slices: They soak up the custard without falling apart, giving you that soft inside and crispy outside texture.
Medium Heat is Key: Cooking over medium heat ensures the French toast cooks evenly; too hot and the coating burns before the center is done.
Keep Warm in the Oven: If making for a crowd, keep finished slices on a wire rack in a 200°F oven to maintain their crispness.

How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe

Crunchy Cornflake French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love serving mine dusted with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar and fresh berries—blueberries and raspberries are my top picks. Then a drizzle of warm maple syrup finishes it perfectly, adding that classic sweet touch without overpowering the cornflake crunch.

Side Dishes

For sides, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage pairs wonderfully, adding salty balance to the sweetness. Sometimes I throw together a quick fruit salad or serve with Greek yogurt to get some tang and creaminess on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I’ve stacked the French toast slices with layers of mascarpone cheese and berries, almost like a breakfast cake. It looks impressive but is easy to assemble, sure to wow your guests while staying true to that crunchy, comforting flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crunchy Cornflake French Toast keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, I find reheating in the oven or toaster oven helps keep that crispy crust much better than the microwave.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked slices by letting them cool completely, then wrapping them in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. They keep great for up to a month. When I want a quick breakfast, I pop frozen slices straight into the toaster oven for a few minutes—perfect crunch restored.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend using a toaster oven or regular oven at about 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This crisps the cornflake coating back up, keeping your Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe tasting fresh and delightful, rather than soggy or chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cereals instead of cornflakes?

You can experiment with other cereals, but keep in mind that cornflakes’ light, crispy texture is ideal. Using something too dense or sweet might alter the crust’s crunch and flavor.

What’s the best bread for this recipe?

Thick slices of brioche or challah work best because they absorb the custard without falling apart, and their slight sweetness complements the cornflake coating perfectly.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the egg mixture the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before using. However, dip and coat the bread right before cooking for best results.

How do I keep the cornflake coating from falling off?

Gently pressing the cornflakes onto the egg-soaked bread helps them adhere better. Also, avoid soaking the bread too long in the custard to keep the crust intact during cooking. Cooking on medium heat helps the coating set without burning.

Final Thoughts

This Crunchy Cornflake French Toast Recipe hits all the right notes for me—the buttery, custardy inside coupled with that crispy, cornflake-coated crust is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do because it turns an ordinary morning into a warm, crunchy celebration of breakfast. Give it a go, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you.