Name: Crunchy Cornflake-Coated 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

Sometimes you just want breakfast to be a little more exciting—and that’s exactly why I adore this Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe. Imagine tender, custardy bread with a satisfyingly crispy cornflake crust that adds an unexpected, delightful crunch to every bite.

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 Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast 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 Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe

I’ve made a lot of French toast in my day, but this crunchy cornflake version always wows guests and family alike. The way the cornflakes crisp up against the soft bread feels like a little touch of magic that’s just so satisfying.

Unexpected Crunch: That cornflake coating adds a crispy texture that makes this French toast stand out from the usual soft and creamy versions.
Easy Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, so it’s a quick upgrade to your usual breakfast.
Customizable: You can play with spices and toppings, making it perfect for any occasion or mood.
Kid-Friendly Fun: The crunchy texture and sweet flavor make it a hit, even with the pickiest eaters.

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 here has a role in creating that creamy inside and crispy outside we crave. Picking good-quality ingredients will seriously up your game with this Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe.

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 backbone of any good French toast custard, giving structure and richness.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess without overpowering the flavors.
Vanilla Extract: For that warm, sweet aroma that makes every bite feel special.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a subtle, comforting spice that complements the cornflakes beautifully.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
Cornflakes: The hero ingredient here — crushed just enough to stick nicely, creating that fantastic crunch.
Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick slices soak up the custard perfectly without falling apart—plus, their buttery flavor matches the coating wonderfully.
Unsalted Butter: For frying — it browns beautifully and adds a slight nuttiness.
Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, and Berries: These finishing touches add sweetness, color, and freshness.

📝

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 thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak to fit your mood or dietary needs. I often play around with spices or swap the bread depending on what’s on hand.

Variation: Sprinkling some nutmeg or cardamom into the egg mixture adds a cozy twist I adore during colder months.
Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free bread works like a charm if you’re avoiding gluten — just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the custard and coating.
Vegan Friendly: I've experimented using plant-based milk and flax eggs, and while it changes the texture slightly, it’s still delicious with a bit of extra cornflake crunch.
Seasonal Touch: Top with fresh seasonal fruits or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a fresh, tangy contrast.

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

Step 1: Whisk Up the Perfect Custard

Start by cracking the eggs into a shallow pan or wide bowl. Add the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, then whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. This step is key because a well-mixed custard means an even soak and flavor throughout the bread. I find it easiest to use a pie plate or anything shallow so the bread slices can dunk nicely without breaking.

Step 2: Prep Your Crunchy Cornflake Coating

Pour your cornflakes into a large bowl and crush them gently with your hands until they’re small but still have some texture — think roughly the size of coarse breadcrumbs. If you crush them too much, you lose that incredible crunch we’re after. Try to keep the pieces relatively uniform so each slice gets an even crust.

Step 3: Coat Your Bread Thoroughly

Dip each thick slice of brioche or challah into the egg custard, flipping to coat both sides. Then press each side firmly into the crushed cornflakes. I like to press a little extra on the edges to get a full cornflake border. Place them on a lined baking sheet or platter as you go, ready for cooking.

Step 4: Cook to Golden, Crunchy Perfection

Heat a skillet or electric griddle to medium heat and melt a bit of unsalted butter. When it’s nicely melted and bubbling, add your coated bread slices. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and that cornflake crust is crisp. Avoid turning them too soon to prevent losing the crunchy coating. I usually keep the heat moderate so the bread cooks through without burning the coating.

Top Tip

After making this Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help it shine every single time.

Firm Bread Matters: Using thick-sliced brioche or challah gives you a sturdy base that won’t get soggy.
Don’t Over-Crush Cornflakes: Keep some texture in the flakes for the best crunch rather than powdering them.
Medium Heat is Key: Cooking too hot burns the coating; moderate heat ensures a deep golden crust and cooked center.
Keep Warm in Oven: If making for a group, hold finished slices on a wire rack in a 200°F oven to maintain crispness without sogginess.

How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe

cornflake-coated French toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping it simple and fresh here: a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of real maple syrup, and a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. The berries add a lovely tart contrast that cuts through the sweetness and crunch beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve it alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory balance, or throw some fresh fruit salad and a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for a lighter touch. I also love a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special brunches, I’ve stacked the French toast slices in a colorful tower and tucked fresh mint leaves and edible flowers in between for a stunning look. You can also serve the slices in a shallow bowl with berry compote spooned on top for a rustic, comforting vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which I never really expect!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I like to layer sheets of parchment between slices to keep the crust from getting soggy as they chill.

Freezing

This Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Arrange the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet; freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Perfect for quick breakfasts—no need to thaw, just reheat from frozen.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispness. Microwaving works too, but you might lose a bit of that delightful crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular flakes like Rice Krispies or other cereals instead of cornflakes?

While Rice Krispies or similar cereals can work, they tend to be lighter and less crunchy when fried. Cornflakes hold up the best for that signature crispy coating in this recipe.

What’s the best bread for Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast?

Thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal because they soak up the custard without falling apart and add a subtle sweetness and richness complementary to the cornflake crunch.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the coated bread slices ahead of time, keep them refrigerated, and cook them just before serving for fresher texture.

How do I keep the French toast crispy while serving to a crowd?

Place cooked slices on a wire rack on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm while preserving the cornflake crust’s crunch until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely smitten with this Crunchy Cornflake-Coated French Toast Recipe—it adds a playful texture and a cozy, rich flavor that keeps me coming back. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy that perfect balance of custardy softness and crispy, golden crunch as much as I do. It’s the kind of breakfast I’m happy to share with friends over a relaxed weekend morning!