This Cornflake Crusted French Toast is a crunchy twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Thick slices of brioche are soaked in a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard, then coated in crushed cornflakes and pan-fried until golden and crisp on the outside, while remaining soft and custardy on the inside. It’s the perfect marriage of textures and flavors.
Perfect for weekends, holiday mornings, or whenever you want to make breakfast a little extra special, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Topped with a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh berries, every bite feels like a cozy morning hug.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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6 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
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4 large eggs
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1 cup whole milk
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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3 cups cornflakes, crushed
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2 tablespoons butter, for frying
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Maple syrup, for serving
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Fresh berries, for garnish
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Powdered sugar, optional
Directions:
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In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
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Place the crushed cornflakes in a separate shallow dish or pie plate.
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Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for 20–30 seconds on each side.
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Press both sides of the soaked bread slices into the crushed cornflakes to evenly coat.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add 2–3 slices of the coated bread and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.
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Repeat with remaining butter and bread slices.
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Serve warm with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a handful of fresh berries.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal per slice | Servings: 6 servings
A Crunchy Take on a Breakfast Classic: Cornflake Crusted French Toast
Cornflake Crusted French Toast is a delightful twist on traditional French toast that combines soft, custardy bread with a crispy golden crust. The magic of this dish lies in its unique texture—a contrast between the creamy, rich interior and the crunchy, slightly sweet cornflake coating on the outside. This breakfast recipe is indulgent, playful, and perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you want to elevate your breakfast game.
Unlike standard French toast, which is usually just pan-fried after a quick dip in an egg and milk mixture, this version adds an extra layer of texture by dredging the bread in crushed cornflakes before cooking. The result? A golden, crunchy exterior that stays crispy even under a cascade of warm maple syrup or fresh berries. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers nostalgia and novelty in a single bite.
Origins of French Toast and the Evolution of the Recipe
French toast, despite its name, did not originate in France. Variations of this dish have been made across cultures for centuries, dating back to ancient Roman times when stale bread was dipped in a milk and egg mixture and then fried. The French version, known as pain perdu (literally “lost bread”), was a way to salvage bread that would otherwise go to waste.
Over time, the dish evolved across continents, and with American culinary creativity came innovations like stuffed French toast, flavored batters, and crispy coatings. The Cornflake Crusted version is a modern American adaptation, blending the sweet simplicity of traditional French toast with a fun cereal-based crunch—perfect for both adults and kids alike.
What Makes Cornflake Crusted French Toast Unique
There are a few reasons why Cornflake Crusted French Toast stands out from the classic:
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Texture: The cornflakes create a crisp shell around the soft interior, adding complexity with every bite. The crunch remains even after syrup is poured over, making it a satisfying contrast.
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Flavor Profile: The custard-like interior is flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of sugar, while the cornflakes bring a slightly sweet, toasted flavor that complements both fruity toppings and syrup.
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Versatility: This dish can be made sweet or slightly savory, depending on your preferences and toppings. You can use different types of bread, from brioche to challah to thick-cut white bread.
Best Types of Bread to Use
The choice of bread can significantly impact the final result. Brioche and challah are the top contenders thanks to their soft, rich texture and subtle sweetness. These types of bread absorb the egg mixture well without falling apart, and when cooked, they provide a creamy contrast to the crunchy crust.
Thicker slices—around one inch—are ideal for soaking up just the right amount of custard without becoming soggy. Avoid thin or pre-sliced sandwich bread, as they tend to fall apart or not absorb the custard evenly.
Tips for Perfecting Cornflake Crusted French Toast
Achieving the perfect Cornflake Crusted French Toast requires a few tricks:
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Crush cornflakes by hand or gently with a rolling pin. You want irregular pieces, not a powdery coating. The bigger chunks give better crunch and texture.
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Don’t oversoak the bread. A 20–30 second dip on each side is usually enough to saturate the inside without making the bread too soggy.
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Use a nonstick skillet or a well-greased pan. Butter gives great flavor, but a mix of butter and oil can help prevent burning and ensure even browning.
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Cook on medium heat. Too high, and the crust will burn before the inside is cooked. Too low, and you won’t get that golden crisp.
Topping Ideas and Pairings
Cornflake Crusted French Toast is incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings and flavor pairings. Here are some crowd-favorite ways to serve it:
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Classic: Warm maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a pat of butter.
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Fresh and Fruity: Berries, bananas, or sautéed apples with a drizzle of honey or agave syrup.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds for extra texture.
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Decadent: A dollop of whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or a spoonful of Nutella.
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Savory-Sweet: Serve with bacon, sausage, or even a fried egg for a balance of salty and sweet.
Pair your French toast with a rich cup of coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, or a fruity mimosa for the full brunch experience.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Entertaining
Cornflake Crusted French Toast is not just a breakfast treat—it’s also an entertainer’s dream. It’s simple enough to make in batches, can be prepped slightly in advance, and looks impressive when plated with fresh fruits and syrups. Whether you’re hosting a Mother’s Day brunch, a birthday breakfast-in-bed, or just want to surprise your family with something special, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and presentation.
Plus, it’s a hit with all age groups. Kids love the cereal crunch, while adults appreciate the nostalgic twist on a classic comfort food. And since it can be customized endlessly, you can cater to all kinds of dietary preferences and flavor profiles.
Make It Ahead: Can You Prep Cornflake Crusted French Toast in Advance?
While French toast is best enjoyed fresh and hot from the skillet, you can prep elements of this dish ahead of time:
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Crush the cornflakes and store them in an airtight container.
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Mix the custard the night before and keep it in the fridge.
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Slice the bread and let it air out slightly—it soaks up custard better when slightly stale.
Some people even make a “bake-style” version where the slices are prepared and arranged in a casserole dish to be baked in the oven. This variation is ideal for serving a crowd with minimal hands-on cooking time in the morning.
Health Considerations and Modifications
Though indulgent, this recipe can be tweaked to suit different dietary needs:
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Dairy-Free: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk in place of whole milk and cream. Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and gluten-free cornflakes.
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Lower Sugar: Skip the sugar in the custard and rely on toppings like fresh fruit for sweetness.
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Higher Protein: Mix in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder into the custard for a protein boost.
Why You’ll Love It
Cornflake Crusted French Toast is more than just breakfast—it’s an experience. The balance of flavors and textures is incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy it with syrup and berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with creamy spreads, this dish invites creativity and indulgence.
It’s one of those meals that feels special but doesn’t require professional chef skills. It brings back cozy memories of cereal mornings and elevates them into something gourmet and grown-up. Each bite is a celebration of flavor, crunch, and comfort.
Conclusion
Cornflake Crusted French Toast takes everything you love about the classic dish and adds a bold, crunchy upgrade. It’s a creative and satisfying way to start your day, impress your brunch guests, or treat yourself to something a little extra special. With its perfect balance of textures and customizable flavor pairings, this dish is destined to become a favorite in your breakfast repertoire.
Whether you’re cooking for one or preparing a big batch for friends and family, Cornflake Crusted French Toast brings joy to the table. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on the sweet, crispy perfection.