This is any kid’s dream breakfast: bread dipped in cinnamon batter, coated in crushed frosted flakes and cooked to golden brown perfection piled with maple syrup. Ok, it's also my dream breakfast.
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Cornflake French toast is a playful, crunchy upgrade to a classic breakfast favorite, made by dipping thick slices of bread into a cinnamon-vanilla egg batter and coating them in lightly crushed cornflakes before cooking until golden and crisp. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft, custardy center makes this an easy yet memorable option for weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or anytime you want something a little more fun than the usual routine. If you’re obsessed with hearty breakfasts the whole family will love, try this brioche French toast with fresh berries or my baked French toast for even more crowd-pleasing options.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crunchy & comforting – crispy cornflakes with a soft, custardy center.
Quick & approachable – ready in about 20 minutes.
Kid-friendly & nostalgic – a breakfast everyone gets excited about.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
Bread – I use a classic buttermilk sandwich bread for this recipe. The buttermilk adds a tangy moist flavor and keeps the bread moist. You can swap in another bread like thick Texas toast, eggy brioche or challah bread if desired.
Eggs – The eggs give the mixture a custardy texture.
Milk – You can use whatever milk you have on hand.
Cornflakes – This cereal adds an extra crunch to the outside of this french toast recipe. I lightly crush cornflakes so the smaller pieces adhere to the battered bread better.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pro Tip
Press the cornflakes firmly onto the bread after dipping in the egg mixture to help the coating stick and crisp evenly while cooking.
Swaps & Substitutions
Bread: Use brioche, challah, or Texas toast in place of buttermilk sandwich bread.
Cornflakes: Swap for frosted flakes for a sweeter coating.
Milk: Substitute almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option or use half-and-half for a richer option.
Butter: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter if preferred.
How to Make Cornflake French Toast (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Make the batter. In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Add the crushed frosted corn flakes to a large shallow bowl.
Step 2: Heat pan. Heat a griddle or large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter and allow to melt.
Step 3: Dip bread in the batter. Dip one piece of bread at a time into the egg mixture and coat both sides, then dip each side of the bread in the cornflakes until you’ve formed a generous crust.
Step 4: Cook French toast. Add the coated bread to the griddle or large nonstick skillet and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread, adding additional butter to the pan as needed.
Step 5: Serve. Serve warm dusted with confectioner’s sugar then top with additional butter and maple syrup.
How to Serve Cornflake French Toast
Warm with butter: classic and simple.
Drizzled with maple syrup: for extra sweetness.
Topped with fresh fruit: berries or sliced bananas add balance.
Served family-style: ideal for brunch or holiday mornings.
How to Store Cornflake French Toast
Refrigerate: store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Reheat gently: warm in a skillet or toaster oven to restore crispness.
Avoid microwaving: it softens the cornflake coating.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What bread is best for cornflake French toast?
Thick-cut breads like brioche, challah, Texas toast, or buttermilk sandwich bread work best for holding the batter and creating a crisp exterior.
Can I make cornflake French toast dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based milk and swap the butter for coconut oil or dairy-free butter.
How do I keep the cornflake coating from falling off?
Lightly crushing the cornflakes and pressing them firmly onto the bread helps them adhere better during cooking.
Can cornflake French toast be made ahead?
This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prep the egg mixture and crushed cornflakes ahead of time to speed things up.
Can I make cornflake French toast gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free bread and gluten-free cornflakes.
Other Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed my cornflake crusted french toast, take a look at these other kid-approved variations of French toast below:
6tablespoonsunsalted butter,plus additional for serving
Confectioner’s sugar,for dusting
Maple syrup,for serving
Instructions:
In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Add the crushed frosted cornflakes to a large shallow bowl.
Heat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter and allow to melt.
Dip one piece of bread at a time into the egg mixture and coat both sides, then dip each side of the bread in the corn flakes until you’ve formed a generous crust.
Add the coated bread to the pan and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread, adding additional butter to the pan as needed.
Serve warm dusted with confectioner’s sugar then top with additional butter and maple syrup.
Notes:
Press the cornflakes firmly onto the bread after dipping in the egg mixture to help the coating stick and crisp evenly while cooking.
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