If you’re ready to give your morning an irresistible upgrade, let me introduce you to Crunchy Nut French Toast. This recipe takes the pillowy softness of classic French toast and pairs it with an outrageously crispy, golden coating of crushed cereal. Every bite delivers a perfect mix of sweet, buttery egg-soaked bread and a crave-worthy nutty crunch that just begs for a drizzle of real maple syrup. Whether you’re planning a special brunch or want to make any weekend feel extraordinary, Crunchy Nut French Toast is about to become your new breakfast obsession.

Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delightfully crispy, golden breakfast couldn’t be easier to whip up using just a handful of simple, essential ingredients. Each one lends something special to the flavor, texture, or appearance of your final Crunchy Nut French Toast masterpiece.

Bread: Use thick-cut slices like brioche or Texas toast for a soft, fluffy interior that stands up to the crunchy coating.
Eggs: These create the custardy base that soaks into the bread and makes the toast rich.
Whole Milk: Helps make the egg mixture creamy and gives the toast a tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm sweetness that rounds out all the flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: A pinch of spice that brings cozy depth to each bite.
Salt: Just enough to balance out the sweetness and wake up all the flavors.
Crushed Cornflakes or Crunchy Nut Cereal: This is the secret weapon for maximum crisp, crunch, and just a hint of nuttiness.
Butter: For cooking the toast to golden perfection and giving a luscious flavor.
Maple Syrup: A classic finishing touch for serving—rich, sticky, and slightly caramelized.
Fresh Berries (optional): Bright pops of color and tang that pair deliciously with the sweet, crunchy toast.

How to Make Crunchy Nut French Toast

Step 1: Whisk the Custard

Start by cracking the eggs into a shallow bowl, then add the whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a really good whisk until it’s well blended and the mixture is slightly frothy. This creates the dreamy custard that will soak into your bread and make every bite soft, rich, and flavorful.

Step 2: Prep the Crunchy Coating

Pour your crushed cornflakes or Crunchy Nut cereal into another wide shallow dish. Make sure you crush them up enough to coat the bread easily, but leave some small chunks for that extra crispy texture. This is where the signature crunch of Crunchy Nut French Toast really starts.

Step 3: Dip and Coat

Take a slice of your thick-cut bread and dip it into the egg custard. Make sure both sides get a thorough soaking, then gently press each side into the crushed cereal mixture. The goal is for the chopped cereal to cling to every surface, ensuring a robust, satisfying crunch in each bite.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter. Once melted and slightly bubbling, lay your coated bread slices in the pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move them around so a deep golden crust develops. Flip when the bottom is gloriously crisp and continue frying until both sides are perfectly done.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Move your Crunchy Nut French Toast to a warm plate and, while it’s still sizzling and fragrant, add a drizzle of pure maple syrup and a scatter of fresh berries. Each plate will look as good as it tastes, and that first crunchy bite will be absolutely magical.

How to Serve Crunchy Nut French Toast

Garnishes

When you want your Crunchy Nut French Toast to look as gorgeous as it tastes, keep things simple and colorful. A generous pour of real maple syrup is non-negotiable, and a handful of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add sweet-tart freshness and a burst of color. You can also dust with a little powdered sugar or add a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream for something extra.

Side Dishes

This French toast is quite the showstopper on its own, but if you’re going all out, try serving it with savory breakfast favorites. Crispy bacon, turkey sausage, or a fluffy scramble of eggs balance the sweetness perfectly. A fruit salad or even a simple green salad adds brightness and contrast to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your Crunchy Nut French Toast into sticks for a fun brunch platter—perfect for dipping. Stack slices on top of each other for a decadent tower, then drizzle with maple syrup and top with berries for extra “wow” factor. For a holiday or special occasion, use cookie cutters to shape the bread before coating and cooking for playful, festive flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, let your Crunchy Nut French Toast slices cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious (and surprisingly crispy) for up to two days, so you can relive that fabulous breakfast again.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooked and cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it super easy to grab just what you need for a quick breakfast—no defrosting required.

Reheating

For that freshly-made crunch, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. The outside will crisp up again while the inside stays tender—fast microwave reheating is possible, but the crunch won’t be the same.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast

Thick slices of brioche or challah work best, but you can use any sturdy sandwich bread. The thicker and denser the bread, the more custard and crunch it can soak up without falling apart.

What’s the best way to crush the cereal?

Place your cornflakes or Crunchy Nut cereal in a sturdy zip-top bag, then gently smash them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass. Aim for a textured mix—some small pieces and a little bit of coarse dust for best results.

Is Crunchy Nut French Toast suitable for kids?

Absolutely. Kids love the fun, crispy texture and mild sweetness. Just be sure to check the cereal for nut allergies and opt for plain cornflakes if needed.

Can I make this Crunchy Nut French Toast dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) and use plant-based butter for frying. The result will still be wonderfully crispy and satisfying.

How can I add extra flavor to the crust?

Mix a bit of ground nutmeg or orange zest into the crushed cereal. You can also add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the batter or finish with a little cinnamon-sugar for a subtly spiced twist.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re celebrating a special morning or simply treating yourself, Crunchy Nut French Toast is pure breakfast joy. Its crisp, nutty coating and luxe custardy center are guaranteed to win you fans at any table. Try it once, and I promise—your idea of French toast will never be the same!

Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crunchy Nut French Toast is a delicious twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Thick slices of bread are coated in a sweet and crispy cereal crust, then cooked until golden brown and crunchy. Serve with maple syrup and fresh berries for a delightful morning treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

4 slices of thick-cut bread (such as brioche or Texas toast)

Egg Mixture:

2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Coating:

1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes or crunchy nut cereal

Additional:

2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Maple syrup (for serving)
Fresh berries (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
Coat Bread: Place crushed cereal in a dish. Dip bread slices in egg mixture, then coat with cereal.
Cook French Toast: Cook coated bread in buttered skillet until golden and crispy on both sides.
Serve: Drizzle with maple syrup and top with fresh berries if desired.