If you’re dreaming of a breakfast that’s a little decadent, a little nostalgic, and irresistibly crisp on the outside, then Crunchy Nut French Toast is about to become your new favorite. Imagine buttery brioche or challah dipped into a rich custard, then rolled in a crunchy blanket of cornflakes and nuts before sizzling up into golden, crackly perfection. This dish is part classic French toast, part secret childhood treat, all dressed up for your next brunch party or cozy weekend morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of cabin-worthy staples and a few tasty pantry treasures are all it takes to whip up Crunchy Nut French Toast. Each ingredient is here for a reason: creamy dairy for lush custard, fragrant vanilla and cinnamon for warmth, and the signature crunch from nutty, toasty cornflakes. Here’s what to gather:
- Thick-cut brioche or challah bread: Choose bread that’s sturdy and slightly sweet—thick slices give you a plush, pillowy center.
- Eggs: These are the backbone of your custard base, bringing richness and structure for that French toast hug.
- Whole milk: It keeps the custard moist and fluffy, ensuring every bite is silky (not soggy!) inside.
- Heavy cream: Adds an extra layer of richness, turning a regular breakfast into a luxurious treat.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the custard and help create that caramelized crust.
- Vanilla extract: This brings lovely aroma and flavor, making the dish taste like a warm bakery morning.
- Cinnamon: A touch of spice that infuses every bite with comforting warmth and depth.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Crushed cornflakes: The secret weapon for the “crunchy” element—pressing these in makes the crust extra memorable!
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For those who love a nutty finish, these add texture and toasty notes.
- Unsalted butter (for the pan): Gives your Crunchy Nut French Toast a golden, crispy finish and rich buttery flavor.
- Maple syrup and fresh berries (for serving): The classic sweet finish and a tart bite on top—don’t skip these for the full effect.
How to Make Crunchy Nut French Toast
Step 1: Whisk the Custard
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This step is all about creating that ultra-creamy base that’ll soak into your bread and make each bite of Crunchy Nut French Toast taste like it was made by a brunch maestro.
Step 2: Prep the Crunchy Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the crushed cornflakes with the chopped pecans or walnuts (if you’re opting for extra nuttiness). Stir them together, making sure every nook is packed with crispy clusters. This combo turns your French toast from ordinary to unforgettable.
Step 3: Dip, Coat, and Press
Take each slice of thick-cut bread and dip it into the custard mixture, letting it soak on both sides but not too long that it falls apart. Then, press the soaked bread firmly into the cornflake-nut mixture, coating every square inch for that iconic Crunchy Nut French Toast bite.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter until it sizzles. Add as many coated slices as fit comfortably without crowding. Cook each one for about 3 to 4 minutes per side—watch as the coating turns deeply golden and crisps up beautifully. Repeat with more butter as needed for each batch.
Step 5: Serve, Savor, and Share
Once your Crunchy Nut French Toast slices are cooked, transfer them straight to plates. Pour over a cascade of maple syrup and top with a pile of colorful fresh berries. Trust me, this is a breakfast you’ll want to share with friends or savor on your own!
How to Serve Crunchy Nut French Toast
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, let your creativity shine! A dusting of powdered sugar, a pat of melting butter, or a handful of vibrant berries all add extra personality (not to mention flavor) to your Crunchy Nut French Toast. For a holiday twist, try a drizzle of honey or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crunchy Nut French Toast with savory favorites like crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or a veggie-loaded omelet for a totally satisfying brunch. A side of Greek yogurt or lightly toasted nuts can provide a creamy and crunchy contrast if you want to make things extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your French toast into sticks for a dunkable, kid-friendly breakfast, or stack the slices high with alternating layers of fruit and cream for an over-the-top brunch centerpiece. You can even turn leftover slices into a whimsical dessert by sandwiching ice cream between two pieces—Crunchy Nut French Toast never fails to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some Crunchy Nut French Toast left over, let the slices cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, still keeping a bit of crunch for those lucky enough to enjoy them later.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange cooled slices between sheets of parchment paper and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Crunchy Nut French Toast freezes beautifully for up to one month, making future brunches deliciously easy.
Reheating
To recapture the crispiness, reheat your French toast in a toaster oven or 350-degree oven for about 8–10 minutes. Microwaving works for a quick fix, but the oven is best for bringing back that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Crunchy Nut French Toast gluten free?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free bread and gluten-free cornflakes. The result is a totally satisfying, crunchy treat everyone can enjoy.
Do I have to use nuts in the crust?
Nope, the nuts are entirely optional! If you or your guests have allergies or just prefer it nut-free, simply leave them out and stick with the cornflakes—you’ll still get ample crunch and delicious texture.
What’s the best bread for Crunchy Nut French Toast?
Thick-cut brioche or challah is ideal thanks to their tenderness and light sweetness. If you only have regular sandwich bread on hand, let it dry out a bit first so it holds up to the custard and crunchy coating.
Can I prep this ahead for a brunch party?
Yes! Mix the custard the night before and keep it in the fridge. In the morning, simply dip, coat, and cook so you’re not fussing with ingredients when you’d rather be sipping coffee.
Why is my French toast soggy in the middle?
If your Crunchy Nut French Toast comes out soggy, your bread may have soaked up too much custard or your skillet wasn’t hot enough. Use thick slices, dip quickly, and make sure to cook on medium heat until the coating is deeply golden and the interior is set.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of breakfast that turns any morning into a cozy celebration. Bring a little magic to your table and give Crunchy Nut French Toast a try—it’s crunchy, custardy, and destined to be requested again and again!
Print
Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful breakfast with this Crunchy Nut French Toast recipe. Thick-cut brioche or challah bread coated with a crispy cornflake and nut crust, served with maple syrup and fresh berries.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 6 slices of thick-cut brioche or challah bread
Egg Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the pan)
- Maple syrup and fresh berries for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Coating: Mix cornflakes and nuts in a dish. Dip bread in egg mixture, then coat in cornflake mixture.
- Cook French Toast: Cook slices in buttered skillet until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with maple syrup and berries.
Notes
- Toast cornflakes for extra crunch.
- Use gluten-free ingredients for a gluten-free version.
- Prepare egg mixture ahead and refrigerate overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
