If you are craving a breakfast treat that’s both nostalgic and excitingly new, this Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes the beloved classic French toast and elevates it with a crispy, nutty cereal crust that adds a delightful texture and a burst of flavor in every bite. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, combined with the rich custard-soaked bread, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe is delightfully simple, but every single ingredient plays a vital role. From the creamy custard base to the crunchy cereal coating, each component brings texture, flavor, or balance to create a harmonious breakfast experience.
- 4 large eggs: The foundation that binds and custards each slice to tender perfection.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture for a rich custard soak.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the custard with a warm, comforting spice note.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a sweet, fragrant aroma that elevates the toast’s flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness.
- 4 thick slices of brioche or challah bread: These soft, slightly sweet breads soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes or honey nut cereal: The star crunch factor that provides a crispy, nutty texture on the outside.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking): Helps the toast develop a golden, buttery crust.
- Optional: maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar: Perfect finishing touches to add sweetness, freshness, and a lovely presentation.
How to Make Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl until the mixture is fully blended. This custard is key to bathing the bread in rich flavor and a smooth texture before frying.
Step 2: Coat the Bread
Dip each thick slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are thoroughly coated. Then press each slice firmly into a shallow bowl filled with the crushed cornflakes or honey nut cereal, ensuring an even and generous coating. This cereal crust will give your French toast its signature crunchiness.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Heat the butter over medium heat in a nonstick skillet or griddle. Once sizzling, carefully place the coated bread slices in the pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. The butter helps develop a beautiful crust and adds a layer of delicious flavor.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Once cooked, transfer the French toast to a warm plate and get ready for the delightful garnishing and serving that make this dish truly irresistible.
How to Serve Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the visual appeal and a subtle sweetness. Fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add brightness and a juicy contrast to the crunchy coating. Don’t forget the classic maple syrup drizzle to tie it all together with that sticky, sweet finish.
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, pair this French toast with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory kick. A side of fresh fruit salad keeps things light and refreshing. If you love smoothies, a glass of your favorite berry or banana smoothie complements the nutty flavor beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange slices in a neat stack topped with a pat of butter melting slowly and berries sprinkled on top for a picture-perfect plate. You could also serve the French toast with a small bowl of yogurt or mascarpone on the side for an elegant brunch. Another fun idea is layering sliced French toast between dollops of whipped cream and berries like a quick and easy breakfast trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep that delicious crunch as much as possible. Be sure to cool the French toast completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe by placing cooled slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. This makes for a fantastic quick breakfast option on busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again, about 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the crust soggy and take away the signature crunchiness.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche or challah?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah offer the best texture and sweetness, you can substitute with other thick, sturdy breads like Texas toast or sourdough. Just make sure the slices are thick enough to hold the custard without falling apart.
What’s the best cereal to use for the crunchy coating?
Cornflakes and honey nut cereals work wonderfully because they crisp up nicely and provide a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite crunchy cereal to add your personal twist to the Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe.
Can I prepare the egg mixture in advance?
Yes! You can whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. This can make your morning prep quicker and easier without any loss of flavor.
Is it necessary to use butter to cook the French toast?
Butter not only adds flavor but helps develop the beautiful golden crust that defines this recipe. While you can use oil or a nonstick spray, butter is highly recommended for the best taste and texture.
How do I keep the Crunchy Nut French Toast crispy after cooking?
Serve immediately for the best texture. If you need to hold them warm, place finished slices on a wire rack in a low oven (around 200°F) to prevent steam from making the coating soggy. Avoid stacking the slices on top of each other.
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe is a joyful spin on a classic that brings a wonderful crunchy texture and nutty flavor that will brighten your mornings or impress at brunch gatherings. Don’t hesitate to try it out and make it your own — it’s a recipe that welcomes creativity and rewards with every bite. Enjoy every crispy, custardy, delicious moment!
Print
Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crunchy Nut French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, featuring thick slices of brioche or challah bread coated in a warm, spiced egg custard and then crusted with crushed cornflakes or honey nut cereal to add a satisfying crunch. This easy-to-make recipe combines sweet and nutty flavors, perfect for a special morning treat served with maple syrup, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Main Ingredients
- 4 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
- 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes or honey nut cereal
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Crush Cereal: Place the crushed cornflakes or honey nut cereal in a separate shallow bowl or plate to use for coating the bread slices.
- Coat the Bread: Dip each thick slice of brioche or challah bread into the egg custard mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated. Then press each slice firmly into the crushed cereal, covering both sides evenly for a crunchy exterior.
- Heat the Pan: Warm 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat to prepare for cooking the French toast.
- Cook the Toast: Place the coated bread slices onto the heated skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they become golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the skillet and serve immediately with optional toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best results as it soaks up the custard without becoming soggy.
- Swap out the cornflakes for your favorite crunchy cereal to customize the flavor and texture.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of your bread slices.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter.
