The Ultimate Crispy Buttermilk French Toast: A Crunchy Cornflake Recipe for Breakfast & Brunch
There’s something uniquely comforting and utterly delicious about a homemade breakfast or brunch, especially when it involves the delightful sweetness of French toast. But not just any French toast – we’re talking about the ultimate crispy French toast, a recipe that transforms a classic into an extraordinary culinary experience. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a family tradition in the making, guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Featuring a secret ingredient for that irresistible crunch – cornflakes – combined with the rich tang of buttermilk and aromatic spices, this recipe takes your morning (or afternoon!) meal to a whole new level. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requires no special kitchen gadgets, and is adored by both kids and adults. Plus, this easy homemade crunchy French toast is ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect go-to for a quick yet special meal any day of the week. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with this unique and delicious twist on a beloved classic!
What Do You Need To Make This Crispy French Toast?
One of the many reasons I absolutely adore this crispy French toast recipe is its accessibility. You won’t need to hunt for obscure kitchen gadgets or invest in expensive equipment. Most households will already have these staple items readily available, proving that truly delicious food doesn’t require a gourmet kitchen. Simple, straightforward recipes like this are my favorite to share because they empower everyone to create something wonderful without feeling the pressure of needing special tools or fancy preparations. It’s all about making cooking enjoyable and achievable for every home chef.
The kitchen tools you will need for this crunchy French toast recipe are:
- A Large Skillet: Essential for even cooking and achieving that perfect golden-brown crisp.
- Bowls: Shallow, wide bowls are ideal for dipping your bread slices efficiently.
- A Spatula: For flipping your French toast with ease and precision.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.
- Whisk: For thoroughly combining your egg and buttermilk mixture.
The ingredients you will need for this easy buttermilk French toast recipe are:
- A Loaf of Finger Rolls OR Your Favorite Thick-Cut Bread: The foundation of your French toast.
- Buttermilk: The star liquid that adds tenderness and a slight tang.
- Eggs: Binds the ingredients and helps create a rich custard.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth and classic French toast flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and overall aroma.
- Corn Flakes: The secret weapon for an unbelievably crunchy exterior.
- Unsalted Butter: For cooking the French toast and adding rich flavor.
- Optional Extra Toppings: Maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar to personalize your serving.
How Do You Make Crunchy French Toast?
Buttermilk French Toast is a perennial favorite for breakfast and brunch, and for good reason! It’s remarkably simple to prepare, yet delivers an absolutely delicious and satisfying result. Making this homemade crispy French toast is straightforward, involving just a few key steps that we’ll walk through. This guide will cover the essential basics, along with some alternative options, so you can truly make this recipe your own and achieve that perfect crunchy finish every time.
- **Prepare Your Liquid Base:** First, you’ll need to create the flavorful liquid mixture that will coat your bread. While standard French toast often uses just eggs or a combination of eggs and regular milk (like cow’s milk or almond milk), this recipe shines with buttermilk. Buttermilk is a game-changer; its slight acidity breaks down the bread’s fibers, resulting in a wonderfully tender interior. It also contributes a rich, creamy texture and a subtle tangy sweetness that truly elevates the flavor profile. If buttermilk isn’t available, heavy cream makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar luxurious richness, though without the characteristic tang. Combine your eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract in a shallow, wide bowl and whisk until well blended.
- **Infuse with Spices:** Once your liquid base is ready, it’s time to add the aromatic spices that define classic French toast. For this buttermilk French toast recipe, we stick to a delightful and timeless combination: cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg. I personally love a generous amount of cinnamon for a robust, warming flavor. If you prefer a more subtle spice, feel free to slightly reduce the recommended amount. Add your chosen spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to balance the flavors) to your egg and buttermilk mixture, then whisk vigorously until everything is thoroughly combined and fragrant.
- **Prepare the Crunchy Coating:** In a separate shallow bowl, crush your cornflakes. You can do this by hand for larger, more rustic pieces, or pulse them briefly in a food processor for a finer crumb. The goal is to have varying textures that will adhere well to the bread and create that signature crispy crust. Set the crushed cornflakes aside, ready for dipping.
- **Coat the Bread Slices:** Now, let’s prepare your bread. Take one slice of bread (finger roll or your preferred thick-cut bread) and gently dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture. Don’t let it soak for too long, or it will become soggy; just enough to ensure it’s thoroughly coated on both sides. Lift the bread, allowing any excess liquid to drip off back into the bowl.
- **Apply the Cornflake Crust:** Immediately after dipping, transfer the liquid-coated bread slice to the bowl of crushed cornflakes. Gently press the bread into the cornflakes to ensure both sides are completely covered. The cornflakes should adhere firmly, creating an even, textured coating. Place the coated slice on a plate and repeat this process with the remaining bread slices.
- **Cook to Golden Perfection:** Heat a large skillet over medium-low to medium heat. Add a knob of unsalted butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and begin to bubble. Once the skillet is properly heated, carefully place the cornflake-crusted French toast slices into the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the exterior is beautifully golden brown and irresistibly crispy, and the interior is cooked through. The lower heat ensures the cornflake coating crisps up without burning, while the inside cooks perfectly.
- **Serve and Enjoy!** Once cooked, transfer your crunchy French toast to plates. Serve immediately with your favorite optional toppings. This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the skillet when its crispiness is at its peak.
Enjoy this spectacular crispy buttermilk French toast! It’s truly a delight!
Check out the Crispy French Toast Recipe Video below for a more detailed look at prep!
Common Buttermilk French Toast Recipe Questions & Tips
What are Finger Rolls? Do I have to use them for this crunchy French toast?
Finger rolls are a wonderfully soft, thick white bread that typically comes in a loaf. Each piece can be easily pulled apart, offering a fluffy and slightly flaky texture that makes them absolutely perfect for absorbing the buttermilk mixture without becoming too dense. I usually discover these gems in the fresh baked goods section of my local grocery store, often near the dinner rolls or specialty breads.
If finger rolls aren’t available in your area, or if you simply prefer another option, don’t worry! The key is to select a bread that is thick and pillowy. Texas Toast is an excellent alternative, as its substantial slices hold up beautifully to the dipping and coating process. For this particular buttermilk French toast recipe, I highly recommend steering clear of thinner, denser, or overly healthy whole-grain breads like oat bread. While delicious for other purposes, they won’t provide the fluffy, custardy interior that complements the crispy cornflake crust so wonderfully. Stick to a light, airy white bread for the best results!
How should you store leftover homemade French toast?
To keep your leftover buttermilk French toast fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Proper storage ensures it retains its flavor and texture for later enjoyment.
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of fantastic options to revive that desired crispiness. For a quick reheat, place the French toast in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until it’s just warmed through. However, for the best texture, I highly recommend using a toaster or toaster oven. Place the crispy French toast in the toaster for approximately 2 minutes on a medium setting. This method is brilliant because it not only warms the French toast evenly but also helps to restore that delightful crunch on the outside, mimicking its fresh-from-the-skillet state!
Can buttermilk French toast be frozen?
Absolutely, homemade buttermilk French toast freezes wonderfully! This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or having a quick, delicious breakfast ready on busy mornings. Simply allow any leftover French toast to cool completely, then place the slices in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without compromising quality.
When you’re ready to enjoy, there’s no need to thaw! Place the frozen French toast slices directly into your toaster or toaster oven. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the French toast is thoroughly warmed through and delightfully crispy on the exterior. This method ensures your once-frozen treat tastes just as good as if it were freshly made, providing a convenient and tasty solution anytime you crave a crunchy breakfast!
Looking for More Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Ideas? Try These!
Classic Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Decadent Blueberry White Chocolate Scones
Irresistible Blackberry Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
Happy Eating!
Crispy Buttermilk French Toast
Caitlyn Erhardt
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Ingredients
- 1 Loaf Finger Rolls*
- 4 Cups Corn Flakes
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 4 Large Eggs
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ Cups Buttermilk
- Unsalted Butter For The Skillet
Optional Toppings
- Maple Syrup
- Sliced Fruit (strawberries, blueberries, bananas)
- Whipped Cream
- Powdered Sugar
Instructions
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In a wide, shallow bowl, crush the cornflakes lightly by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor until you have a mix of crumbs and small pieces. Set aside. In a separate wide bowl, combine the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
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Take one finger roll (or slice of thick white bread) at a time and gently dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated. Lift the bread and allow any excess liquid to drip back into the bowl. Immediately transfer the wet bread slice to the bowl of crushed cornflakes. Press gently on both sides to fully coat the bread with the cornflakes. Set aside on a clean plate and repeat with the remaining bread slices until all are coated.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-low to medium heat. Add a generous knob of unsalted butter and allow it to melt and foam. Once the butter is bubbling, carefully place the prepared, cornflake-coated bread slices into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for approximately 3-5 minutes per side, or until each piece is golden brown, beautifully crispy, and cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary based on your stove and bread thickness. Repeat this process until all French toast slices are perfectly golden and crunchy.
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Serve your crunchy French toast warm, immediately after cooking, with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy this delightful breakfast or brunch!
Video
Notes
Calories from Fat 90
Nutrition
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