Cinnamon Crunch French Toast

Experience the cozy delight of Cinnamon Crunch French Toast. This mouthwatering breakfast dish features thick slices of buttery brioche bread soaked in a decadent custard, infused with cinnamon, sweet vanilla, and coated in a crispy cinnamon-sugar cereal crust.

With each mouthful, this Cinnamon Crunch French Toast brings back the warm, comforting flavors of your favorite childhood cereal. It’s like a nostalgic trip down memory lane with every bite, making it the perfect breakfast or brunch treat.

Each piece has the perfect balance of soft, crispy, buttery goodness, and oh-so-cinnamony flavor.

Looking for more delicious cinnamon breakfast treats, then try my Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread, Gaston’s Giant Brioche Cinnamon Rolls, and Apple Tea Cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Kid-friendly- Kids will love the sweet cinnamon crunch, making it a hit with the whole family.
• Comfort food- When you need a cozy, comforting breakfast to start your day.
• Crunchy texture- The addition of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal provides a delightful crunchy texture in every bite, adding an extra layer of cinnamon goodness.
• Versatile- You can customize it by using different types of bread or adding toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream or maple syrup to suit your taste preferences.
• Easy to make- It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require many ingredients or a lot of time, perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast or brunch.
• Perfect for gatherings- This recipe is ideal for serving a crowd or hosting a brunch. You can easily whip up a large batch to feed a group of people without spending a lot of time in kitchen.

Ingredient Notes

Below are ingredient notes. For the complete list and quantities, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of the page.

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal- Opt for the original cereal for the best flavor. I grind them up inside a food processor.
• Bread- Thick-cut bread works best for French toast to absorb all that yummy custard without becoming soggy. Brioche, challah or Texas toast are all great options.
• Eggs- I use egg yolks in this recipe.
• Half and half- Using half-and-half will provide a rich and creamy custard mixture.
• Vanilla bean paste- Provides a strong and rich vanilla flavor.
• Cinnamon- Adding ground cinnamon to the custard will enhance the cinnamon flavor throughout the French toast.
• Sugar- Sugar adds sweetness to the custard mixture. You can use white granulated sugar or brown sugar.
• Butter- Unsalted butter is recommended for cooking the French toast slices. It adds richness and prevents sticking to the pan.
• Maple syrup- For serving. Choose pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Optional toppings- Fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal can be used as topping for an extra special touch.

Substitutions

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal- Substitute with any cinnamon-flavored cereal or granola for a similar crunchy texture and flavor. Crushed graham crackers can also provide a crunchy element.
• Bread- Instead of thick-cut bread, you can use regular sandwich bread, French bread, or even croissants for a different texture.
• Half-and-half- Substitute with whole milk or oat milk for a lighter version.
• Sugar- To sweeten your custard, replace sugar with honey, agave, or maple syrup.
• Vanilla bean paste- Vanilla extract can be substituted.

Step By Step Instructions

STEP 1: Crush cereal. Place Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal inside food processor. Pulse until the cereal is finely crushed. You still want a coarse texture. Pour crumbs onto a sheet pan for easy coating.

STEP 2: Prepare custard. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, ground cinnamon and sugar until well combined.

STEP 3: Dip the bread. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Then, dip each bread slice into custard mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated but not soggy.

STEP 4: Coat. Immediately press both sides of the bread slices into the crushed cereal, coating them evenly with the cereal pieces.

STEP 5: Cook the French toast. Place the coated bread slices onto the preheated skillet or griddle. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Add more butter to the skillet if needed between batches.

STEP 6: Finish. After cooking, transfer the French toast to a wire rack place over a large baking sheet to prevent sogginess. Keep them warm in a 200℉ oven. Then, cook the remaining bread slices in the same manner.

Also, remember to clean the pan between batches to prevent any burnt butter and crumbs from sticking.

STEP 7: Serve. When done, transfer the French toast to a serving plate. Serve hot with maple syrup and any desired toppings, such as fresh berries or whipped cream.

Expert Tips

By following these expert tips, you’ll create the perfect batch of cinnamon French toast every time!

• Stale bread- For the best texture, use slightly stale bread. It absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast it before dipping (optional).
• Don’t over crush. Crush the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal into small pieces, but not too fine. You want some texture for that crunchy coating on the French toast.
• Preheat the pan. Make sure your skillet or griddle is preheated over medium heat before cooking the French toast. This helps ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Coat evenly. Dip each bread slice evenly in the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated but not soaked. Press firm into the crushed cereal to adhere.
• Wipe the pan. Between batches, wipe out the skillet or griddle with a paper towel to remove any excess butter and cereal crumbs. This prevents burning and ensures a clean cooking surface.

FAQ

Storing and Freezing

Allow the Cinnamon Crunch French Toast to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy. Then, place parchment paper/wax paper between each slice to prevent sticking. Store the slices in an airtight container or resealable bag. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the French toast. Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Preheat your oven to 350℉. Place the French toast slices on a baking sheet and lightly cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Helpful Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick skillet or griddle- For evenly cooking the French toast, use a large non-stick pan. Even with non-stick pans, make sure to use a small amount of butter to prevent sticking and help with browning.
• Spatula- Use a wide, flexible spatula. This is best for flipping the French toast without tearing them.
• Whisk- A balloon whisk works best to thoroughly mix the ingredients for the custard.
• Food processor- To grind up the cinnamon Toast crunch cereal (optional). You can also place the cereal in a freezer bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.
• Wire rack- This helps prevent the French toast from getting soggy, while you continue to cook the remaining slices.

More Sweet Breakfast Recipes To Try

Start Your Morning With These Delicious Recipes!

• Cheddar Cheese and Chive Scones
• Avocado and Tomato Toast
• Breakfast Potato Hash
• Custard French Toast
• Chocolate Smoothie Bowl

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