Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast
This post may contain affiliate links.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast is the breakfast you make when plain old pancakes just won’t cut it. It’s crunchy, custardy, and tastes like a warm cinnamon hug—basically, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to whip up. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, brunch guests, or just yourself on a Tuesday (no judgment), this is your new go-to.
Looking for even more fun breakfast ideas? Try my air fryer donuts, cinnamon roll waffles, or baked french toast sticks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy breakfast idea: Perfect for busy mornings when you want something fun but fuss-free.
- Fun twist on French toast: A nostalgic, cereal-inspired spin on a breakfast classic.
- Comfort food breakfast: Crunchy, cozy, and just indulgent enough to count as a hug in food form.
This french toast crunch french toast takes everything you love about a classic breakfast and gives it a sweet, crunchy upgrade. Each slice is dipped in a rich egg custard, coated in crushed cereal, and cooked to golden perfection—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat but is surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you’re whipping this up for weekend brunch or just trying to impress a picky eater on a Tuesday, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s fun, family-friendly, and totally nostalgic—because who says cereal is just for kids?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to turn a handful of simple ingredients into a breakfast that’ll earn you instant hero status. This recipe leans on pantry staples with one game-changing twist—crunchy cereal. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch – The star of the show! Crushed and used as a crunchy coating, it gives the toast that signature sweet-cinnamon bite and irresistible texture.
- Eggs – Act as the base for your custard mixture, giving the toast that soft, rich center.
- Milk – Helps thin the eggs and adds creaminess. Whole milk works best, but any milk (or non-dairy alternative) will do.
- Bread – Thick slices like brioche, challah, or Texas toast hold up best and soak in all that custard without falling apart.
- Butter – For greasing the pan and getting that golden, crispy finish. Don’t skip it—this is where the magic happens.
That’s it! Just five ingredients and you’re on your way to a breakfast that tastes like it came straight from your favorite diner (but better).
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
This Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast is next-level brunch goals. It’s crunchy on the outside, soft and custardy inside, and totally tastes like dessert disguised as breakfast. My teenager gave it a solid “make this again,” which, if you know teens, is basically a standing ovation.
Tip from Jesseca:
Let the coated bread rest for 30 seconds before it hits the skillet. It helps the cereal stick better and gives you that perfect golden crust without shedding crumbs all over the pan.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to make this crunchy french toast your own? You’ve got options! Whether you’re working with what’s on hand or just want to mix things up, here are some easy swaps and fun twists:
- No Cinnamon Toast Crunch? Try using Golden Grahams, Frosted Flakes, or even crushed graham crackers with a pinch of cinnamon. You’ll still get that sweet crunch.
- Different breads: Brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best, but even sandwich bread will do in a pinch. Just avoid anything too thin or flimsy.
- Add-ins: Stir a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon into the egg mixture for extra flavor.
- Toppings: Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup—or all of the above. No judgment.
This recipe is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to get creative. It’s hard to go wrong when you start with cereal-coated French toast.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Recipe
Making cinnamon crunch french toast is surprisingly simple, and the payoff is huge. You’ll crush the cereal, dip your bread in a classic egg mixture, and pan-fry to golden perfection. Here’s a quick look:
- Blend the cereal into fine crumbs and pour into a shallow dish.
- Whisk eggs and milk in a separate bowl.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, then coat in the cereal crumbs.
- Cook in a buttered skillet over low heat for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with syrup (and maybe a sprinkle of extra cereal on top for crunch).
This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier—perfect for lazy weekends or showing off at brunch without breaking a sweat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Make-ahead:
You can prep the egg mixture and crush the cereal the night before—just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. In the morning, all that’s left is dipping and cooking! - Storing leftovers:
Let any extra French toast cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Reheating:
Pop slices in the toaster oven or a skillet over low heat to bring back that crispy texture. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose the crunch. - Freezing:
Lay cooked and cooled slices on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the toaster or oven for an easy breakfast win.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can prep the egg mixture and crush the cereal the night before. You can even cook the French toast and reheat it in the oven or toaster the next morning.
Thick-cut options like brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best. They soak up the egg mixture without falling apart and give you that fluffy, diner-style texture.
Absolutely. Golden Grahams, Frosted Flakes, or even crushed graham crackers with cinnamon are great swaps if you don’t have Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Make sure your pan is on low heat, and let the coated bread sit for 20–30 seconds before cooking to help it “set.” Also, don’t skip pressing the crumbs gently into the bread.
Maple syrup is classic, but you can also try whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of extra crushed cereal for bonus crunch.
Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 cup cinnamon toast crunch cereal
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 4 slices bread
- butter for the pan
Instructions
- Add the Cinnamon Toast Crunch to a blender or food processor. Pulse until the cereal resembles fine crumbs. Pour into a shallow bowl or plate and set aside.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.
- Take a slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Then press it into the crushed cereal crumbs, gently pressing to help the coating stick. Repeat with remaining slices.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over low heat. Add a small amount of butter and allow it to melt and coat the pan.
- Place the coated bread slices into the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Remove from the skillet and serve warm with syrup, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of extra crushed cereal if desired.
Video
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
They look so simple to prepare! I love the idea of baking instead of frying them.
When you posted your teaser on IG I was TOTALLY going to guess french toast sticks!!!