This Cinnamon Crunch French Toast turned my Sunday mornings from routine to remarkable. Imagine thick slices of bread soaked in a luscious, vanilla-infused egg-free custard, then coated in crunchy cinnamon toast cereal and caramelized to golden perfection on the griddle. It delivers that cozy coffee shop vibe—without stepping outside.
Whether you're indulging in a leisurely weekend breakfast or want to impress guests with minimal effort, this sweet and crispy twist on classic French toast is bound to become your new favorite.
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🧐 Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Crunch French Toast
This isn't just another French toast recipe—it's a game-changer for your breakfast routine. Here's why you need to make this cinnamon crunch version immediately:
- No eggs? No problem! This egg-free French toast delivers all the custardy goodness of traditional recipes without a single egg. Perfect for those with allergies or when you've run out of eggs on Sunday morning.
- That irresistible CRUNCH factor. Unlike standard French toast that goes soggy within minutes, the cinnamon cereal coating creates a caramelized, crispy exterior that maintains its texture even after adding syrup. Each bite delivers that satisfying crackle followed by tender, flavor-soaked bread.
- Make-ahead friendly. Prepare the custard mixture the night before, and you're just minutes away from an impressive breakfast that tastes like it came from a gourmet brunch spot. Ideal for busy mornings or when hosting overnight guests.
- Kid-approved but sophisticated enough for adults. The familiar cinnamon cereal flavor appeals to younger palates while the sourdough base and caramelized exterior satisfy more refined tastes. It's the rare breakfast that pleases everyone at the table.
- Ridiculously adaptable. Whether you're gluten-free, dairy-free, or just working with what's in your pantry, this recipe flexes to accommodate nearly any dietary need without sacrificing flavor or texture.
When your family smells the intoxicating aroma of caramelizing cinnamon sugar wafting through the house, they'll come running—and after one bite of this crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside French toast, this recipe will become your new weekend tradition.
🧂Ingredients Notes
Bread: I use my homemade sourdough sandwich bread for this egg-free French toast recipe, but any thick-cut bread works beautifully. Brioche bread, challah bread, or even day-old French bread will absorb the custard mixture while maintaining structure. Look for slices about ¾ of an inch to 1 inch thick for the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender center.
Whole Milk: This creates a rich base for our custard. For dairy-free French toast alternatives, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk provide comparable creaminess. Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical note that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
Corn Starch: This key ingredient helps thicken our egg-free custard mixture. Arrowroot powder works as a 1:1 substitute if you're avoiding corn products. Don't skip this - it's essential for the right consistency in vegan breakfast recipes.
Brown Sugar: I prefer dark brown sugar for its deeper molasses flavor, but light brown sugar works too. For a less refined option, coconut sugar makes an excellent substitute with a similar caramel-like profile.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract brings warmth to this cinnamon crunch breakfast. In a pinch, almond extract (use half the amount) creates an interesting flavor variation. Mexican vanilla adds exceptional depth if you can find it.
Flax Meal: This creates our "flax egg" - the perfect egg replacer for French toast without eggs. Ground chia seeds work similarly (same ratio with warm water), though they may add tiny visible specks to your custard.
Ground Cinnamon: Invest in high-quality Ceylon cinnamon for the best French toast coating—it has a more complex, less sharp flavor than standard cassia cinnamon found in most grocery stores.
Cinnamon Crunch Cereal: I use Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, but any cinnamon-flavored cereal creates that signature crunch coating. For a homemade alternative, combine crushed graham crackers with cinnamon and sugar. This creates the most irresistible crispy French toast texture.
Butter/Oil: I prefer butter for its flavor, but coconut oil works beautifully for dairy-free options. Vegan butter alternatives like Earth Balance also produce that perfect golden-brown exterior we're looking for in restaurant-quality French toast at home.
Pro tip: For the ultimate make-ahead breakfast idea, prepare custard the night before.
👩🏽🍳 Step by Step Instructions
Step 1. Creating the Cinnamon Crunch Coating
While your custard is ready, let's prepare that irresistible crunchy coating that makes this recipe so special. Place your cinnamon crunch cereal in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to crush it into small pieces - not powder, but small enough to create a textured coating. Pour the crushed cereal onto a plate and spread it into an even layer. This will become that signature sweet, cinnamon-spiced crust that transforms ordinary French toast into a breakfast showstopper.
Step 2. Preparing the Custard Mixture
Start by preparing your flax egg - combine the flax meal with ⅓ cup of warm water in a small bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
While that's happening, grab a shallow dish large enough to dip your bread slices in. Pour in your milk, then add the cornstarch, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until completely smooth with no lumps. Once your flax mixture has thickened to an egg-like consistency, transfer it to a shallow bowl or a deep dish. This flax egg will help the cinnamon crunch cereal crumbs to stick to the bread.
Step 3. Soaking the Bread
Take your thick slices of bread and dip each slice into the custard mixture for about 10 seconds per side. Don't rush this step! The bread needs time to absorb the custard without becoming soggy. If you're using day-old bread, it might need a little extra time to soak up the moisture.
Once soaked, let any excess custard drip off, then drop the bread on the flax eggs. Coat the bread with the slimy flax eggs on both sides. Now press each slice into your crushed cereal mixture, coating both sides and edges thoroughly for that perfect homemade cinnamon crunch experience.
Step 4. Cooking Your French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add your butter or oil. When it's melted and bubbling slightly (but not smoking), carefully place your coated bread slices onto the hot surface. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on medium heat each side until golden brown and crispy. The magic happens as the cereal coating caramelizes, creating that irresistible crunchy exterior while the inside stays soft and tender.
You might need to adjust your heat if you notice the coating browning too quickly - we want perfectly crisp, not burnt, vegan French toast!
🍽Serving Suggestions
Serve your French toast coated with cinnamon toast crunch cereal immediately while hot and crispy! For the ultimate breakfast indulgence, top with a pat of butter that slowly melts into all those cinnamon crevices. A drizzle of pure maple syrup takes this to the next level, but you can also get creative with fresh berries, sliced bananas, cream cheese frosting, or a dollop of whipped cream for a restaurant-style presentation. This egg-free breakfast favorite pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee for the most satisfying weekend brunch you can make at home.
📝 Tips to make the best Cinnamon Crunch French Toast
- If your French toast turns out soggy rather than crispy, there are two likely culprits. Either your bread slices soaked too long in the custard mixture (aim for just 10-15 seconds per side), or your cooking temperature was too low. For perfectly crisp egg-free cinnamon French toast, maintain a medium heat that allows the cereal coating to caramelize without burning.
- Don't worry if you're out of flax meal! Substitute with an equal amount of ground chia seeds mixed with warm water for an equally effective egg replacer in vegan breakfast recipes. The tiny black specks won't affect flavor but add a nutritional boost.
- For those monitoring sugar intake, the cinnamon crunch coating can be made with a monk fruit sweetener blend, though it won't caramelize quite the same way. The bread will still develop a pleasant texture, just with a slightly different crunch profile.
- When working with homemade sourdough bread, you might notice it absorbs liquid differently than store-bought varieties. If your sourdough seems particularly dense, allow it an extra 10 seconds in the custard mixture for proper absorption.
- Having trouble getting the cereal coating to stick? Make sure your custard-dipped bread has just enough moisture - not dripping wet, but not too dry either. Press firmly when coating both sides with the crushed cereal mixture for maximum adherence.
- For meal prep enthusiasts looking for make-ahead breakfast ideas, prepare the French toast completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat frozen slices directly in a toaster or oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
- Remember that darker skillets tend to create more intense caramelization, so adjust your cooking time accordingly if using cast iron versus non-stick surfaces. The perfect cinnamon crunch French toast should have a golden-brown exterior with a tender, flavorful center!
🫙 Storage & 🔥 Reheating Instructions
- Got leftovers? (Though I rarely do with this recipe!) Your cinnamon crunch French toast stores beautifully for a quick breakfast later in the week. Allow any extras to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, these crunchy slices freeze exceptionally well! Arrange cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and use within 1 month for best quality. This make-ahead breakfast option is perfect for busy mornings when you need something special without the effort.
- When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, resist the urge to microwave! While convenient, microwaving will leave you with sadly soggy results. Instead, reheat refrigerated slices in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and re-crisped. For frozen pieces, pop them directly into a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until heated through and the exterior regains that signature crunch.
Pro Tip: If you find the cereal coating has softened during storage, you can revive that delightful crispiness by giving your reheated slices a quick 30-second toast in a dry skillet over medium heat. The results are nearly as good as freshly made!
❓Frequently Asked Questions
The key to non-soggy cinnamon crunch French toast lies in several crucial techniques. First, start with slightly stale bread – day-old sourdough works beautifully as it has already lost some moisture and can better absorb the custard without falling apart. When soaking your bread, aim for the sweet spot of 10-15 seconds per side – long enough to absorb flavor but not so long that it becomes saturated.
The cinnamon cereal coating is your secret weapon against sogginess. It creates a protective barrier that caramelizes during cooking, forming a crisp shell that resists moisture. Be sure to cook your crusted French toast at the right temperature – medium heat allows the inside to warm through while the exterior develops that perfect crunch without burning. Finally, serve immediately after cooking or keep finished pieces in a warm oven (200°F) on a wire rack (not stacked!) until ready to serve. This prevents condensation from forming between slices and preserves that signature crunch.
Absolutely! This cinnamon crunch French toast is perfect for meal prep in two different ways. The first method is preparing the components: mix your custard base and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Crush your cereal and keep it in a sealed bag at room temperature. When morning comes, simply dip, coat, and cook!
For the ultimate time-saver, try the overnight cinnamon crunch toast recipe. Fully soak your bread slices in the custard mixture, arrange them in a single layer in a baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let the bread come to room temperature for about 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350 0F (176 0C). This overnight soaking actually enhances flavor development as the bread absorbs all those delicious cinnamon-vanilla notes. Then bake the cinnamon crunch French toast casserole for 35-40 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
Day-old bread is actually preferable to fresh in this recipe, as it has lost some moisture and can better absorb the custard without becoming mushy. If you only have fresh bread, lightly toast the slices at 200°F for about 10 minutes to remove some moisture before dipping.
For those prioritizing nutrition, whole grain bread works too, though it creates a denser result with a more pronounced wheat flavor that some find pairs beautifully with the sweet cinnamon crunch coating.
If you don't have cinnamon crunch cereal on hand, you can easily create a delicious homemade alternative that delivers the same satisfying crunch and warm cinnamon flavor. Making your own cinnamon sugar crumble coating is not only simple but gives you complete control over the ingredients and sweetness level.
To create a perfect homemade cinnamon crumble coating, start by combining ½ cup granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. For added depth and caramel notes, mix in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. The brown sugar helps create that beautiful caramelization when the French toast hits the hot pan.
This method will give you the ultimate cinnamon sugar French toast.
For the essential crunch factor, add ¼ cup finely crushed graham crackers to your cinnamon-sugar mixture. You can also use crushed vanilla wafers, crisp rice cereal, or even finely chopped toasted nuts if you want to add more texture and flavor complexity. The key is creating a coating that will adhere to your soaked bread and form a crispy exterior.
When using this homemade coating, follow the same process as with the cereal coating: dip your bread in the custard mixture first, allowing excess to drip off, then press each side firmly into your cinnamon sugar crumble mixture. Make sure to apply gentle pressure so the coating adheres evenly to the surface of the bread.
This homemade alternative often results in an even more pronounced cinnamon flavor that many prefer over the cereal version. Plus, it's a great way to use pantry staples.
🔗More Brunch Recipes
- Oreo French Toast
- Sourdough Bread Casserole
- Brioche cinnamon Rolls
- Danish Breakfast Buns
- 3-ingredient breakfast bagels
- English Muffins
- Sourdough French Toast
- Sourdough Pumpkin pancakes
I hope you enjoyed making this easy cinnamon crunch French toast recipe with me. I'd love to see your creation – snap a photo of your homemade French toast masterpiece and tag me on social media or leave a comment below sharing how this recipe brought a little weekend café magic into your kitchen!
Cinnamon Crunch French Toast
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 ½ cup whole milk
- ½ tablespoon corn starch
- 1 ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoon flax meal (add to ⅓ cup of warm water)
- 1 cup cinnamon crunch cereal (crushed)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
Step 1. Creating the Cinnamon Crunch Coating
- Place cinnamon crunch cereal in a ziplock bag.
- Use a rolling pin to crush into small pieces (not powder).
- Pour crushed cereal onto a plate in an even layer.
- This creates the signature sweet, cinnamon-spiced crust.
Step 2. Preparing the Custard Mixture
- Combine flax meal with ⅓ cup warm water.
- Let sit for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- In a shallow dish, mix milk, cornstarch, brown sugar, and vanilla.
- Whisk until completely smooth with no lumps. Set aside.
- Transfer thickened flax mixture to a shallow bowl or deep dish. This flax egg helps cereal crumbs adhere to bread.
Step 3. Soaking the Bread
- Take thick bread slices and dip each into custard for about 10 seconds per side. More dry or old bread may need extra soaking time.
- Let excess liquid drip off.
- Drop bread into flax egg mixture, coating both sides.
- Now press each slice into crushed cinnamon crunch toast cereal mixture, covering sides and edges.
Step 4. Cooking Your French Toast
- Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat with butter or oil.
- When butter is bubbling (not smoking), carefully place coated bread onto hot surface
- Cook about 3-4 minutes per side on medium heat until golden brown and crispy.
- The cereal coating will caramelize, creating crunchy exterior while inside stays soft.
- Serve your cinnamon toast crunch French toast immediately while hot and crispy!
Notes
- If your toast turns mushy, it’s likely over-soaked (keep it to 10–15 seconds per side) or cooked on too low heat. Medium heat gives that golden crunch!
- No flax? No problem! – Swap flax meal with ground chia seeds + warm water. It works just as well and adds nutrients.
- Use a monk fruit blend for the cinnamon coating. It won’t caramelize quite the same but still gives a nice texture.
- Using sourdough? – Homemade sourdough can be denser. Let it soak a bit longer for full custard absorption.
- Make-ahead magic – Freeze cooked slices in a single layer. Reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for a crisp, ready-to-go breakfast.
- Dark skillets caramelize faster. Watch your toast closely to avoid burning—aim for golden brown on the outside and tender inside!
- For overnight or baked cinnamon crunch French toast, soak, coat and line the bread in a casserole and refrigerate overnight. Next morning bake at 350 0F for 30-35 minutes.
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