Crunchy Nut French Toast

If you’re looking to level up your breakfast game, then you need to try this Crunchy Nut French Toast! Imagine the golden, crispy exterior of French toast, but with an irresistible crunch from a toasty nut coating—think almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Then, add a little sweetness, a touch of cinnamon, and a drizzle of syrup, and you’ve got yourself a breakfast or brunch that feels just a bit more decadent and special. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weekend morning or impressing guests, this French toast is sure to bring all the joy (and crunch!) to your table.

Why You’ll Love Crunchy Nut French Toast

Perfectly Crispy

The nuts add an amazing crunchy texture to the French toast that you don’t usually get with traditional versions. The outside is golden, crispy, and a little nutty—seriously, you won’t be able to resist!

Sweet & Nutty Flavor

The mix of cinnamon, vanilla, and nuts gives this French toast a rich flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory. The crispy edges combined with the soft, custardy interior make every bite a dream.

Simple, Yet Elegant

This recipe is easy to make but looks so fancy—it’s perfect for treating yourself or serving to family and friends for breakfast or brunch. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that’s sure to impress, but doesn’t require a lot of effort!

Customizable

Feel free to swap the nuts based on what you have at home, or even add a bit of chocolate chips or banana slices to the batter for extra indulgence. You can make this recipe your own!

Ingredients for Crunchy Nut French Toast

For the French Toast:

• Bread: Use thick slices of bread, like brioche or Texas toast. The thicker slices hold up well when soaked and get a deliciously crisp crust.
• Eggs: The base of the custard. Fresh, large eggs give the French toast its rich, creamy texture.
• Milk: Whole milk works best, but you can use any milk of your choice. For a creamier texture, feel free to add a splash of cream or half-and-half.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla adds a depth of flavor that’s perfect for French toast.
• Cinnamon: Just the right amount to warm up the flavor of the French toast.
• Salt: A pinch of salt helps bring out the sweetness and balances the flavors.

For the Nut Coating:

• Nuts: Choose your favorite nuts, like chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts. Toasting them adds extra flavor and crunch.
• Cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes create an extra layer of crunch when combined with the nuts.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a bit of sweetness and helps the nuts caramelize just a little bit when cooking.
• Butter: For frying the French toast to golden perfection.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Nut Coating

1. Toast the nuts: In a small skillet, toast the chopped nuts over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, just until they start to smell fragrant and are lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
2. Crush the cornflakes: Place the cornflakes in a plastic bag or bowl and crush them lightly with a rolling pin or your hands. You want them in small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Mix the nut coating: In a shallow dish, combine the toasted nuts, crushed cornflakes, and brown sugar. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the French Toast Batter

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth. This will be your French toast custard.

Step 3: Coat the Bread

1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter to grease the pan.
2. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Then, dip the soaked bread into the nut-cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure the bread is well-coated with the crunchy nuts and flakes.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

1. Place the coated bread slices onto the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, so the French toast cooks evenly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Once the French toast is crispy and golden, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate.
2. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 8g
Vitamin A: 12%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 10%
Potassium: 280mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Crunchy Nut French Toast

Serving Suggestions:

• Toppings: Drizzle your French toast with maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra special touch.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a handful of berries or sliced bananas to add some sweetness and freshness.
• Bacon or Sausage: Pair it with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a classic, filling breakfast.

Additional Tips

• Double-Coat for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier texture, dip the bread back in the egg mixture and then in the nuts and cornflakes a second time.
• Vary the Nuts: Use a variety of nuts depending on your preference. Hazelnuts or pistachios can also bring interesting flavors to the dish.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the nut coating and batter the night before to save time in the morning. Just store the batter and coating in the fridge.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this gluten-free?
A1: Yes, you can use gluten-free bread and gluten-free cornflakes to make this French toast gluten-free.

Q2: Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
A2: Absolutely! You can substitute almond milk or any plant-based milk for regular milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for the best flavor.

Q3: Can I add other spices to the batter?
A3: Yes! You can experiment with nutmeg or allspice for a bit more warmth and complexity in the flavor.

Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A4: To make it dairy-free, simply swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and use a non-dairy milk like almond milk.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for the best results.

Q6: Can I freeze the French toast?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the French toast for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for a crispy finish.

Q7: Can I make this without the nut coating?
A7: Yes! If you prefer a simpler version, you can skip the nut coating and make classic French toast with the egg batter alone.

Q8: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A8: Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to the batter gives the French toast an extra indulgent touch.

Q9: What kind of bread is best for French toast?
A9: Thick-cut, stale bread like brioche, Texas toast, or challah works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart.

Q10: Can I use a griddle instead of a skillet?
A10: Yes! A griddle works perfectly, and you can make multiple pieces of French toast at once, which is great for serving a crowd.

Conclusion

This Crunchy Nut French Toast is a sweet, nutty, and totally satisfying twist on the classic breakfast favorite. The combination of crunchy nuts, cornflakes, and cinnamon-spiced batter makes this dish totally irresistible. Whether you’re treating yourself to a weekend breakfast or surprising guests with something a little special, this French toast will surely steal the show. It’s a breakfast that’s crispy, soft, and oh-so-delicious all at once. Enjoy every golden, crunchy bite!

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