If you’ve ever wished classic French toast could be even more decadent and irresistibly crisp, you’re in for a treat. This Extra-Crispy Croissant French Toast uses buttery croissants instead of regular bread, soaking up a cinnamon-kissed custard and finishing with a golden, crunchy coating that shatters with every bite. The result is a brunch masterpiece that balances rich, soft interiors with outrageously crispy exteriors, making each mouthful pure breakfast joy. Whether you serve it to impress guests or indulge with your family, this dish brings a bakery-worthy twist to your everyday morning routine.

Extra-Crispy Croissant French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Extra-Crispy Croissant French Toast lies in a handful of quality ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, helping to create unmatched flavor and that signature shattering crunch.

Croissants: Choose day-old croissants for the best texture—they hold the custard without falling apart and get ultra-crispy outside.
Eggs: The key to a dreamy, rich custard base—fresh, large eggs are ideal for flavor and binding.
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives the custard body and extra decadence; half-and-half works too for added richness.
Heavy Cream: Adds silkiness to the custard, helping your French toast turn out tender inside.
Vanilla Extract: A few drops elevate everything with warm, aromatic sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: Just a sprinkle brings classic, cozy flavor to the custard mixture.
Salt: A pinch balances all the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Granulated Sugar: It lightly sweetens the custard and helps with caramelization.
Unsalted Butter: Butter in the pan ensures the croissants get perfectly golden and crisp on the outside.
Cornflakes: Crushed and used as a coating for that signature crunch—don’t skip this!

How to Make Extra-Crispy Croissant French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Croissants

Pick out four to six large, day-old croissants. Slice each one in half horizontally so you have open faces ready to soak. If your croissants are really fresh, simply leave them out to air-dry for an hour before starting—this helps them absorb the custard without becoming soggy.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a small pinch of salt. Make sure everything blends into a smooth, creamy mixture—this is the luscious base that defines Extra-Crispy Croissant French Toast.

Step 3: Crush the Cornflakes

Pour 2 cups of cornflakes into a resealable bag and gently crush them with your hands or a rolling pin. Aim for small, jagged pieces (not dust!) so you get maximum crunch in every bite. Spread the crushed cornflakes onto a large plate or shallow dish—this will be your breading station.

Step 4: Soak, Coat, and Prep

Dip each croissant half into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 15–20 seconds per side (enough to absorb but not get soggy). Gently shake off any excess custard. Immediately press the soaked croissant into the crushed cornflakes, coating both sides generously for that extra-crispy magic.

Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection

Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. When the butter sizzles, add the coated croissant halves in batches, cut side down first. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until the crust is shatteringly crisp and deeply golden brown. Transfer ready pieces to a wire rack while you finish the rest—it keeps everything crisp!

How to Serve Extra-Crispy Croissant French Toast

Garnishes

The finishing touches take your French toast from delicious to downright show-stopping. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of real maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. For a pop of color and flavor, scatter fresh berries or a handful of pomegranate seeds over the top—gorgeous and tasty!

Side Dishes

A plate of Extra-Crispy Croissant French Toast pairs beautifully with classic breakfast sides. Serve with crispy bacon, sausage links, or a savory egg dish to balance the sweetness. A fresh fruit salad or tangy yogurt alongside keeps the meal feeling light and inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your family or guests, layer slices of croissant French toast with mascarpone and berries for a brunch-worthy “stack.” Or cut each piece into sticks, pile onto a platter, and let everyone dunk into chocolate sauce, caramel, or berry compote. The presentation possibilities are just as fun as eating it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Extra-Crispy Croissant French Toast fresh, let leftovers cool completely. Store the pieces in a single layer in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. While they’ll lose a touch of crunch, a quick reheat returns the glory.

Freezing

This recipe is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Once cooked and cooled, layer pieces between sheets of parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for about a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat your croissant French toast on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes. Skip the microwave, as it softens the crust—a toaster oven is another great option to revive that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use mini croissants instead of large ones?

Absolutely! Mini croissants make adorable, bite-sized versions perfect for brunch buffets or kids’ breakfasts. Just watch the soaking time—smaller croissants need a little less to avoid falling apart.

Is it possible to make Extra-Crispy Croissant French Toast dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or coconut) and swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based alternative. Just use a dairy-free butter or a bit of neutral oil for pan-cooking.

What if I don’t have cornflakes?

No cornflakes? No problem! You can use crushed Rice Krispies, unsweetened puffed rice, or even panko breadcrumbs. Each gives a slightly different texture, but all help achieve that crunchy exterior.

Can I make the custard mixture in advance?

Certainly! You can whisk together all the custard ingredients up to one day ahead. Just store covered in the fridge and give it a good stir before dipping your croissants to make your morning routine even easier.

How do I prevent soggy French toast?

The secrets are brief soaking and sturdy, slightly stale croissants! Avoid submerging too long, and gently press the croissants in the cornflakes just before they go in the pan. This keeps the centers creamy but the crust fantastically crisp.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to up your breakfast game, Extra-Crispy Croissant French Toast is a can’t-miss indulgence that delivers on both taste and wow factor. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself and your loved ones to a brunch that’s unapologetically decadent and certain to be requested again and again!

Extra-Crispy Croissant French Toast Recipe