Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast Recipe

A Sweet Idea from My Grandson

My grandson, Leo, came to me with a box of cereal. He had a twinkle in his eye. He asked if we could make French toast with it. I thought he was a little silly.

But you know what? It was the best idea. The kitchen smelled like a cinnamon bun bakery. I still laugh at that morning. It shows that the best ideas can come from anyone.

Let’s Get Crunching

First, we need to crush our cereal. Put the Cinnamon Toast Crunch in a bag. Then, roll over it with a can. You will make lovely, crunchy crumbs.

Put the crumbs in a big bowl. In another bowl, whisk your eggs and half & half. They should look light and sunny. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?

The Magic of the Coating

This is the fun part. Dip your bread in the egg. Let the extra drip off. Then, press it into the cereal crumbs. Cover both sides nicely.

This step matters. The crunchy coat keeps the bread soft inside. It makes every bite interesting. What is your favorite cereal? Could you see using it like this?

Cooking with Love and Butter

Use a good amount of butter in your pan. It should sizzle softly. Cook each side for a few minutes. You want it to be a beautiful golden brown.

Between each slice, wipe out the old crumbs. This keeps them from burning. It is a small step that makes a big difference. It shows you care about your food.

The Special Creamy Glaze

While the toast stays warm in the oven, make the glaze. Just mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and half & half. Puree it until it is perfectly smooth.

*Fun fact*: Powdered sugar has a little cornstarch in it. This helps thicken the glaze so it sticks to the toast. Do you prefer a drizzle of glaze or a big pour?

Why This All Matters

This recipe is more than just food. It is about trying new things. My grandson taught me that. It is okay to be a little playful in the kitchen.

It also makes an ordinary morning feel like a party. Sharing a special breakfast says “I love you” without any words. What is a fun food memory you have with your family?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Texas Toast Bread	4 Slices
Eggs	3
Half & Half	1 Tablespoon	For French Toast
Cinnamon Toast Crunch	2 Cups	Crushed for coating
Butter	3-4 Tablespoons	For frying
Cream Cheese	4 ounces	For glaze
Half & Half	1/4 Cup	For glaze
Powdered Sugar	6 Tablespoons	For glaze

My Cozy Cinnamon Toast Crunch French Toast

Oh, this recipe brings back such happy memories. My grandson created it one sleepover morning. He wanted his favorite cereal on his favorite breakfast. The result was pure magic. It’s crunchy, sweet, and so very cozy. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

Let’s get our hands busy. This is a fun one to make with a helper. I still laugh at the mess we made that first time. But it was worth every single crumb.

Ingredients

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
• 4 slices of bread (thick-cut is best)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup half & half
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons half & half (for the glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: First, turn your oven on to 200 degrees. This is our little trick. It keeps the finished toast perfectly warm. Now, put the Cinnamon Toast Crunch in a plastic bag. Crush it with a rolling pin or a can. You want little pieces, not dust. (A hard-learned tip: a zip-top bag is best, or you might have a cereal explosion!)

Step 2: Crack the eggs into a big bowl. Add the half & half. Whisk it all together until it looks sunny and smooth. Let your frying pan warm up on the stove. A medium-low heat is just right. We don’t want to burn our special crust.

Step 3: Time for the fun part! Dip a bread slice in the egg. Let the extra drip off. Then, lay it in the cereal bowl. Gently press the pieces into both sides. You are giving your bread a crispy, cinnamon jacket.

Step 4: Melt a tablespoon of butter in your hot pan. It should sizzle softly. Cook the bread for 2-3 minutes per side. You are looking for a lovely golden brown. Then pop it into the warm oven. Do you know why we wipe the pan between slices? It keeps the leftover crumbs from burning.

Step 5: For the glaze, just mix the cream cheese, half & half, and powdered sugar. A blender makes it super smooth. Drizzle this creamy goodness over your warm French toast. Top it with a little extra cereal for crunch. What’s your favorite breakfast for a special day? Share below!

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Breakfast, Brunch

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up. Here are some playful ideas if you’re feeling creative. They are all delicious in their own way.

Fruity Delight: Add sliced bananas or strawberries on top. The fruit adds a fresh, sweet bite.

Peanut Butter Power: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on the bread before dipping. It’s a protein-packed surprise.

Chocolate Dream: Mix a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the cream cheese glaze. It tastes like a dessert for breakfast.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Right

This French toast is a star all on its own. But every star needs a good supporting cast. I love serving it with a few simple sides. It makes the meal feel extra special.

Try a few crispy bacon strips on the side. The salty taste is perfect with the sweet toast. Or, a scoop of cool vanilla yogurt can be a nice change from syrup. For a pretty plate, dust a little extra powdered sugar over everything. It looks like a light snowfall.

For a drink, a tall glass of cold milk is the classic choice. It’s my grandson’s favorite. For the grown-ups, a hot cup of coffee with cream pairs beautifully. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your French Toast Happy

This French toast is best eaten right away. But I know mornings can be busy. You can keep it warm in a 200 degree oven.

For leftovers, let them cool completely first. Then store them in the fridge for up to two days. I once put warm toast in a container. It got soggy and I was so sad.

You can freeze the toast, too. Just lay the slices on a baking sheet. Once frozen, pop them into a bag. This stops them from sticking together.

Batch cooking saves your future self time. A good breakfast makes a good day. It matters because you deserve a sweet, easy morning. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups

Is your cereal not sticking to the bread? Press it in gently with your fingers. I remember when my first piece was mostly bare. A gentle press fixes everything.

Is the pan too hot? Your butter will burn. The toast will cook too fast outside. It will be raw inside. This matters because gentle heat gives you a perfect, golden slice.

Is your glaze too thick? Just add a tiny bit more half & half. A thin stream should drizzle off your spoon. Getting the texture right builds your cooking confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your French Toast Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free bread and cereal.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?

A: You can crush the cereal the night before. Mix the wet ingredients then, too.

Q: What if I don’t have Half & Half?

A: Whole milk works just fine. I use it all the time.

Q: Can I make a bigger batch?

A: Of course! Just double all the ingredients.

Q: Any other fun toppings?

A: Fresh berries or sliced bananas are delicious. *Fun fact: The cereal was created in 1984!* Which tip will you try first?

A Little Note From My Kitchen

I hope you love making this special breakfast. It always makes my kitchen smell wonderful. Sharing recipes is one of my greatest joys.

I would be so happy to see your creations. Your family’s smiles are the best reward. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.