Crunch French toast

Caramel crunch:
4 cups corn flakes
3/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
1/4 cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
French toast:
8 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 slices brioche
Unsalted butter, for the griddle
Powdered sugar, for serving
Maple syrup, for serving
Sliced strawberries, optional
Whipped cream, optional

To make the caramel crunch: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Evenly spread the corn flakes on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Place in the oven for 6-8 minutes or until the edges have lightly browned. Take out of the oven and allow the corn flakes to cool while the caramel is being cooked. To make the caramel: Place a heavy medium saucepan on the stove and add the sugar, cream of tartar and water. Gently stir the sugar mixture until the sugar is wet. Turn the heat to medium high and slowly stir until the sugar dissolves using a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula. The mixture should become an amber color. Immediately take the mixture off the heat and stir in the butter. Once the butter melts, slowly stir in the heavy cream and salt. Grease a sheet pan and set aside. Add the corn flakes to a large mixing bowl. Gently stir in the caramel sauce and cinnamon. Toss until the corn flakes are coated, then spread into a single layer on the greased sheet pan. Allow to cool for about an hour. Set a small amount (about 2 cups) of the caramel crunch to the side for garnish. Take the remaining mixture and set it in a plastic bag, leaving a small gap for air so the bag doesn’t break. Crush the mixture in the bag until it’s at a consistency you prefer. Pour the crushed caramel crunch into a shallow medium bowl and set aside. To make the French toast: In another medium shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Dip each side of a slice of brioche into the egg mixture, allow any excess to drip off, then dip each side of that same slice into the crushed caramel crunch, making sure to fully coat each side. Set on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining slices of brioche. Place a large cast-iron griddle over medium heat and melt about 1 tablespoon butter. Once the butter is melted, place two brioche slices on the griddle and allow each side to cook for 2-3 minutes. Serve as desired.