If you’re on the hunt for a sweet breakfast or afternoon treat with that unmistakable café flair, let me introduce you to Hong Kong Style French Toast. This satisfying twist on the classic features pillowy, thick-sliced bread sandwiched with creamy peanut butter, lovingly dipped into a luscious egg mixture, then pan-fried until golden and crispy. After its quick sizzle, it’s crowned with a pat of melting butter and a glorious drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. Every bite hits all the right notes: crispy edges, custardy middle, gooey peanut filling, and that irresistible buttery-sweet finish. There’s a reason Hong Kong Style French Toast is legendary at local tea cafés—it turns a handful of familiar ingredients into pure happiness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the many joys of Hong Kong Style French Toast is how you can create an utterly decadent dish from the simplest pantry staples. Each ingredient brings something special, from a soft bite to a glorious crunch or a touch of extra creaminess.
- Thick-sliced white bread: The rich, tender crumb of milk bread or brioche soaks up the custard without falling apart, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth.
- Creamy peanut butter: It’s the classic filling that adds just the right balance of saltiness and creaminess—feel free to use custard spread for a twist!
- Large eggs: The star of the custard, eggs bind everything together and give that signature golden crust.
- Milk: A couple spoonfuls adds richness to the egg mixture and ensures the toast doesn’t turn rubbery.
- Vanilla extract: Just a little lift of vanilla brings warmth and extra dessert-like aroma to the finished toast.
- Butter, for frying: Butter gives the exterior its irresistible crisp and deep flavor as it caramelizes while frying.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The ultimate drizzle—thick, syrupy, and sweet, it transforms your toast into a café-worthy treat.
- Unsalted butter, for topping: A final pat melts over the top, rounding off every bite with silky richness.
How to Make Hong Kong Style French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Sandwich
Begin by spreading an even layer of creamy peanut butter across one slice of bread, making sure to go right to the edges for maximum gooey goodness. Sandwich the second slice on top, pressing gently so the bread holds together but doesn’t squish all the filling out. This step ensures every bite of your Hong Kong Style French Toast is rich and satisfying—those peanutty pockets are the best surprise!
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl wide enough to fit your sandwich, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. You’re aiming for a smooth, well-mixed custard, with no streaks of egg white remaining. This soaking bath infuses your toast with that signature golden, custardy softness.
Step 3: Dip the Sandwich
Carefully dip your peanut butter sandwich into the egg mixture, first on one side, then the other, letting it soak for a few seconds per side. Make sure the edges get a good coating as well. The goal is to saturate the bread without making it fall apart. A gentle touch helps here!
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crisp
Heat a generous knob of butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. As soon as it melts and begins to sizzle, add your soaked sandwich. Fry until each side is beautifully golden brown and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Press down gently with a spatula for even browning. The whole kitchen will start to smell amazing—the signal that Hong Kong Style French Toast is moments from being ready.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Transfer your hot French toast to a serving plate right away. Pop a pat of unsalted butter on top and watch it melt slowly into the crispy crust. Finally, drizzle generously with sweetened condensed milk, letting it pool and soak into every crevice. Grab your fork and get ready for that first decadent bite!
How to Serve Hong Kong Style French Toast
Garnishes
Classic Hong Kong Style French Toast needs little more than condensed milk and butter on top, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of crushed peanuts can add a fun final flourish. For extra color, try a few fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon—it’s all about adding a personal touch.
Side Dishes
This toast is wonderfully rich on its own, but a fresh fruit salad or a cup of hot Hong Kong-style milk tea truly makes it feel like you’re in a bustling café. A small bowl of lightly sweetened yogurt or some crisp apple slices can balance out all that buttery, nutty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice your toast into thick fingers or triangles, serve on a platter, and offer dipping bowls of extra condensed milk, melted chocolate, or fruit compote. For a dessert twist, a small scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream transforms this classic into a showstopping treat. Don’t be shy—Hong Kong Style French Toast loves to share the spotlight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Hong Kong Style French Toast (lucky you!), let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 days in the fridge, though it’s best fresh for the ultimate crispy-soft contrast.
Freezing
To save some for another day, let the toast cool and then layer slices with parchment paper before sealing in a freezer-safe bag. Your Hong Kong Style French Toast will keep its wonderful texture for up to 1 month—just remember not to add the butter and condensed milk until after reheating.
Reheating
Bring your leftover toast back to life by reheating in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter, or bake in a toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp. Microwaving is quick, but you’ll lose that lovely crispness—so use the oven or pan for best results. Once it’s hot again, add your butter and condensed milk topping right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different bread for Hong Kong Style French Toast?
Absolutely! While milk bread or brioche gives the softest, richest results, any thick-sliced, slightly stale white bread works. Just avoid very airy or thinly sliced bread, as it can turn soggy in the egg mixture.
Is deep-frying necessary, or will pan-frying work for Hong Kong Style French Toast?
Traditional Hong Kong Style French Toast is deep-fried for extra crispiness, but pan-frying in a generous amount of butter delivers fantastic results without the extra hassle. The key is to use enough butter and let the toast get golden and crisp on both sides.
What alternatives can I use for the peanut butter filling?
If you want to change things up, swap out peanut butter for chocolate spread, custard, or even sweetened red bean paste. Each filling brings its own twist while staying true to the spirit of this indulgent café treat.
Can I make Hong Kong Style French Toast without condensed milk?
You can! Try drizzling with maple syrup, honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar instead, though condensed milk gives that authentic silky-sweet finish that makes this dish stand out.
How do I keep the toast from getting soggy?
The best trick is to use thick-sliced, sturdy bread and avoid oversoaking. A quick dip in the egg mixture is all you need. Frying in a hot, buttery pan also creates a crisp exterior to lock in the creamy middle.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving café-level comfort at home, Hong Kong Style French Toast is about to steal your heart. With its simple ingredients and unforgettable flavors, this recipe transforms breakfast (or dessert!) into something deeply special. Give it a try—and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite sweet treat!
Print
Hong Kong Style French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hong Kong
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and indulgent twist on classic French toast, this Hong Kong-style version features thick slices of bread stuffed with peanut butter, deep-fried until golden, and drenched in sweetened condensed milk with a melting pat of butter on top. A café favorite in under 10 minutes!
Ingredients
Bread:
- 2 thick slices white bread (milk bread or brioche preferred)
Peanut Butter Mix:
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (or custard spread)
Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying and Topping:
- Butter, for frying
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (for drizzle)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Spread peanut butter evenly between the two slices of bread to form a sandwich. Spread the filling evenly.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Ensure the mixture is well combined.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a knob of butter. Preheat the pan.
- Dip the sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides well. Ensure both sides are coated.
- Fry in the pan until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Cook until golden and crispy.
- Remove and place on a plate. Immediately top with a pat of butter and drizzle generously with sweetened condensed milk. Serve hot.
Notes
- Be careful when frying to avoid burning.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of condensed milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
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