If you have a soft spot for anything sweet and nostalgic, then this Hong Kong French Toast Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine thick, pillowy slices of milk bread stuffed with a luscious homemade custard, dipped in a rich egg wash, and perfectly golden-fried to crispy, airy perfection. Topped off with a generous drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, each bite offers a heavenly contrast of creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly sweet flavors that transport you straight to a bustling Hong Kong street food stall. Simple yet indulgent, this recipe is a fantastic way to bring a little Asian-inspired comfort to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look familiar, but each one plays an important role in creating the magic of this Hong Kong French Toast Recipe. From the custard’s silky texture to the bread’s golden crunch, these components work in harmony to build layers of flavor and comfort.
- Sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the custard’s richness.
- All-purpose flour: A subtle thickener to help the custard stay smooth and creamy.
- Cornstarch: Gives the custard that silky, pudding-like texture.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and help create a luscious custard and a golden crust.
- Milk: The main liquid for the custard, adding creaminess and depth.
- Butter: Adds richness and a smooth finish to the custard filling.
- Vanilla extract: Imparts a warm, aromatic note to the custard.
- White bread (preferably thick milk bread): The soft canvas for this dish, perfect for soaking up custard without falling apart.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The luscious drizzle that elevates the dish with extra sweetness and creaminess.
How to Make Hong Kong French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk together the custard base
Start by combining sugar, flour, cornstarch, and one large egg in a medium bowl. Whisking these dry ingredients with the egg ensures the custard will thicken evenly without any lumps, setting the stage for that smooth texture that makes this toast so special.
Step 2: Cook the custard
Next, bring the milk to a boil in a small saucepan. Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture to temper the eggs and avoid scrambling. Then pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it bubbles and thickens. Right after removing from the heat, stir in butter and vanilla. This custard will be silky, rich, and the perfect spread for your toast layers.
Step 3: Assemble the sandwiches
Take three slices of thick white or milk bread and gently spread a thin layer of the warm custard filling between each. Carefully sandwich the slices together so you have a stacked, custard-filled toast that’s ready for the next step. This custard pocket is where the magic happens—each bite will have that irresistible creamy surprise inside.
Step 4: Prepare the egg wash
In a separate shallow dish, whisk together two large eggs with a tablespoon of milk. This egg wash will give your toast that gorgeous golden coating while frying or air frying, sealing in the custard and creating a crispy exterior.
Step 5: Coat and cook
Dip the custard sandwiches completely into the egg wash, making sure every side is covered. Then, either deep fry at 350°F until the toast turns a stunning golden brown or air fry at 400°F for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. This step is where your Hong Kong French Toast Recipe really shines, transforming soft bread into a crisp and flavorful delight.
Step 6: Serve with sweetened condensed milk
Once cooked, transfer your toasts to a plate and drizzle generously with sweetened condensed milk. This finishing touch adds a wonderful gooey sweetness that balances the crispy toast and smooth custard inside, making every forkful a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
How to Serve Hong Kong French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
For a classic touch, simply drizzle more sweetened condensed milk or a little honey on top. If you want to add freshness, sprinkle a few sliced strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts can also add a lovely nutty crunch to complement the creamy custard.
Side Dishes
This toast pairs beautifully with a cup of strong black tea or milk tea, capturing that authentic Hong Kong café vibe. You might also serve it alongside fresh fruit like mango or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream to further enhance the contrast between warm toast and cool, refreshing sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Hong Kong French Toast Recipe into a brunch centerpiece by stacking individual sandwiches and skewering them with decorative picks. Serve with small bowls of sweetened condensed milk, fruit compotes, or flavored butters for guests to customize each bite. You can also experiment with different bread types, such as brioche or challah, for a richer variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers—and honestly, who doesn’t want seconds?—store the Hong Kong French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The custard filling may firm up slightly, but reheating gently will bring back most of that luscious texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled, uncooked sandwiches by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed with the egg wash and cooking steps for a fresh result.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat to restore the crispiness of the crust without drying out the custard inside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy and alter the delightful texture you worked so hard to create.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While thick milk bread or white bread is traditional and ideal for soaking up the custard without falling apart, brioche or challah can add a richer, buttery flavor that also works beautifully.
Is it necessary to deep fry the toast?
Deep frying gives you the classic crispy exterior, but air frying is a fantastic alternative if you want a lighter version with less oil. Just follow the temperature and timing suggestions for the best results.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Making a vegan version would require some ingredient swaps like a plant-based milk, egg replacer, and dairy-free butter. However, the egg wash and custard are central to the traditional texture and flavor, so while possible, it won’t be quite the same classic experience.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
If you want to try something different, honey, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar can all complement the toast nicely, though the rich, creamy sweetness of condensed milk is truly iconic for this dish.
How long does the custard filling keep its texture?
The custard is best enjoyed fresh as it delivers that perfect creamy richness. Stored in the fridge, it will thicken more but will still taste delicious. Reheating gently helps bring back some of that smoothness.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Hong Kong French Toast Recipe is like inviting a little burst of joyful comfort into your day. It’s warm, sweet, and utterly satisfying—a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself to a special breakfast or snack, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and sweet. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be dreaming about your next bite. So why wait? Dive in and enjoy every golden, custardy moment!
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Hong Kong French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Hong Kong
Description
Hong Kong French Toast is a decadent and fluffy dessert-style toast made by sandwiching creamy custard between thick slices of milk bread, then coated in an egg wash and deep-fried or air-fried until golden and crispy. Served with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, this beloved Hong Kong street snack offers a delightful combination of creamy, crispy, and sweet textures.
Ingredients
Custard Filling
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toast
- 6 pieces white bread (thick milk bread preferred)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Sweetened condensed milk (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Custard Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and 1 large egg until smooth.
- Cook Custard: Heat 1 cup of milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to boil. Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs and avoid curdling. Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the custard boils and thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Take 3 slices of thick milk bread. Spread a thin, even layer of the warm custard filling between two slices and sandwich them together. Repeat if needed with remaining bread slices.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a shallow dish, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of milk until fully combined.
- Coat and Cook: Dip the custard-filled sandwich completely in the egg wash, ensuring all sides are coated. For deep frying, heat oil to 350°F and fry the sandwich until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Alternatively, spray the sandwich lightly with oil and air fry it at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oil or air fryer and drain on paper towels if deep fried. Place on a serving plate and drizzle generously with sweetened condensed milk. Enjoy hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Thick milk bread is preferred for its sturdiness and texture, but any white sandwich bread can work.
- For a healthier option, air frying is recommended instead of deep frying.
- Ensure the custard is not too hot when spreading to prevent bread from becoming soggy.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the crispiest experience as the toast can soften over time.
- You can add a pinch of salt to the custard filling to balance sweetness if desired.
