Easy 10-Minute Hong Kong Style French Toast

Hong Kong Style French Toast is a decadent and delicious café-style treat. Featuring layers of soft bread stuffed with peanut butter, coated in egg, and shallow-fried to golden perfection, it’s served with sweetened condensed milk and butter for the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a delightful dessert, this 10-minute recipe delivers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal effort.
• Customizable: Fill with your favorite spreads like Nutella, jam, or almond butter.
• Authentic Flavor: Inspired by classic Hong Kong cha chaan teng café-style French toast.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Enjoy it as a sweet breakfast or a dessert.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Toast:

• 6 slices milk bread or white bread
• 4 tbsp smooth peanut butter (or Nutella, condensed milk, or other nut butter)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying)

For the Toppings:

• 2 tbsp butter (as needed)
• Sweetened condensed milk (as needed, or substitute with honey or maple syrup)

Directions

1. Spread a thin, even layer of peanut butter on two slices of bread for each sandwich. Leave the third slice plain.
2. Stack the two peanut butter-coated slices together, peanut butter side up, and place the plain slice on top. Lightly press down to secure the sandwich. Repeat for the second sandwich.
3. Trim the crusts off each sandwich using a bread knife to create neat squares.
4. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
5. Lightly coat each sandwich in the beaten eggs, ensuring even coverage without over-soaking. Rest the sandwiches upright on a plate while preparing to fry.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over low-medium heat (approximately 300°F or level 4 on a 10-point dial).
7. Carefully place one sandwich into the hot oil. Fry each side until golden brown, about 30 seconds for the edges and 1-2 minutes for the flat surfaces. Repeat with the second sandwich.
8. Serve hot, topped with butter and drizzled with sweetened condensed milk, honey, or maple syrup.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 toasts (2 sandwiches)
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Spread Options: Substitute peanut butter with Nutella, almond butter, fruit preserves, or lotus Biscoff spread.
• Bread Choices: Use brioche, challah, or gluten-free bread for a different texture.
• Toppings: Add whipped cream, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for extra indulgence.
• Healthier Frying: Lightly pan-fry in less oil or bake in the oven at 375°F until golden.
• Savory Twist: Fill with cheese and ham, omitting the sweet toppings for a savory version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a toaster oven, skillet, or microwave until heated through. Avoid reheating in oil to prevent excessive grease.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat bread for this recipe?

Yes, whole wheat bread works, but the texture may be denser than milk bread.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use a plant-based spread and skip the butter topping, replacing it with a dairy-free option.

3. How can I prevent the bread from falling apart while frying?

Ensure the bread is lightly coated with egg and handle it gently while flipping.

4. Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.

5. What’s the best oil for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil work best for this recipe.

6. How do I keep the toast crispy?

Serve immediately after frying for the best texture.

7. Can I freeze the sandwiches?

It’s not recommended as the texture may change, but you can freeze the pre-fried sandwiches and fry them fresh.

8. What other toppings pair well with this toast?

Try chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent twist.

9. Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Just adjust the filling and toppings to their preferences.

10. How can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the amount of condensed milk or substitute it with unsweetened almond butter.

Conclusion

Easy 10-Minute Hong Kong Style French Toast is a delightful, nostalgic treat that’s quick to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re recreating a taste of Hong Kong at home or looking for a fun twist on classic French toast, this recipe is sure to impress. Serve it hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy the sweet simplicity of this beloved café dessert!

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