Hong Kong Style French Toast is a unique twist on the classic French toast, made with soft, fluffy milk bread stuffed with peanut butter, then lightly coated in egg and fried to perfection. This indulgent treat is served with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk and butter, making it a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert. Quick and easy to make, this dish combines the comfort of French toast with the rich, savory flavors of peanut butter and the sweetness of condensed milk.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 6 slices milk bread (or any square-shaped white bread)

• 4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (or substitute with Nutella or any nut butter)

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)

• Toppings:

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • Sweetened condensed milk (or substitute with honey or maple syrup)

Directions

1. Prepare the Bread: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on two slices of the bread from edge to edge. Place the peanut buttered slices on top of each other with the peanut butter facing up. Place the third slice of bread on top and press down lightly to stick the sandwich together.

2. Cut the Crusts: Trim off the crusts of the sandwich to make it into a square shape.

3. Coat the Sandwich: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Lightly coat the sandwich in the beaten eggs. Be careful not to oversoak it to avoid mushiness.

4. Heat the Oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pan, heat vegetable oil over low-medium heat (around 300°F or 150°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully place the sandwich into the oil.

5. Fry the Toast: Fry the sandwich on each side until golden brown (about 30 seconds on the sides and 1-2 minutes on the larger surfaces). Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.

6. Serve: Remove the French toast from the oil, drain on paper towels, and serve immediately with a dollop of butter and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk.

Nutrients

Per Serving (Approximate):

• Calories: 259 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Protein: 14g

• Fat: 20g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

  • Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 164mg

• Sodium: 225mg

• Potassium: 274mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

• Vitamin A: 238 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 43mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Allure of Milk Bread

The choice of bread is crucial to making Hong Kong Style French Toast a memorable dish. Unlike traditional French toast made with any bread, Hong Kong Style French Toast uses soft, fluffy milk bread. Milk bread, also known as “Hokkaido milk bread” or “shokupan,” is a slightly sweet, soft bread with a tender crumb that holds up beautifully when fried. Its soft texture provides a perfect contrast to the crispy, golden-brown exterior that results from frying.

The milk bread’s sweetness pairs wonderfully with the rich, savory peanut butter filling, adding an extra layer of flavor that enhances the overall dish. Its soft, pillowy texture makes every bite a delightful experience, providing just the right balance of crispiness and tenderness. Whether enjoyed fresh from the pan or served slightly cooled, the milk bread adds a comforting element to the dish that makes it stand out from traditional French toast recipes.

Peanut Butter: The Savory Twist

The filling of Hong Kong Style French Toast is what truly differentiates it from other types of French toast. The sandwich is stuffed with smooth peanut butter, creating a rich, creamy interior that contrasts beautifully with the crispy, fried exterior. Peanut butter adds a savory depth to the dish, offering a creamy richness that elevates the dish from a simple breakfast to a more indulgent treat.

Peanut butter also provides a nice balance of protein, fat, and flavor that complements the sweetness of the milk bread and the condiments added later. The smooth texture of the peanut butter melds perfectly with the bread, creating a gooey filling that oozes out when you bite into the toast. For those who want to experiment with flavors, you can easily substitute peanut butter with Nutella or other nut butters, adding a chocolatey or almond-flavored twist to the dish.

The Magic of Frying: Crispy, Golden Perfection

The magic of Hong Kong Style French Toast lies in the frying process. The sandwich is dipped in beaten eggs, which form a thin, golden crust when fried. The egg coating ensures that the bread gets crispy and golden on the outside while keeping the inside soft and creamy. When fried at the right temperature, the sandwich achieves a perfect balance between a crispy, crunchy exterior and a warm, gooey interior.

The frying process also imparts a satisfying texture to the toast. The edges crisp up beautifully, while the inside remains soft and flavorful. The oil helps seal in the peanut butter, preventing it from spilling out and allowing the flavors to meld together. The toast is fried in vegetable oil over low-medium heat to avoid burning the bread and to ensure that the filling gets properly heated. This careful frying technique ensures that the toast is cooked evenly on all sides, resulting in a perfectly crispy, golden crust.

A Touch of Sweetness: Condensed Milk and Butter

Once the Hong Kong Style French Toast is fried to perfection, it is served with a dollop of butter and a generous drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. The butter adds a rich, creamy finish to the toast, enhancing its flavor and making it even more indulgent. The sweetened condensed milk, which is a staple in many Hong Kong desserts, adds a luscious, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the savory peanut butter filling and the mild sweetness of the milk bread.

The combination of butter and condensed milk transforms the dish into a decadent treat, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or indulging in a comforting snack. The condensed milk also adds moisture, ensuring that each bite is smooth and luscious, with just the right amount of sweetness. For those who prefer a lighter option, honey or maple syrup can be used as an alternative to condensed milk, providing a different type of sweetness while still maintaining the dish’s indulgent quality.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Hong Kong Style French Toast is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes. While the classic version is stuffed with peanut butter and served with condensed milk and butter, there are endless possibilities for variations. For example, you could add slices of banana, strawberries, or other fruits to the sandwich for a refreshing twist. You could also experiment with different nut butters, such as almond or cashew butter, to change the flavor profile.

For an even richer version, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the toast, or drizzle with a bit of chocolate syrup for a dessert-like experience. If you enjoy the combination of sweet and savory, you can top the French toast with crispy bacon or fried eggs to create a more hearty breakfast option.

Hong Kong Style French Toast also pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a refreshing iced drink. The rich, indulgent flavors of the toast are balanced by the warmth of the beverage, creating a satisfying and complete meal or snack.

Quick and Easy to Make

One of the best aspects of Hong Kong Style French Toast is how quick and easy it is to make. Unlike traditional French toast that requires soaking slices of bread in an egg mixture, this recipe is faster and less messy. The sandwich is simply stuffed with peanut butter, dipped in beaten eggs, and fried until golden brown. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or even a late-night snack.

Despite its simplicity, Hong Kong Style French Toast feels like a special treat. The combination of rich, creamy peanut butter, crispy fried bread, and sweetened condensed milk elevates the dish from a typical breakfast to a memorable indulgence that can be enjoyed any time of day. It’s the perfect dish when you’re craving something comforting yet indulgent, and it’s sure to satisfy any sweet or savory craving.

Nutritional Benefits of Hong Kong Style French Toast

While Hong Kong Style French Toast is undeniably indulgent, it also offers some nutritional benefits. The peanut butter filling provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, which can help keep you full and satisfied. The milk bread offers carbohydrates for energy, while the sweetened condensed milk adds a bit of sweetness to balance out the richness of the peanut butter.

However, it’s important to note that this dish is higher in calories due to the frying process and the use of condensed milk and peanut butter. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of peanut butter or use a lighter spread, such as almond butter, and opt for honey instead of condensed milk.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Unique Breakfast or Snack

In conclusion, Hong Kong Style French Toast is a delightful and unique twist on a classic dish. The combination of soft milk bread, rich peanut butter, crispy fried exterior, and sweetened condensed milk creates an indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert, these French toast bites will leave you satisfied and craving more. The versatility of this dish allows you to experiment with different flavors and toppings, making it a great addition to any meal plan. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, Hong Kong Style French Toast is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast game or indulge in a delicious, comforting treat.