Name: Hong Kong French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Hong Kong
Ingredients: 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; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon milk; 6 slices thick white bread (preferably milk bread); Sweetened condensed milk, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you’ve never experienced the magic of Hong Kong French Toast Recipe, prepare to have your breakfast game completely transformed. This delightfully rich dish layers fluffy milk bread with a creamy homemade custard, then coats it in an egg wash before it’s golden fried to crisp, slightly caramelized perfection. The final drizzle of sweetened condensed milk adds an irresistible sweetness that makes every bite pure heaven. It’s comfort food with a twist, perfect for brunch or a special treat any time you want something that feels indulgent yet utterly approachable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a smooth, pale yellow batter or cream. A whisk with a silver handle is held above the bowl, coated in the same creamy mixture that drips softly back into the bowl, showing a thick and slightly stretchy texture. The background is a white marbled wall, adding a clean and bright look to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Hong Kong French Toast Recipe uses a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each one plays a crucial role in building the custardy filling, providing the luscious richness, or achieving that perfect golden crust.

Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the custard for balance.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the custard to the perfect creamy consistency.
Cornstarch: Works alongside flour for a silky smooth custard texture.
Eggs: Two uses here—one for binding the custard, another for coating the sandwich before frying.
Milk: Provides richness and moisture, essential for both the custard and egg wash.
Butter: Stirred into the custard, it brings extra richness and a subtle creaminess.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma that elevates the custard layer.
White bread (thick milk bread recommended): The soft, pillowy base for sandwiches the custard slices together perfectly.
Sweetened condensed milk: The finishing drizzle that adds decadence and complements the toast’s texture.

How to Make Hong Kong French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Filling

Start by whisking together sugar, flour, cornstarch, and one large egg in a bowl until combined. Next, heat the milk in a saucepan until it boils, then slowly pour it into the egg mixture while constantly whisking. This gradual process prevents curdling and ensures a silky custard. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and keep whisking over medium heat until it thickens to a creamy, pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat, then stir in butter and vanilla extract for flavor and richness.

Step 2: Assemble the Custard Sandwiches

Take three slices of thick white milk bread. Spread a generous, even layer of the warm custard on two of them, then sandwich the third slice on top. These custard-filled bread sandwiches become the core of the Hong Kong French Toast, delivering a satisfying custard surprise inside every bite.

Step 3: Coat the Sandwiches in Egg Wash

Whisk two large eggs with a tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Dip each sandwich thoroughly into the egg wash. This coating is important because it crisps up beautifully while frying, giving you that iconic golden crust.

Step 4: Cook the Toast

For traditional results, deep-fry the sandwiches at 350°F until a deep golden brown, which usually takes just a few minutes. If you prefer a lighter option, spray with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Either way, this step seals in the custard inside and gives the outside a crunchy shell that’s absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Hong Kong French Toast Recipe

A single thick square piece of golden brown fried bread is shown cooking in a large white pot filled halfway with bubbling golden oil. The fried bread has a crispy texture and even browning on the visible top and side surfaces. The pot shows dark brown stains on the inside near the rim, contrasting with the light color of the pot. The pot sits on a white stove with a white marbled background and a metal utensil holder with wooden spoons is visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic Hong Kong French Toast Recipe is traditionally served drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. This provides a luscious, sweet finish that enhances both the creamy custard and crispy bread without overpowering their delicate flavors. If you want to get a little creative, a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey also pairs wonderfully well.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve this toast with fresh fruit to add a bright, refreshing contrast. Slices of ripe mango, berries, or even a small bowl of yogurt complement the rich French toast perfectly and create a balanced plate. A hot cup of milk tea or coffee also completes the authentic experience.

Creative Ways to Present

You can elevate this dish visually by slicing the sandwiches into smaller fingers, perfect for sharing or serving at brunch parties. Layering toasted nuts on top or sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon can add texture and aromatic depth. For a decadent twist, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a dreamy dessert option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s best to keep the sweetened condensed milk separate and drizzle it on fresh at serving time, so the toast stays crisp longer.

Freezing

While fresh is always best for this dish, you can freeze the custard-filled bread sandwiches uncoated. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer bags for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before frying or air frying as usual.

Reheating

To bring back the crispy exterior, reheat in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes rather than a microwave, which can make the bread soggy. This approach revives that irresistible crunch and ensures the custard inside stays tender and warm.

FAQs

Can I use regular white bread instead of milk bread?

Absolutely! While thick milk bread gives that signature soft and fluffy texture, regular white bread works fine too. Just try to use thicker slices to hold the custard well.

Is deep frying necessary or can I just pan-fry the toast?

Deep frying is traditional and gives the best crispiness, but pan-frying with plenty of butter in a skillet can work in a pinch. You might need to cook a bit longer to get the same golden crust.

Can I use any kind of milk for the custard?

Whole milk is preferred for richness, but you can substitute with 2% or even non-dairy alternatives like oat milk. Just note the flavor and texture might vary slightly.

What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk if I don’t have it?

You can drizzle honey, maple syrup, or even a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and milk as an alternative, though sweetened condensed milk is quite traditional and really special.

Is this recipe suitable for breakfast only?

Not at all! Hong Kong French Toast Recipe is versatile and works beautifully as a decadent brunch, afternoon snack, or even dessert. It’s perfect whenever you’re craving something sweet and comforting.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly enchanting about the Hong Kong French Toast Recipe—a harmony of creamy custard, soft bread, and that golden crisp crust that’s hard to resist. Once you try this at home, it’ll become a go-to comfort treat for weekends, special occasions, or any day you want a little extra joy on your plate. Give it a whirl, and you’ll see why this beloved recipe has captured so many hearts!

Hong Kong French Toast Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need