Simple Hong Kong French Toast

Featured in Sweet Treats You'll Actually Make Twice.

This take on Hong Kong's classic café dish layers three bread slices with peanut butter. Dunked in egg and fried until golden brown, it's crunchy outside and creamy inside. Finished with butter and condensed milk, this sweet-savory combo is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack—all ready in 10 minutes!
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Mon, 24 Mar 2025 23:17:33 GMT
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Hong Kong French Toast Made Easy | cookbybook.com

Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden French toast with a smooth peanut butter center hidden inside. This Hong Kong Style French Toast turns simple bread into an amazing morning delight, topped with gooey condensed milk and a chunk of melting butter. I found this mouthwatering dish at a local cha-cha-teng while growing up near a lively Asian neighborhood, and it's stayed my top weekend breakfast choice ever since.

When I first made this for my kids, they couldn't get enough of the peanut butter and condensed milk mix - they now beg for it every weekend morning.

Gathering Your Essentials

  • Fluffy milk bread: Go for super soft slices that'll make the perfect base
  • Smooth peanut butter: Pick chunky or creamy depending on what you like
  • Farm eggs: These help create that crunchy, golden outer layer
  • Plain cooking oil: Makes sure everything fries up nicely without extra flavors
  • Butter with salt: Gives that delicious rich finish as it melts on top
  • Condensed milk: Brings that authentic Hong Kong cafe feel to your kitchen

Putting It All Together

Making Your Sandwich:
Spread peanut butter thick between your bread pieces, making sure it goes right to the edges so everything sticks well. Cut off those crusts to get that perfect square shape.
Getting Your Egg Mix Ready:
Beat those eggs till they're totally smooth, ready to coat each sandwich for that golden finish. Don't overdo it - we want crispy, not soggy bread.
Nailing The Cooking Part:
Get your oil just right - look for that tiny shimmer on top. Drop your sandwich in carefully, giving it time on each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown.
Finishing Touches:
Top it off with a big chunk of butter and drizzle that sweet condensed milk all over, watching them melt together into breakfast heaven.
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Easy Hong Kong Style French Toast Recipe | cookbybook.com

I still remember my grandma making this, testing the oil by holding her hand just above the pan - I still do this trick today.

Breakfast Perfection

Have this amazing toast with a cup of strong Hong Kong milk tea for the real deal cha-cha-teng experience. Throw some fresh berries on the side to balance out all that richness.

Fun Variations

Try switching up your fillings - maybe Nutella for chocolate fans, or go with almond butter for something different. When you want to get fancy, add some cinnamon to your egg mixture.

Serve It Hot

You can keep leftovers in your fridge for about four days, but this dish tastes way better fresh and hot. If you need to reheat, do it in a pan to bring back that awesome crispiness.

Delicious Easy Hong Kong Style French Toast Recipe Pin it
Delicious Easy Hong Kong Style French Toast Recipe | cookbybook.com

I've tried tons of breakfast dishes over the years, but this Hong Kong Style French Toast still comes out on top. It shows how beautifully different food traditions can mix to create something totally special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes milk bread better?
It's extra soft and airy, giving a better texture. But regular white bread works too.
→ Can I swap out peanut butter?
Sure! Nutella, other spreads, or even condensed milk are great options.
→ Why position sandwiches upright?
Standing them up keeps the egg wash from sitting in one place and soaking the bread too much.
→ Should the crusts be trimmed?
Yes, for tidy edges and even cooking—it’s also a traditional touch!
→ Can this be prepped ahead?
Best eaten fresh and warm. The texture doesn't hold up well when reheated.

Hong Kong French Toast

A rich Hong Kong café favorite! Crispy golden toast stuffed with peanut butter, topped with butter and condensed milk for a dreamy treat.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Chinese

Yield: 2 Servings (2 stacks)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 cup of cooking oil (vegetable preferred)
02 2 beaten large eggs
03 4 spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter
04 6 slices of white or milk bread

→ Toppings

05 Sweetened condensed milk (add to taste)
06 2 spoons of melted butter

Instructions

Step 01

Slather peanut butter over one side of four bread slices. Place two of these together with the spread sides touching, then set a plain slice on top. Repeat the same steps for the next one.

Step 02

Remove the edges of the bread, forming neat square shapes.

Step 03

Gently dunk the bread stacks in the beaten eggs. To keep them firm, stand them upright while waiting to fry.

Step 04

Warm up the oil on medium-low heat around 300°F. Fry each toast until it's golden, turning to cook sides too. About half a minute for edges, and 1-2 minutes for the flat sides.

Step 05

Dish out while they're still warm and drizzle with butter and condensed milk.

Notes

  1. You can swap the peanut butter for Nutella or similar spreads.
  2. Honey or syrup can take the place of condensed milk.
  3. Taste best while fresh and warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep skillet or pan for frying
  • Knife for trimming bread
  • Dish or shallow bowl for egg-wash

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes peanuts
  • Has dairy if butter and condensed milk are used
  • Eggs present
  • Gluten may be in bread

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 259
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~