Name: Hong Kong-Style Creamy Stuffed French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: Hong Kong-Style
Ingredients: 4 thick-cut slices of milk bread (approximately 1-inch thick); ⅓ cup peanut butter; 3 eggs; ½ cup milk; 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1 tablespoon butter (for topping); 4 tablespoons condensed milk (for drizzling)

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Hong Kong-Style Creamy Stuffed French Toast Recipe: French toast has long been a beloved breakfast and brunch staple, celebrated for its sweet, custardy richness and versatility. But if you’re looking to elevate this classic dish to new levels of indulgence, the Hong Kong-style stuffed French toast is a must-try.

With its crispy golden exterior, creamy peanut butter filling, and luscious condensed milk topping, this dish is a decadent treat that will delight your taste buds.

This unique take on French toast is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Hong Kong.

What Makes Hong Kong-Style French Toast Special?

Unlike traditional French toast, which is typically pan-fried with a small amount of butter or oil, the Hong Kong-style version is shallow-fried in a generous amount of oil. This technique creates a perfectly crispy and caramelized exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy interior.

Another key difference lies in the choice of bread and toppings. Hong Kong-style French toast uses milk bread — a fluffy, slightly sweet yeasted bread that originated in Japan but is widely popular in Asia. Toppings are kept simple yet indulgent, with butter and condensed milk taking center stage. The result? A rich, creamy dish that feels like dessert for breakfast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Hong Kong-style stuffed French toast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 thick slices of milk bread (approximately 1 inch thick)
⅓ cup peanut butter (or your preferred filling)
3 eggs
½ cup milk
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
1 tablespoon butter
4 tablespoons condensed milk

While milk bread is the traditional choice, you can substitute it with other soft, enriched breads like brioche or challah if needed. However, for an authentic texture and flavor, milk bread is highly recommended.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Spread the Peanut Butter

Begin by spreading peanut butter onto one side of each slice of milk bread. Be generous with the amount for a creamy, flavorful filling.

2. Make the Sandwiches

Place the slices together to form two sandwiches, with the peanut butter sides facing inward.

3. Remove the Crusts

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the crusts from each sandwich for a clean, uniform shape. This step also helps prevent the edges from burning during frying.

4. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large dish, beat the eggs and milk together until well combined. This mixture will serve as the custard base for your French toast.

5. Coat the Sandwiches

Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. Allow the bread to soak up some of the mixture for a rich, custardy texture.

6. Heat the Oil

In a large, high-sided frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches frying temperature (about 350°F or 175°C).

7. Fry the Sandwiches

Carefully place one sandwich into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on one side (about 2 minutes). Flip and cook the other side until equally golden. Repeat with the second sandwich.

8. Drain on Paper Towels

Remove the fried sandwiches from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

9. Add Butter and Condensed Milk

Top each sandwich with a pat of butter and drizzle generously with condensed milk for a creamy, sweet finish.

10. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Hong Kong-style stuffed French toast warm and enjoy its crispy, creamy decadence with your favorite beverage.

Customization Ideas for Your French Toast

While peanut butter is the traditional filling for Hong Kong-style French toast, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish to suit your taste preferences:

Nutella: Swap out peanut butter for Nutella to create a chocolate-hazelnut center that pairs beautifully with the condensed milk topping.
Jam: Use strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam for a fruity twist that adds tangy sweetness to every bite.
Cream Cheese: Spread cream cheese between the slices for a rich, tangy filling. For extra flavor, mix the cream cheese with sugar or pair it with jam for a cheesecake-inspired treat.
Savory Options: Prefer something less sweet? Try filling your sandwiches with ham, cheese, or bacon instead. Skip the condensed milk topping and opt for salted butter for a savory variation.

What to Serve with Hong Kong-Style French Toast

This decadent dish is satisfying on its own, but if you’d like to round out your meal, here are some pairing suggestions:

Fresh Fruit: Add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the French toast with sliced bananas, strawberries, peaches, or blueberries.
Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For an ultra-luxurious treat, top your French toast with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. As it melts over the warm toast, it creates an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
Savory Sides: Balance out the sweetness with savory sides like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or sausage links. These protein-packed options add variety and make for a more filling meal.
Beverages: Pair your French toast with Hong Kong-style milk tea for an authentic experience. Alternatively, coffee or chai tea works just as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular white bread instead of milk bread?
Yes, you can use regular white bread if milk bread is unavailable. However, milk bread’s soft and fluffy texture is what makes this dish so special, so try to use it if possible.

2. Is it necessary to shallow-fry the French toast?
Shallow-frying is key to achieving the crispy exterior that defines Hong Kong-style French toast. While you could pan-fry it in less oil, you won’t get the same texture or flavor.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Hong Kong-style French toast is best enjoyed fresh and warm when it’s at its crispiest. However, you can prepare the sandwiches in advance and fry them just before serving.

4. What other toppings can I use instead of condensed milk?
If you’re not a fan of condensed milk, try maple syrup, honey, or powdered sugar as alternative toppings.

5. Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian-friendly ingredients like peanut butter and milk bread.

Final Thoughts

Hong Kong-style stuffed French toast is more than just breakfast — it’s an indulgent culinary experience that combines crispy textures, creamy fillings, and sweet toppings into one unforgettable dish. Whether you’re satisfying your sweet tooth or looking to impress your brunch guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire.

So grab some milk bread and start frying — your taste buds will thank you!