Hong Kong French Toast Recipe
Introduction
Hong Kong French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite. This version features creamy peanut butter sandwiched between soft bread, dipped in an egg batter, and fried to golden perfection. Topped with sweetened condensed milk and butter, it’s a rich and comforting treat.

Ingredients
- 4 slices milk bread or brioche (preferably day-old)
- 2 tbsp. creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp. whole milk
- 1/8 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 tbsp. neutral oil, divided
- 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp. sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Spread peanut butter on one side of two bread slices, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Top each with a second slice of bread to form sandwiches. Cut off the crusts with a sharp knife.
- Step 2: Whisk eggs in a large shallow container until smooth. Add milk and salt, whisking until combined. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture for 15 to 20 seconds per side, coating but not fully saturating the bread.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add a sandwich and cook about 45 seconds per side until golden and crisp. Use tongs to hold up the sandwich and sear the edges for about 15 seconds per side until crisp. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the second sandwich and remaining oil.
- Step 4: Divide sandwiches between plates. Top each with butter and drizzle with sweetened condensed milk before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old bread for better texture that holds up well when soaked and fried.
- Try substituting peanut butter with kaya jam or Nutella for a different flavor twist.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk according to your taste.
Storage
Hong Kong French Toast is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispness, avoiding the microwave which can make the bread soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute the milk bread or brioche with a gluten-free bread of your choice that holds up well when dipped and fried.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
You can drizzle honey or maple syrup as a substitute, though sweetened condensed milk provides the traditional rich and creamy sweetness.
Print
Hong Kong French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches (2 servings) 1x
Description
Hong Kong French Toast is a popular street food snack featuring fluffy milk bread or brioche sandwiches filled with creamy peanut butter, dipped in an egg mixture, pan-fried until golden and crispy, then topped with butter and sweetened condensed milk. This recipe combines rich, sweet, and savory flavors with a delightfully crunchy exterior and a soft, creamy interior, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 4 slices milk bread or brioche (preferably day-old)
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
For Cooking and Topping
- 2 tbsp neutral oil, divided
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Prepare the sandwiches: Spread 1 side of 2 bread slices with peanut butter, leaving a ½ inch border. Top each peanut butter-coated slice with a second slice of bread. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the crusts from the sandwiches to create neat edges.
- Make the egg mixture and dip: In a large shallow container, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add whole milk and kosher salt to the eggs and whisk to combine. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating the bread but avoiding full saturation, dipping for about 15 to 20 seconds per side.
- Pan-fry the sandwiches: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a medium pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add one sandwich and cook until golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 45 seconds per side. Using tongs, hold the sandwich upright and sear the edges to crisp them, approximately 15 seconds per side. Transfer the cooked sandwich to a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with the second sandwich and remaining oil.
- Serve with toppings: Divide the sandwiches onto plates. Top each with a pat of unsalted butter and drizzle with sweetened condensed milk for a luscious finish. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Day-old bread or brioche is preferred for better texture and to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
- Adjust peanut butter quantity to taste or substitute with other nut butters if desired.
- Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying to avoid overpowering flavors.
- Ensure the pan is not too hot to avoid burning and allow even cooking.
- You can add chopped peanuts or sesame seeds on top with the condensed milk for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hong Kong
Keywords: Hong Kong French Toast, peanut butter toast, Asian breakfast, fried toast, sweet peanut butter sandwich

