Hong Kong French Toast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of creamy custard filling and crispy, buttery bread creates a luxurious taste experience.

• Unique Twist on a Classic: Unlike traditional French toast, this version incorporates a custard filling, adding depth and richness.

• Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for celebrations or a weekend treat, bringing a taste of Hong Kong’s café culture to your table.

Ingredients

• For the Custard Filling:

  • 2 to 3 salted duck egg yolks
  • 1/2 tablespoon (25 g) milk powder
  • 2 tablespoons (20 g) cornstarch
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) softened salted butter (if using unsalted, add 1/4 tsp salt)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) powdered confectioners sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric for color (optional)

• For the French Toast:

  • 5 to 6 slices of 1-inch thick milk bread (or 8–12 standard slices of bread, crusts removed, ideally slightly stale)
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Butter, for cooking
  • 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk, for sealing toasts and drizzling

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Custard Filling:

   • In a small bowl, mash the salted duck egg yolks until smooth.
   • Add the milk powder and cornstarch; mix to combine.
   • Incorporate the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and turmeric (if using) until a smooth, spreadable mixture forms.

2. Assemble the Toast:

   • Slice each piece of bread horizontally, leaving one edge attached to create a pocket.
   • Spread a thin layer of sweetened condensed milk around the edges to act as a sealant.
   • Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the custard filling into the pocket of each bread slice.
   • Press the edges gently to seal the bread.

3. Prepare the Batter:

   • In a large bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly.
   • Add the milk, salt, and vanilla extract; whisk until well combined.

4. Cook the French Toast:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a nonstick pan over medium heat until bubbling.
   • Dip each assembled toast into the batter, soaking both sides for about 20 seconds each.
   • Allow excess batter to drip off, then place the toast in the hot pan.
   • Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, adjusting heat as needed, until golden brown.
   • Transfer to a serving plate.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the French toast hot, topped with a pat of butter and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings.

• Preparation Time: Approximately 30 minutes

• Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes

Variations

• Traditional Filling: Replace the custard filling with peanut butter or fruit jam for a classic Hong Kong French toast experience.

• Bread Options: Use brioche or challah bread if milk bread is unavailable.

• Toppings: Enhance with fresh fruits, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating:

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the toast for 10 minutes.
  • Stovetop: Reheat in a nonstick pan over medium heat until warmed through.

• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the custard filling may alter in texture upon thawing.

FAQs

What is Hong Kong French Toast?

Hong Kong French Toast is a popular dish in Hong Kong’s cafés, typically made with thick slices of bread filled with peanut butter or custard, dipped in an egg mixture, and pan-fried until golden. It’s often served with butter and sweetened condensed milk.

Can I use regular chicken egg yolks instead of salted duck egg yolks for the custard filling?

Yes, you can substitute with regular egg yolks, but the flavor will be less rich and lack the subtle savory note that salted duck egg yolks provide.

Hong Kong French Toast

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of Hong Kong French Toast, a beloved café-style treat! Featuring thick milk bread stuffed with a creamy custard filling, dipped in a sweet egg mixture, and pan-fried to golden perfection, this dish is a must-try for breakfast or brunch. Served with a pat of butter and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, it’s an irresistible combination of crispy, buttery, and sweet flavors!

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Ingredients

For the Custard Filling:

• 2 to 3 salted duck egg yolks (or substitute with 3 regular egg yolks)
• ½ tbsp (25 g) milk powder
• 2 tbsp (20 g) cornstarch
• 4 tbsp (60 g) softened salted butter (or unsalted + ¼ tsp salt)
• ½ cup (50 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp turmeric (optional, for color)

For the French Toast:

• 5 to 6 slices of 1-inch thick milk bread (or 8–12 regular slices, crusts removed)
• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 eggs
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Butter, for cooking
• ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk (for sealing and drizzling)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Custard Filling:

1. Mash the salted duck egg yolks in a bowl until smooth.
2. Add milk powder and cornstarch, mixing well.
3. Stir in softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and turmeric (if using) until smooth.

2. Assemble the Toast:

1. Slice each bread piece horizontally, leaving one edge attached to create a pocket.
2. Brush the inside edges with sweetened condensed milk to help seal.
3. Spread 2-3 tbsp of custard filling inside each pocket.
4. Gently press the edges to seal.

3. Prepare the Batter:

1. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs.
2. Add milk, salt, and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.

4. Cook the French Toast:

1. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
2. Dip each assembled toast into the batter for 20 seconds per side, allowing excess to drip off.
3. Cook for 2 minutes per side, adjusting heat to prevent burning, until golden brown.

5. Serve:

• Serve hot with butter and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk.

Notes

• Classic Version – Swap custard for peanut butter or jam for an authentic Hong Kong café experience.
• Bread Substitutes – Brioche or challah work well if milk bread is unavailable.
• Toppings – Enhance with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or maple syrup.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese