If you’ve never had Hong Kong-Style Stuffed French Toast, you’re in for a treat! This iconic café (cha chaan teng) favorite takes classic French toast to the next level. Imagine thick slices of soft bread, stuffed with a rich filling, dipped in an eggy batter, and deep-fried to golden perfection. It’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and served with a generous drizzle of syrup and a slab of butter that melts right into every bite.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Whether you’re making this for a weekend brunch, an indulgent snack, or just because you deserve a sweet pick-me-up, trust me—this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Hong Kong-Style Stuffed French Toast
Ultra-Crispy & Fluffy
Golden, crispy edges with a soft, custardy center—it’s the best of both worlds!
Easy to Make
No fancy ingredients, just a few pantry staples to create something magical.
Rich & Indulgent
Stuffed with your favorite filling and deep-fried for the ultimate treat.
Perfect for Sharing
A great dish to impress family and friends over brunch or afternoon tea.
Customizable
Traditionally filled with peanut butter, but you can switch it up with jam, Nutella, or even cheese!
Ingredients in Hong Kong-Style Stuffed French Toast
Bread
Thick-cut white bread is the best choice—soft and fluffy, perfect for soaking up the batter.
Filling
Peanut butter is the classic option, but you can use kaya, red bean paste, or even chocolate spread.
Eggs
Create that signature golden, custardy coating when fried.
Milk
Adds richness to the egg mixture, making the toast extra fluffy.
Sugar
A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Butter
For serving, melting beautifully on top of the crispy toast.
Syrup or Condensed Milk
Drizzled over the toast for that signature Hong Kong-style sweetness.
Oil for Frying
Neutral oils like vegetable or peanut oil work best for deep-frying.
Instructions
Prepare the Bread
Spread a generous layer of peanut butter (or your chosen filling) on one slice of bread, then top with another slice, sandwiching the filling inside.
Make the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and sugar until smooth.
Coat the Bread
Dip the stuffed bread into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Let it soak for a few seconds so it absorbs the custard.
Heat the Oil
In a deep pan, heat the oil to medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Fry Until Golden
Carefully place the coated bread into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve with Toppings
Top with a pat of butter and drizzle with syrup or condensed milk. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Hong Kong-Style Stuffed French Toast
With a Hot Drink
Pair it with Hong Kong-style milk tea or coffee for a true cha chaan teng experience.
Extra Sweetness
Add honey, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Ice Cream on Top
A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it an incredible dessert option.
Savory Twist
Skip the sugar and fill it with cheese or ham for a savory version.
Additional Tips
Use Stale Bread
Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better and holds up well when fried.
Don’t Skimp on the Filling
A generous layer of peanut butter (or your chosen filling) ensures a gooey, delicious center.
Fry at the Right Temperature
Oil that’s too hot will burn the outside before the inside is cooked; too low, and the toast will absorb too much oil.
Press the Edges Together
Lightly pressing the sandwich edges together helps keep the filling from leaking out while frying.
Double Fry for Extra Crispiness
For an even crunchier texture, fry the toast once, let it rest for a minute, then fry it again briefly.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I air-fry Hong Kong-Style French Toast?
A1: Yes! Brush it with melted butter and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q2: Can I bake it instead of frying?
A2: Yes, but it won’t be as crispy. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping once.
Q3: What other fillings can I use?
A3: Try kaya, Nutella, jam, cream cheese, or even savory fillings like ham and cheese.
Q4: Can I make it ahead of time?
A4: It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the sandwiches and refrigerate them, then fry when ready.
Q5: Can I use whole wheat bread?
A5: Yes, but the texture will be denser. White bread gives the most authentic results.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Q7: What’s the best oil for frying?
A7: Neutral oils like vegetable, peanut, or canola oil work best.
Q8: Can I add toppings like fruit?
A8: Absolutely! Bananas, strawberries, or even shredded coconut make great additions.
Q9: How do I keep it from getting soggy?
A9: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid over-soaking the bread in the egg mixture.
Q10: Is this similar to Western French toast?
A10: It’s similar but crispier and often stuffed with a filling, making it extra indulgent.
Final Thoughts
Hong Kong-Style Stuffed French Toast is the ultimate café-style comfort food—crispy, buttery, and filled with sweet, gooey goodness. Whether you stick to the classic peanut butter filling or get creative with new flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, make a plate, and enjoy a taste of Hong Kong from your own kitchen!
Print
Hong Kong-Style Stuffed French Toast
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Hong Kong-style stuffed French toast takes breakfast to a whole new level of decadence. Made with pillowy milk bread, stuffed with creamy peanut butter, and shallow-fried to crispy perfection, it’s finished with butter and a drizzle of condensed milk. A sweet, rich, and satisfying treat, perfect for brunch!
Ingredients
- 4 thick-cut (1-inch) slices milk bread
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 tablespoons condensed milk, for topping
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bread:
- Spread peanut butter onto one side of each slice.
- Sandwich the slices together to form two stuffed sandwiches.
- Trim off the crusts for a clean, even shape.
-
Dip the Sandwiches:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture, coating all sides evenly.
-
Fry the French Toast:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a high-sided pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry one sandwich at a time for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Place the French toast on a serving plate.
- Top with butter and drizzle with condensed milk.
Notes
- Alternative Fillings: Try using Nutella, kaya (coconut jam), or red bean paste for a twist.
- Make it crispier: Use slightly stale milk bread for better texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with milk tea for an authentic Hong Kong café experience!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 160mg