Coconut Crusted French Toast

This coconut crusted French toast is crisp on the outside, soft and custardy in the middle, and gently sweet with a warm coconut flavour. It feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginners. The texture contrast is what makes it special, with golden toasted coconut giving way to pillowy bread inside. From start to finish, it takes about 25 minutes, making it ideal for a relaxed weekend breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

For the French toast

• 6 thick slices white bread or brioche
• 3 large eggs
• 120ml whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon

For the coconut coating

• 80g desiccated coconut
• 40g shredded coconut

For frying

• 30g unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

To serve

• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries
• Icing sugar, for dusting

How to Make Coconut Crusted French Toast

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C fan. Place a baking tray inside so the cooked French toast can be kept warm while you finish frying the rest.
• Mix the custard: In a wide shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, caster sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
• Prepare the coating: Tip both types of coconut into a separate shallow dish and mix lightly so they are evenly combined.
• Dip the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10 seconds on each side so the centre becomes custardy but not soggy.
• Coat with coconut: Press the soaked bread into the coconut mixture, turning gently and pressing so the coconut sticks well on both sides.
• Fry until golden: Heat half the butter and oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the slices for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until deeply golden and crisp.
• Keep warm: Transfer cooked slices to the warm oven while you repeat with the remaining bread, adding more butter as needed.

Tips

How do I stop the coconut from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and avoid rushing. Coconut browns quickly, so slower frying gives a golden colour without bitterness.

Which bread works best?

Thick cut white bread or brioche gives the softest centre and holds the custard well without falling apart.

Can I make it dairy free?

Yes, use coconut milk instead of whole milk and fry in plant based butter or coconut oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup
• Serve with fresh berries or sliced banana
• Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt for balance

Storage

Room temperature

This French toast is best eaten straight away. It does not keep well at room temperature once cooked.

Refrigerator

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a frying pan or oven to restore crispness.

Freezing

Freeze cooked slices in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month and reheat from frozen in the oven.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated fat: 14g
• Sodium: 320mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs