Hong Kong Style French Toast with Dalgona Cream

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about combining comforting classics with trendy flavors—and this Hong Kong Style French Toast with Dalgona Cream does exactly that.

Rich, crispy-on-the-outside, custardy-on-the-inside French toast, inspired by the bustling cafés of Hong Kong, gets a bold twist with a cloud of whipped Dalgona coffee cream. The result? A fusion dessert that’s equal parts indulgent, playful, and photogenic—perfect for brunch, dessert, or a lazy afternoon pick-me-up.

Let’s walk through this vibrant East-meets-West creation and discover how to make it at home—with simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a texture that keeps you coming back for more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Texture Balance: Crispy edges, soft interior, creamy topping

• Customizable Fillings: Go classic with peanut butter or sweeten it with Nutella, kaya, or lotus spread

• Trendy Topping: The whipped coffee brings light bitterness that balances the richness of the toast

• No fancy equipment needed: Just a bowl, whisk, and skillet

• Looks like café fare, tastes even better homemade

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Ingredients

For the French Toast:

• 4 slices of thick milk bread or white sandwich bread (crusts removed)

• 2 tablespoons filling (peanut butter, kaya, Nutella, or sweet condensed milk)

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• Pinch of salt

• Butter or neutral oil for frying

For the Dalgona Cream:

• 2 tablespoons instant coffee

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons hot water

• 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

Optional Toppings:

• Drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or maple syrup

• Pat of butter

• Dusting of cocoa or cinnamon

• Fresh fruit (banana slices, strawberries, berries)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

• Start by removing the crusts from your bread to create a clean, uniform shape.

• Spread your desired filling between two slices to make a sandwich. Repeat for the second sandwich.

• Press gently so the slices stick together, but don’t squish the bread too much.

2. Make the Egg Custard

• In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vanilla (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth.

• Soak each sandwich in the egg mixture. Make sure both sides absorb enough of the custard for a rich texture.

3. Fry the Toast

• Heat a tablespoon of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Gently place the soaked sandwich in the pan and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.

• Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning the outside before the center warms through.

• Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Whip the Dalgona Cream

• In a mixing bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water.

• Use a hand whisk, electric mixer, or milk frother to whip the mixture until it becomes thick, airy, and forms soft peaks.

• Gently fold in the heavy cream to lighten the texture. This makes the topping more velvety and smooth, reducing bitterness.

5. Assemble

• Place your golden toast on a serving plate.

• Spoon or pipe the whipped Dalgona cream over the top.

• Add a drizzle of syrup, a pat of butter, or some fresh fruit if desired.

• Serve warm with a tall glass of iced milk tea or a matcha latte.

Variations to Try

Different Fillings:

• Lotus Biscoff spread for caramelized sweetness

• Strawberry jam & cream cheese for fruity tang

• Chocolate-hazelnut spread + banana for a decadent combo

• Matcha custard for a green tea twist

For the Cream:

• Swap coffee with matcha powder for a Matcha Dalgona variation

• Use espresso powder for stronger flavor

• Add vanilla extract or cinnamon to the Dalgona cream for warmth

Pro Tips for Perfect Toast

• Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread holds its shape better and absorbs custard without turning mushy.

• Fry in butter for flavor, oil for crispiness, or both for balance.

• Whip Dalgona vigorously: Use a whisk, electric mixer, or milk frother to save time and energy.

• Toast at medium heat to ensure golden color without burning the outside too quickly.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with iced milk tea, Thai tea, or a sweet soy latte.

• Garnish with toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of dark chocolate.

• Make it brunch-worthy by serving with a side of scrambled eggs and fruit salad.

• Turn it into dessert with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream on the side.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge (without cream) for up to 2 days.

• Keep Dalgona cream in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 day. Rewhip briefly before serving.

Reheating:

• Toast in a skillet with a small amount of butter to restore crispness.

• Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQ

Can I make this without instant coffee?
Dalgona cream requires instant coffee for whipping. Ground coffee or espresso won’t whip the same way. If you want a caffeine-free version, try whipped hot chocolate using cocoa powder and cream.

Is Hong Kong-style French toast the same as regular French toast?
Not quite. While both involve dipping bread in egg and frying, Hong Kong-style toast is usually made as a sandwich with a sweet filling inside and fried in a thicker egg batter. It’s often richer and more decadent.

Is this dish very sweet?
It can be, depending on your filling and toppings. Use unsweetened cream and reduce the sugar in Dalgona if you prefer a more balanced flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free bread, plant milk, and coconut cream for the Dalgona. Choose a filling like nut butter or jam without dairy content.

Can I bake instead of frying?
Frying delivers the authentic texture, but you can bake the toast at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. The result will be less crispy but still delicious.

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Final Thoughts

This Hong Kong Style French Toast with Dalgona Cream is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves fusing cultures, textures, and trends. It’s nostalgic yet new, easy to make yet café-worthy in presentation. Whether you’re making it for yourself, brunch with friends, or impressing someone special, this dish brings flavor and flair to the table.

Try it once, and you’ll want to add it to your rotation of go-to sweet breakfasts and weekend desserts.