Coconut Crusted French Toast

French toast, a comforting classic enjoyed across the globe, boasts a rich and varied history. Its roots can be traced back to ancient times, with variations found in Roman, French, and even British cuisines. The French, known as the masters of culinary arts, popularized the dish with their version, "pain perdu," which translates to "lost bread." This name reflects the dish's humble beginnings, as it was often a way to salvage stale bread by soaking it in a mixture of milk and eggs before frying it to golden perfection.

Elevate your breakfast routine with Coconut Paradise French Toast, a delicious twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines creamy coconut milk, a crunchy coconut-panko coating, and the soft textures of brioche or challah, making each bite a tropical escape. Perfect for brunch or a sweet dessert, this dish is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Discover how to create this indulgent treat and impress your family and friends with a taste of paradise!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 slices of thick bread (such as brioche or challah)

2 large eggs

1 cup coconut milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)

Pinch of salt

Butter or coconut oil (for frying)

Fresh fruit (for serving, optional)

Maple syrup (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Coconut Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Combine Coconut Coating: In another shallow dish, mix the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs together. This will be the coating for your French toast.

Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 15-20 seconds per side until well coated. Be careful not to let the bread get too soggy.

Coat the Bread: Once soaked, gently press each slice into the coconut and panko mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on both sides.

Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter or coconut oil over medium heat until melted.

Cook the French Toast: Add the coconut-crusted slices to the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

Serve: Once cooked, remove from the skillet and keep warm. Serve the coconut-crusted French toast topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup for sweetness.

Enjoy: Dig in and savor the tropical flavors of coconut and sweetness of the French toast!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 25 mins | 2-4 servings