Coconut French Toast Recipe

The Best Coconut French Toast Recipe for Sweet Breakfast Bliss

Soft, pillowy coconut French toast enhances ordinary breakfast into a tropical morning celebration.

Mornings brighten when you drizzle sweet coconut-infused batter over thick bread slices, creating a decadent culinary experience.

Rich, creamy coconut flavors mingle with classic French toast techniques, promising a delightful twist on a beloved breakfast staple.

Luxurious ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a sensory journey that tantalizes taste buds and awakens hunger.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender, custardy interior that melts in your mouth.

Unexpected flavor combinations elevate this recipe from simple morning fare to a gourmet breakfast sensation.

Weekend brunch will never be the same once you master this coconut-inspired delight.

Why Coconut French Toast Hits the Spot

  • Boost Tropical Breakfast Vibes: Transform ordinary French toast into a beach-inspired morning delight with creamy coconut milk and fragrant coconut extract that transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
  • Customize Texture Wonderland: Enjoy a delightful crunch from shredded coconut coating that creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, custardy interior, offering a perfect textural contrast in every bite.
  • Quick and Easy Gourmet Experience: Whip up this restaurant-quality breakfast in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.

What Goes Into Coconut French Toast

Bread Base:
  • White Bread, Brioche, or Challah: Soft, slightly stale bread works best for maximum absorption of the egg mixture.
Egg Mixture:
  • Eggs: Provides structure and rich binding for the French toast.
  • Coconut Milk: Creamy liquid that adds tropical flavor and moisture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Coconut Extract: Intensifies the coconut flavor throughout the dish.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness and adds depth to the flavor profile.
Coating and Cooking:
  • Shredded Coconut: Provides a crunchy, tropical exterior with textural contrast.
  • Butter: Creates golden-brown edges and prevents sticking during cooking.
Garnish and Serving:
  • Confectioner's Sugar: Light dusting for sweet presentation.
  • Maple Syrup: Classic sweet complement to French toast.
  • Tropical Fruits: Fresh topping that enhances the coconut theme.

How to Make Coconut French Toast From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Coconut Mixture

Whisk together in a shallow 9″x9″ baking tin:
  • Eggs
  • Coconut milk
  • Sugar
  • Coconut extract
  • Vanilla extract

Step 2: Prepare Coconut Coating

Spread shredded coconut evenly on a large plate.

Step 3: Preheat Cooking Surface

Heat griddle or non-stick frying pan to 350°F (175°C) on medium heat.

Step 4: Soak Bread Slices

Dip each bread slice into the coconut mixture for 15 seconds on each side. Adjust soaking time based on bread’s freshness and thickness.

Step 5: Coat Bread with Coconut

Roll each soaked bread slice in shredded coconut, ensuring both sides are fully covered.

Step 6: Cook French Toast

Grease heated griddle with butter. Place coconut-coated bread slices on the surface and cook until golden brown on both sides. Reapply butter as needed during cooking.

Step 7: Keep Warm (Optional)

If not serving immediately, keep cooked French toast warm in an oven set to 200°F (95°C).

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Plate the French toast and top with:
  • Confectioner's sugar
  • Maple syrup
  • Tropical fruits

Pro Cooking Tips for Coconut French Toast

  • Choose Fresh Bread: Select day-old, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for better absorption of the coconut milk mixture.
  • Perfect Soaking Technique: Let bread soak exactly 15 seconds per side to prevent soggy or dry results, adjusting slightly for bread thickness.
  • Coconut Coating Trick: Press shredded coconut firmly onto bread slices to ensure a crispy, evenly distributed coconut layer.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the coconut or bread.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare egg mixture and prep bread the night before to save morning cooking time and enhance flavor absorption.

Storing and Warming Coconut French Toast the Smart Way

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best texture and flavor.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated or thawed slices in a toaster oven or skillet over medium heat until crispy. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture. Add a touch of butter for extra crispness and richness.

What to Eat with Coconut French Toast

  • Elevate with Tropical Fruit Medley: Pair the coconut French toast with a vibrant mix of fresh mango, pineapple, and passion fruit to enhance the tropical coconut flavor and add a refreshing, tangy contrast.
  • Brew Perfect Beverage Companion: Serve alongside a creamy coconut latte or a smooth cold brew coffee to complement the rich, sweet coconut notes and provide a delightful morning indulgence.
  • Boost with Rum-Infused Sauce: Create a quick rum-based caramel sauce with a hint of vanilla to drizzle over the French toast, adding depth and a Caribbean-inspired twist that amplifies the coconut's warmth.
  • Match with Tropical Smoothie: Blend a smooth green smoothie with spinach, coconut water, banana, and a touch of ginger to balance the French toast's sweetness and add a nutritious morning element.

Fun Spins on Classic Coconut French Toast

  • Tropical Crunch: Add crushed macadamia nuts or toasted almonds to the shredded coconut coating for extra texture and nutty flavor.
  • Mango Paradise: Top french toast with fresh diced mango, a dollop of coconut yogurt, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a vibrant tropical breakfast.
  • Chai Spice Fusion: Mix ground cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger into the egg mixture for a warm, aromatic coconut french toast with Indian-inspired flavors.
  • Chocolate Coconut Dream: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished french toast and garnish with cocoa powder and additional shredded coconut for a decadent breakfast treat.
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Coconut French Toast Recipe

Coconut French Toast Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

French toast meets tropical paradise in this Coconut French Toast, where crispy golden edges embrace a luscious coconut-infused center. Generous shreds of toasted coconut and a drizzle of maple syrup elevate this breakfast classic to a delightful morning indulgence you’ll savor with pure joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 slices of one day old French bread (about ¾” / 2cm thick)
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) unsweetened coconut milk, canned
  • 1 cup (100 grams) sweetened, shredded coconut

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon coconut extract
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Serving and Cooking:

  • Butter for greasing
  • Confectioner’s sugar for serving
  • Maple syrup for serving
  • Tropical fruit for serving

Instructions

  1. Craft a luscious egg blend by thoroughly whisking whole eggs, creamy coconut milk, granulated sugar, pure coconut extract, and fragrant vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
  2. Transfer the silky mixture into a shallow 9-inch by 9-inch (23 centimeters by 23 centimeters) baking tin, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Scatter fresh shredded coconut across a spacious flat plate, preparing for bread coating.
  4. Warm a griddle or non-stick skillet to medium heat, precisely 350°F (175°C), using a cooking thermometer for accuracy.
  5. Delicately submerge each bread slice into the egg mixture, allowing 15 seconds of absorption on each side, adjusting time based on bread’s moisture and freshness.
  6. Carefully enrobe each saturated bread slice with a generous layer of shredded coconut, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces.
  7. Lightly grease the preheated cooking surface with unsalted butter, creating a smooth, non-stick environment.
  8. Gently place coconut-crusted bread slices onto the griddle, cooking until achieving a rich golden-brown color, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
  9. Reapply butter between batches to prevent sticking and maintain even browning.
  10. If not serving immediately, preserve warmth by placing prepared French toast in an oven set to 200°F (95°C).
  11. Present the coconut French toast elegantly, dusting with powdered sugar, drizzling pure maple syrup, and garnishing with vibrant tropical fruits like mango or pineapple.

Notes

  • Use thick, day-old bread like brioche or challah for the best absorption and texture.
  • Toast coconut lightly before coating to enhance its nutty, rich flavor and create extra crunch.
  • Allow bread to soak in coconut milk mixture for precisely 15 seconds per side to prevent soggy or dry results.
  • Maintain medium heat while cooking to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the coconut coating.
  • Serve immediately after cooking to preserve crispy edges and prevent bread from becoming soft.
  • Keep French toast warm in low-temperature oven if not plating instantly, preventing moisture loss and maintaining optimal texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 598 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 412 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 30 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 372 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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