Vietnamese Coffee French Toast

Vietnamese Coffee French Toast

Vietnamese Coffee French Toast blends the rich flavours of Vietnamese coffee with the comfort of classic French toast. This dish brings together the sweetness of condensed milk and the boldness of coffee for a deliciously indulgent breakfast or dessert.

A slice of Vietnamese coffee French toast

This indulgent dish offers a unique flavour profile, with rich coffee-infused custard-soaked bread that’s pan-fried to golden perfection, then topped with a luscious drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, a sprinkle of roasted peanuts and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect way to upgrade your brunch game with a touch of Southeast Asian flair.

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What is Vietnamese Coffee French Toast?

Vietnamese Coffee French Toast is a fusion dish that blends the iconic elements of Vietnamese coffee—strong brewed coffee and sweetened condensed milk—with French toast. The bread is soaked in a batter made with coffee, milk, eggs, and vanilla, then cooked until golden brown. The resulting dish is sweet, creamy, and aromatic, with just the right amount of coffee kick to get your day started. You’ll love this!

Here’s Why You Will Love Vietnamese Coffee French Toast

  • Bold Coffee Flavour: For coffee lovers, this dish is a dream come true. The taste is irresistible.
  • Perfect Brunch Dish: Impress your guests with this showstopper for brunch gatherings.
  • Easy to Make: You don’t need special ingredients or complicated techniques. With just a few simple steps, you can create a unique brunch dish at home.
Vietnamese Coffee French Toast

Equipment and Tools to Make Vietnamese Coffee French Toast

Medium bowl: for the batter

Whisk: for combining ingredients

Measuring spoons and cups: for accuracy

Pan and spatula: for cooking the French toast

Ingredients

Alright, let’s make our shopping list! To make this recipe, you will need…

Bread: Thick slices of brioche or challah work best for their ability to absorb the batter.

Eggs: Acts as the base of the custard, providing structure and richness.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the batter.

Vietnamese Coffee (or Espresso): The key ingredient for authentic coffee flavor.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Both for the batter and as a topping, adding sweetness and creaminess.

Butter: For frying, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior.

Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, crushed peanuts, cocoa or icing powder.

How to Make Vietnamese Coffee French Toast

To make this French toast, simply…

Prepare the Batter: Whisk together eggs, milk, coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.

Soak the Bread: Dip the bread slices into the batter, letting each side soak for about 5 seconds so it absorbs the coffee mixture.

Cook the French Toast: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bread slices for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Vietnamese Coffee French Toast to a plate. Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk and top with a dollop of whipped cream and crushed peanuts. Sprinkle with crushed roasted peanuts for added texture and dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar if desired.

Vietnamese Coffee French Toast Options and Substitutions

Want to mix things up with this recipe? Feel free to…

  • Non-Dairy Milk: Use coconut or almond milk as a substitute for whole milk to make it dairy-free.
  • Gluten-Free Bread: Swap out regular bread for your favorite gluten-free option.
  • Decaf Coffee: If you want a less caffeinated version, use decaf espresso.
  • Different Toppings: Try adding fresh berries, toasted coconut flakes, chocolate chips or caramelized banana slices for variety.
breakfast idea under 15 minutes

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the French toast in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispness. You can also use the air fryer for 2 minutes.

Freezing: French toast can also be frozen. Place slices on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer to a zip-lock bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Make Ahead Options

You can make the batter the night before and store it in the fridge, making morning prep quicker.

Dipping French toast into a dollop of cream

Recipe Tips

Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the batter better, resulting in a firmer, less soggy French toast.

Adjust Coffee Strength: For a stronger coffee flavor, use more coffee in the batter. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount slightly.

Don’t Over-Soak the Bread: Soaking the bread too long can make it fall apart. Soak for less time if your toast is thinner.

Make it extra special. Caramelize some banana slices in the skillet with a little sugar and add them as a topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Vietnamese Coffee French Toast taste like? Vietnamese Coffee French Toast combines the rich, bold flavors of robusta coffee with the sweetness of condensed milk, resulting in a fusion on a classic dish. The bread is soaked in a mixture of coffee and eggs, giving it a deep, aromatic taste and a slightly crispy exterior. A drizzle of condensed milk creates a comforting breakfast experience.

What goes well with Vietnamese Coffee French Toast? Vietnamese coffee French toast pairs nicely with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas, which add a bright, juicy contrast. Other ideas include a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of chopped nuts provides a satisfying crunch or serve it alongside a refreshing glass of iced Vietnamese coffee or a light herbal tea for balance.

What makes Vietnamese coffee different? Vietnamese coffee is unique due to its traditional brewing method using a drip filter called a phin, and it primarily features robusta beans, which provide a bold flavour and higher caffeine content. It’s often served with sweetened condensed milk, creating a rich, creamy beverage, especially in the popular iced version known as cà phê sữa đá. Additionally, variations like egg coffee add even more depth to this distinctive coffee culture.

Can I use regular coffee instead of Vietnamese coffee? Yes, you can use any strong brewed coffee or espresso. However, using Vietnamese coffee will give the dish a more authentic flavor.

brunch idea

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Lastly, if you make my Vietnamese Coffee French Toast be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you guys and respond to each and every comment. Also, don’t forget to tag me @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you have made makes me sooooo happy! You can also follow along on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.

drizzle of condensed milk and roasted, crushed peanuts over french toast
Vietnamese Coffee French Toast

Vietnamese Coffee French Toast

Cindy
Enjoy this rich and flavourful Vietnamese Coffee French Toast—it’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a sweet treat anytime! It is a delicious combination of the bold flavours of Vietnamese coffee and the sweetness of condensed milk.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine American, French, Fusion, Vietnamese
Servings 2

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Frying pan
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices bread thickly sliced
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup Vietnamese coffee or espresso
  • 1 tbsp condensed milk plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • peanuts optional, crushed, for topping
  • icing sugar optional, for dusting
  • whipped cream optional, for finishing

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Batter: Whisk together eggs, milk, coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.
  • Soak the Bread: Dip the bread slices into the batter, letting each side soak for about 5 seconds so it absorbs the coffee mixture.
  • Cook the French Toast: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bread slices for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Vietnamese Coffee French Toast to a plate. Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk and top with a dollop of whipped cream and crushed peanuts. Sprinkle with crushed roasted peanuts for added texture and dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the batter better, resulting in a firmer, less soggy French toast.
Adjust Coffee Strength: For a stronger coffee flavor, use more coffee in the batter. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount slightly.
Don’t Over-Soak the Bread: Soaking the bread too long can make it fall apart. Soak for less time if your toast is thinner.
Make it extra special. Caramelize some banana slices in the skillet with a little sugar and add them as a topping.
Did you make this? Tag @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks to share or leave a comment on the blog!
Keyword Bread, Breakfast, Brunch, Condensed Milk, Dessert, Eggs, Quick and Easy, Vietnamese, Vietnamese Coffee

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