This recipe for Vietnamese Coffee French Toast infuses the flavours of robust Vietnamese coffee and creamy condensed milk in the custard. It's pan-fried until golden brown and then drizzled with more condensed milk.
If you enjoy the caffeine in the form of food, you'll want to pay attention to this French Toast recipe.
I drew inspiration from the flavours of Vietnamese Coffee, which is a favourite in our home.
I had some day-old thick-cut toast lying around and wanted to infuse some coffee flavour into it.
Why this recipe works
The flavour of the coffee in the French toast is subtle yet nuanced.
It comes together very quickly, in under 30 minutes.
If you're a Vietnamese coffee lover, you'll love this recipe.
The recipe requires only a few ingredients.
Ingredients you'll need
- hot water: to brew the coffee
- coffee grounds: use a chicory coffee or any dark roast coffee; if you like a stronger coffee flavour, you can use more coffee grounds
- condensed milk: which is a rich and thick, sweetened milk; sweeten to your taste
- large egg
- butter: unsalted
- thick-cut toast: preferably day-old; I like to use a challah, or Texas-style toast which will soak up the custard nicely
How to make the French toast
How to make Vietnamese-style coffee
Make the coffee using a Vietnamese coffee phin filter, which is a perforated stainless steel filter that allows the coffee to drip through the grounds.
Pour the hot water over the coffee phin filter and let the coffee drip slowly into a heat-safe drinking glass.
Note: you can tighten or loosen the knob on the phin to adjust how quickly the coffee drips. For a stronger, intense brew, tighten the knob.
Add condensed milk to the coffee.
Whisk the egg into the coffee and milk mixture. (Note: adding egg to coffee is actually a style of Vietnamese coffee, named Ca phe trung).
Assemble:
Pour the coffee mixture into a shallow bowl.
Dip a thick-cut toast into the mixture on both sides.
Tip: don't oversoak the toast; dip the bread until the surface is just saturated
Cook:
Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat.
Add 1 teaspoon butter to the pan and swirl it around.
Place the toast into the pan and pan-fry over medium low heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
Note: this French toast does have a tendency to burn so keep an eye on it.
How to serve & store
Serve warm with extra condensed milk drizzled on top.
You can store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat the Vietnamese Coffee French Toast, you can microwave the bread until warmed through.
FAQs & troubleshooting
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and make 4 full toasts.
Can I use regular sandwich bread?
Yes, you can use regular bread; just be sure not to soak the bread too long in the custard mixture.
You may need to use more bread to soak up all the custard (since it's thinner than Texas toast).
I prefer a stronger coffee taste
You can increase the amount of coffee grounds for the drip coffee, but don't increase the amount of water.
I don't like it too sweet
You can decrease the amount of condensed milk in the custard and/or increase the amount of coffee.
Can I use regular milk in place of condensed milk?
You can use regular milk, however you may need to add a little sugar to it.
Note: regular milk is less thick and rich than condensed milk.
Other recipes you may like
If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like:
Cà Phê Sữa đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)
Easy Double-Baked Almond Croissants
This rich, lightly sweetened Vietnamese Coffee French Toast brings together the flavours of coffee and toast all together.
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- be sure to tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!
Vietnamese Coffee French Toast
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- ⅓ C (80 ml) hot water
- 1 heaped Tbsp (10g) coffee grounds or more if you like it stronger
- 2 teaspoon condensed milk + extra for drizzling on top or to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon butter unsalted
- 2 slices thick-cut toast
Instructions
Make the coffee:
- Pour the hot water over the coffee phin filter and let the coffee drip into a heat-safe drinking glass.
- Add 2 teaspoon condensed milk to the coffee.
Make the custard:
- Whisk the egg into the coffee and milk mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow bowl.
- Dip a slice of thick-cut toast into the mixture on both sides.
Cook the toast:
- Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Add 1 teaspoon butter to the pan and swirl it around.
- Place the toast into the pan and pan-fry over medium low heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it as it does have a tendency to burn.
- Repeat with the remaining toast.
- Serve warm with condensed milk drizzle on top.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Jeannette
I love dipping bread into Vietnamese coffee, so this is the PERFECT way to get both in one! What an incredible breakfast meal!
Michelle
Thanks Jeannette! It is the best way to have your coffee and eat breakfast at the same time! 😉
Elizabeth
This is a genius recipe idea! I love it! Then again, I am a big of a coffee addict, haha!
Michelle
Hope you enjoy, Elizabeth!! 🙂
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain
Love me a good adult French Toast recipe! LOVE that this is coffee flavored!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
This sounds like a great breakfast. I love this idea!
Lauren
I loved making Vietnamese coffee when I worked at a Viet-Thai restaurant. This combo is incredible and I never would have thought it on my own!
Michelle
Thanks Lauren! Indeed, the coffee and condensed milk combo is amazing!
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs
Oh my!! I'm in love!! Coffee French toast has my name all over it!!
Michelle
Aw yay, thanks so much Tasia!
2pots2cook
Wow ! This one is calling my name ! So in love with coffee .......
Michelle
Thanks Davorka! Can't start the day without some form of coffee! 😉
veenaazmanov
Perfect Breakfast treat.Love your recipe and love the coffee flavor too.
Chenée
So delicious! The condensed milk makes it so rich and decadent.
Rika
Coffee french toast? It sounds delicious. I can't wait to make this for brunch.
Angela
This French toast was a hit for brunch this last weekend, everyone wanted seconds!
Michelle
Amazing, glad everyone enjoyed it Angela! 🙂
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
I do love the fun bite that the dark roast coffee adds to your French toast. This really is such a tasty and exhilarating breakfast recipe!
Michelle
Thank you Heidi! Definitely an exciting way to enjoy breakfast!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
Yes I enjoy coffee in the form of food, and I also do love French toasts! However, never combined these two things together (Even though I've used quite many flavours for my toasts.) These look and sound utterly delicious!
Michelle
Thanks Ben! You'll definitely enjoy the two paired together 🙂
Raymund
I would love to have a breakfast like that
Michelle
Thanks Raymund, it's the best of both worlds! 😉
Michelle
I've never heard of Vietnamese coffee! I love the addition of the sweetened condensed milk!