This coconut crusted french toast is crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and made with coconut milk. Perfect for Easter brunch or a special breakfast treat!

Why This Coconut Crusted French Toast Is a Breakfast Treat

This coconut crusted french toast is the kind of breakfast that feels special without a lot of fuss. The combination of lite coconut milk and coconut extract gives the custard a subtle tropical flavor, while the shredded coconut coating turns crispy and golden in the pan. I first made this for an Easter brunch recipe and it disappeared fast. Thick slices of French bread soak up just enough custard to stay tender inside, with that crunchy coconut crust on the outside.

3 Reasons to Love This Coconut French Toast Recipe

The coconut crust adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft, custard-soaked bread.
Lite coconut milk makes the custard rich and creamy without being heavy.
It comes together quickly with simple ingredients you probably already have.

Key Ingredients for Coconut Crusted French Toast

Lite coconut milk provides coconut flavor without being too heavy. Full-fat works too but makes a richer custard. Shake the can well before measuring.
Shredded sweetened coconut gives the crust sweetness and texture. Unsweetened can be used, but add a tablespoon of sugar to the custard.
French bread should be thickly sliced and preferably day-old. Fresh bread can become too soggy; stale bread holds up better.

Kitchen Tools for Making Coconut French Toast

A large non-stick skillet or griddle for even browning
A shallow dish for whisking the egg mixture
A plate for the shredded coconut
A spatula for flipping

Tips for Perfect Coconut Crusted French Toast

To get the coconut to stick well, drizzle a little extra egg mixture on top after dipping in the shredded coconut. This helps the coating adhere and prevents it from falling off during cooking. Cook over medium to medium-high heat so the coconut browns evenly without burning. If you’re making a batch, keep the finished slices warm in a 250°F oven while you cook the rest.

Expert Advice for Thick, Fluffy Coconut French Toast

Let the dipped bread rest for about a minute before coating with coconut. This gives the custard time to absorb into the bread, so the inside stays tender. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook each slice with space around it so the coconut crisps properly. If the pan gets too hot, the coconut will burn before the bread is cooked through, so adjust the heat as needed.

Coconut French Toast Variations to Try

If you want a chocolate twist, sprinkle a few chocolate chips onto the coconut before cooking. For a citrus note, add a teaspoon of lime zest to the egg mixture. You can also use unsweetened shredded coconut if you prefer less sweetness, just add a tablespoon of sugar to the custard. Gluten-free bread works well too, just handle it gently as it can be more delicate.

What to Serve with Coconut French Toast

Serve the French toast hot with a pat of butter that melts into the warm crust. Pure maple syrup is the classic choice, but you can also drizzle with honey or agave. Fresh strawberries add a bright, tart contrast to the sweet coconut. For a heartier breakfast, pair it with scrambled eggs or crispy bacon.

How to Store Leftover Coconut French Toast

Store leftover coconut French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place a sheet of wax paper between layers to keep the coconut crust from sticking together.

Can You Freeze Coconut Crusted French Toast?

To freeze, arrange the cooked French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Best Way to Reheat Coconut French Toast

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through and the coconut is crisp again. You can also use a toaster oven for smaller batches. Avoid the microwave, which will make the coating soggy.

Coconut French Toast FAQs

Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut?

Yes, but the French toast will be less sweet. Add a tablespoon of sugar to the egg mixture to compensate. The texture will be the same.

Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?

You can substitute whole milk or any non-dairy milk, but the coconut flavor will be much milder. Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of coconut extract to boost the taste.

How do I keep the coconut from burning?

Cook over medium heat, not high. If the pan gets too hot, the coconut will burn before the bread is cooked through. Wipe the pan clean between batches to remove burnt bits.

What if I don’t have coconut extract?

The extract adds a concentrated coconut flavor. Without it, the French toast will still taste good but less coconutty. You can increase the coconut milk to 1 cup for more flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, the recipe is already dairy-free if you use a non-dairy butter substitute and skip the butter topping. The custard uses coconut milk and eggs, so no dairy there.

Equipment

shallow dish
plate
large non-stick frying pan or griddle
spatula
oven (optional)

Recipe

Coconut Crusted French Toast

Pin recipe

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 10 min
Total: 20 min
Servings: 3 servings
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast

Ingredients

3 large eggs
0.75 cup lite coconut milk
0.5 tsp coconut extract
0.25 tsp vanilla extract
0.125 tsp salt
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
6 slices French bread (cut into 1/2 inch slices)
butter, maple syrup, and strawberries (for serving, if desired)

Instructions

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, coconut extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Place the shredded coconut on a plate. Dip both sides of each slice of bread into the egg mixture. Dip both sides of the coated bread into the shredded coconut. Drizzle a little egg mixture on top of the coconut to make it stick to the bread.
Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick frying pan or a griddle to medium to medium-high heat. Cook the slices of bread until golden brown on one side and then turn and cook the other side. Serve immediately or keep French toast warm in a 250 degree F oven.
Serve with butter, pure maple syrup, and/or strawberries.