Coconut Crusted French Toast
If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a mini-vacation, you’ve come to the right place! This Coconut Crusted French Toast is one of my all-time favorites. The golden, crispy coconut flakes give it a delightful crunch, making every bite feel special. It’s perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or even as a sweet surprise for family gatherings. Trust me; once you try this tropical twist on a classic dish, you’ll want to make it again and again!
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. Plus, it’s family-friendly and can be made ahead for a quick breakfast during busy weekdays!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Coconut Crusted French Toast comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Tropical Flavor: The coconut adds a unique twist that transports you straight to the beach with every bite.
- Family Favorite: Kids love the crispy texture and sweet flavor, making it a hit at breakfast tables.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the toppings or add fruits to suit your family’s tastes.
- Deliciously Satisfying: Each slice is fluffy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, making it hard to resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be delighted to find that the ingredients for this Coconut Crusted French Toast are simple and wholesome. Let’s gather what we need for this delicious breakfast treat!
- 1 loaf thick-cut bread
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter, for frying
- Maple syrup, for serving
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add Fresh Fruit: Top your French toast with sliced bananas or berries for an extra burst of flavor.
- Change Up the Bread: Use brioche or challah for an even richer taste.
- Coconut Milk Swap: For a more intense coconut flavor, substitute regular milk with coconut milk.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts into the coconut mixture for added crunch.
How to Make Coconut Crusted French Toast
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the recipe: thick-cut bread, shredded coconut, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, salt, large eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, butter, and maple syrup. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Place your loaf of thick-cut bread on a cutting board. Slice it into thick slices—about 1-inch thick—ensuring each slice is uniform. This thickness helps achieve that perfect balance between crispy outside and soft inside.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a shallow dish, combine the shredded coconut, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients together until evenly incorporated will ensure every bite has that delightful coconut flavor.
Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, crack four large eggs. Add in the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until fully combined and smooth. This mixture is what gives our French toast its rich flavor.
Step 5: Heat the Skillet
Heat up a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add one or two tablespoons of butter and let it melt while swirling it around to coat the pan evenly. The butter not only prevents sticking but also adds flavor.
Step 6: Dip the Bread
Take one slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure both sides are coated well but allow any excess to drip off. This step ensures each piece soaks up just enough flavor without becoming too soggy.
Step 7: Coat with Coconut
Right after dipping in egg mixture, press the bread into your coconut mixture on both sides. Gently pressing down helps ensure that those crunchy flakes stick well to your bread.
Step 8: Cook Until Golden Brown
Carefully place your coated bread slice onto the heated skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the coconut crust turns golden brown and crispy. Watching them turn golden is part of the fun!
Step 9: Transfer to Plate
Once cooked perfectly, transfer your French toast slices onto a plate. Repeat with remaining slices; don’t forget to add more butter as needed between batches.
Step 10: Drizzle with Syrup
Once all slices are cooked up nicely, drizzle your Coconut Crusted French Toast with maple syrup according to your taste preference—don’t hold back!
Step 11: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy every bite of this crispy coconut-crusted goodness! Feel free to share with loved ones or savor it all by yourself; I won’t tell!
Pro Tips for Making Coconut Crusted French Toast
Creating the perfect coconut crusted French toast is all about the little details. Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish!
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Use day-old bread: Using slightly stale bread helps it absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy, resulting in a firmer texture that holds up beautifully when cooked.
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Customize with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and flavor that perfectly complements the coconut.
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Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter French toast, consider increasing the sugar in the egg mixture or serving with fresh fruit like bananas or berries for natural sweetness.
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Get creative with toppings: Besides maple syrup, try drizzling with honey or agave nectar, or adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delightful finish.
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Cook in batches: To keep your French toast warm and crispy, cook in batches and place finished slices on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest.
How to Serve Coconut Crusted French Toast
Serving coconut crusted French toast is all about presentation! With its golden-brown exterior and tropical flair, this dish can be enhanced by thoughtful garnishing and pairing.
Garnishes
- Shredded Coconut: Sprinkle some toasted shredded coconut on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Fresh Fruit: Add slices of ripe bananas or mixed berries for color and freshness; they also provide a lovely contrast to the rich coconut flavor.
Side Dishes
- Yogurt Parfait: A bowl of creamy yogurt layered with granola and fruits makes for a refreshing side that balances out the sweetness of the toast.
- Smoothie Bowl: Whip up a quick smoothie bowl with your favorite fruits blended with almond milk topped with nuts and seeds; it’s a vibrant addition.
- Breakfast Hash: A savory breakfast hash made from sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions offers a hearty balance to your sweet dish.
- Coconut Chia Pudding: For an extra tropical touch, serve this creamy pudding made with coconut milk and chia seeds alongside your French toast.
With these serving suggestions and tips, your coconut crusted French toast will be not only delicious but also beautifully presented! Enjoy every bite of this delightful tropical breakfast treat.

Make Ahead and Storage
This Coconut Crusted French Toast is not only a delightful breakfast treat but also perfect for meal prepping! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cooked French toast to cool completely before storing.
- Place the slices in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Allow the French toast to cool completely.
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
- To reheat from the fridge, place slices on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- For frozen slices, you can either thaw in the fridge overnight or place directly into a preheated skillet, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side until heated through.
FAQs
If you’re curious about this recipe or have some questions, you’re in the right place!
Can I prepare Coconut Crusted French Toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later. Simply follow the storage instructions above for optimal freshness.
What makes Coconut Crusted French Toast special?
The combination of crispy coconut flakes with soft, fluffy bread creates a delightful texture and tropical flavor that elevates traditional French toast to something extraordinary!
Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute regular milk with your favorite non-dairy milk like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. This will still yield delicious results!
How do I achieve the perfect crispiness for my Coconut Crusted French Toast?
Make sure your skillet is heated properly before adding butter and bread. Cooking at medium heat ensures even cooking without burning the coconut coating.
What toppings go well with Coconut Crusted French Toast?
You can top your French toast with fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey works beautifully too!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about waking up to a plate of Coconut Crusted French Toast. With its crispy exterior and fluffy interior, it’s sure to brighten your morning. I hope you enjoy making this delightful recipe as much as I do—it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends! Give it a try and savor each delicious bite!
Coconut Crusted French Toast
If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a tropical getaway, look no further than this Coconut Crusted French Toast. This delightful dish features crispy coconut flakes that add a satisfying crunch to every bite, making it an ideal choice for lazy Sunday mornings or family gatherings. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you may already have at home, this recipe is perfect for busy weekdays when you need a quick and delicious meal. Kids will love the sweet flavor and crunchy texture, while adults will appreciate its customizable options. Give this tropical twist on a classic favorite a try, and you’ll be coming back for more!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients
- 1 loaf thick-cut bread
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter, for frying
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Cut the thick-cut bread into 1-inch slices.
- In a shallow dish, mix shredded coconut, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture, then coat in the coconut mixture.
- Place coated bread in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 180mg