HOKKAIDO MILK BREAD FRENCH TOAST

French toast is nothing short of a masterpiece, a humble dish elevated by simple ingredients. It begins with thick slices of bread, dipped into a custard bath seasoned with your choice of spices. Each slice soaks up this luxurious mixture, absorbing it like a sponge. This mixture is rich and golden, and when you dip the bread into it, the slices slowly absorb all that goodness. Each piece becomes heavier, soaked through but still holding its shape. As it hits a hot, buttered skillet, the transformation begins. The edges begin to crisp and curl, and soon, a delicate crust forms: golden brown and lightly caramelized. The air is filled with a warm nostalgic scent conjuring memories of a cozy morning. Each slice is cooked low and slow to ensure a tender interior—a custardy center that remains soft and almost creamy, in stark contrast to its crisp, pan-seared exterior. When you press it lightly with a spatula, there’s just enough resistance.

When you take a bite, everything comes together. The outside is crisp, the inside is soft and warm, and the flavor is just right: not too sweet and with hints of vanilla. The honey adds a sticky sweetness, the blueberries give a fresh pop of flavour and the texture is pure comfort. French toast is simple, but it always feels a little fancy. It’s the kind of breakfast you make when you want to treat yourself or someone you love. Whether you eat it on a quiet Sunday morning or make a big batch for a family brunch, French toast is more than just food, it’s a moment to slow down and enjoy.

WHAT YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE

• No oven
• Eggless
• Nostalgic
• Easy to make
• Crowd favourite

INGREDIENTS USED IN HOKKAIDO MILK BREAD FRENCH TOAST

• HOKKAIDO MILK BREAD

Hokkaido milk bread is a soft white loaf that’s beloved for its cloud-like texture and subtle sweetness. It is exceptionally soft, tender and slightly sweet in taste with a creamy milkiness. The secret lies in the tangzhong method, a roux made by cooking a portion of flour and liquid which helps the dough retain moisture, resulting in a tender, fluffy crumb and a soft chewy texture. It is usually sliced thick for toast or fruit sandwiches. Its texture holds up well to both sweet and savory toppings. 

• MILK

In eggless French toast, milk plays a crucial role in creating a soak mixture that provides flavour, moisture, and a desirable texture without the use of eggs. Milk is essential for adding moisture to the bread slices. Milk helps create a cohesive mixture. You can customize the type of milk based on your dietary preferences. Dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk can be used as a suitable egg replacement.

• CUSTARD POWDER

The aromatic qualities of custard powder can infuse the soak mixture with a delightful fragrance, making your eggless French toast more enticing and appealing. Custard powder imparts a pale yellow colour to the soak mixture, mimicking the appearance of traditional egg-based French toast. It contains starch, which acts as a thickening agent when mixed with liquid which helps it adhere better to the bread slices. Custard powder typically contains vanilla flavoring, which can enhance the overall taste of the French toast soak.

• ICING SUGAR

Sugar sweetens the custard, giving the French toast its lovely balance of sweetness without being overly sugary. It enhances the flavors of the vanilla in the custard. A little sugar in the soak mixture helps caramelize the French toast as it cooks, giving it a beautiful golden-brown crust that complements the creamy interior. Because icing sugar is powdered, it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, unlike granulated sugar which might leave a gritty texture. This allows for a silky soak that absorbs well into the bread.

EQUIPMENTS USED IN MAKING HOKKAIDO MILK BREAD FRENCH TOAST

Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons are the first thing that anybody needs. The right quantities will help in the desired outcome, so these two things are a must. You will need mixing bowls as well to mix the batter.

Other basics that are required are whisks and spatulas for an easy mixing process.

I have used a heavy bottomed pan to toast my French Toast.

TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE MAKING THE HOKKAIDO MILK BREAD FRENCH TOAST

1. Mix the custard powder and sugar with the milk really well making sure there are no lumps of the custard powder. If required, sift the custard powder before using.
2. If your bread loaf is not precut, make sure to slice it slightly thicker than normal bread slices. This gives the French toast its signature soft interior yet crispy exterior.
3. To achieve the perfect crispiness on the outside without burning the bread, cook the French toast on medium heat. This allows the inside to cook through and become soft, while the outside turns golden-brown and crispy.
4. To prevent the French toast from sticking, use a non-stick skillet or griddle, and make sure it’s well-greased with butter or oil before cooking. This ensures the toast cooks evenly and comes out crisp, not stuck to the pan.
5. You can play around with fillings and toppings as well. You can serve your French toast with Nutella, Biscoff spread, jams or a variety of fresh fruits like strawberry, banana, blueberry, etc.

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If you like my easy Hokkaido Milk Bread French Toast recipe and happen to make them in your kitchen, do tag me on Instagram and share pictures with me using #Bakewithshivesh. Happy Baking!