Elevate your morning routine with this tropical twist on classic French toast. Soft brioche slices are generously stuffed with a creamy blend of tangy cream cheese and sweet guava paste, creating a luscious pink filling in every bite.
Each sandwich is dipped in a rich coconut-infused custard, then golden-fried until crisp around the edges. A bright coconut-lime syrup is poured over the stack, adding a zesty finish that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Toast some coconut flakes for a final crunch and garnish with fresh lime and mint for a visually stunning breakfast that tastes as good as it looks.
Ingredients
FOR THE FRENCH TOAST
- 8 slices brioche bread (1-inch thick)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 oz guava paste
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter, for cooking
FOR THE COCONUT-LIME SYRUP
- ½ cup coconut milk (full-fat)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
FOR THE TOPPINGS
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and guava paste until smooth.
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of the guava cream cheese onto 4 slices of brioche, then top with the remaining slices to form sandwiches.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, whole milk, coconut milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Dip each brioche sandwich into the custard mixture, coating both sides and letting excess drip off.
- Cook sandwiches in the skillet for 3–4 minutes per side, adding more butter as needed, until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, make the syrup: in a small saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and lime zest; bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove the syrup from heat and stir in fresh lime juice, then keep warm.
- In a dry small skillet over medium heat, toast the shredded coconut, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Serve the French toast immediately, drizzling generously with coconut-lime syrup and sprinkling with toasted coconut. Garnish with lime wedges and mint leaves.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven for best texture.
- Substitution: swap guava paste with strawberry or raspberry jam for a different fruit twist.
- To prevent soggy toast, soak each side of the brioche for just 5 seconds and cook over medium heat.
- If you can’t find guava paste, heat guava jam in a saucepan until thickened and spreadable.
- Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.