This is a variation of our Healthy French Toast Base Recipe. This coconut French toast variation is full of tropical flavor. We use whole grain or sourdough bread for a healthier base, dip it in a coconut milk/egg mixture, toast it up until golden brown, and then add fresh pineapple and toasted shredded coconut for more fun and balance. It’s like going on vacation in your own kitchen!
Must-Know Cooking Skills to Level Up Your Kitchen Game
To make this recipe even easier, check out these videos to learn how to:
Learn how to slice and dice like a pro in knife skills course: Sharp & Simple I!
Culinary Tips for the Best Coconut French Toast
- Use slightly stale bread. It absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
- Don’t skip toasting fresh bread. Lightly toasting helps mimic that “stale” texture if needed.
- Cook low and slow. Medium-low heat ensures the inside cooks through without burning the outside.
- Fully coat the bread. Let it soak briefly on each side so it absorbs flavor evenly.
- Avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed for even browning.
- Customize sweetness. Adjust the sweetener based on your toppings and preferences.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- Bread: Whole grain and sourdough are ideal, but any sturdy bread works.
- Coconut Milk: It’s sort of the essence of the coconut flavor (along with the extract), but feel free to sub cow’s milk or another milk sub.
- Eggs: Essential for structure, but you can experiment with egg substitutes if needed.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup, honey, agave, or sugar all work—adjust to taste.
- Vanilla: Adds warmth, but can be skipped or replaced with other extracts.
- Coconut Extract: you can skip it, but it adds the strong coconut flavor!
- Butter: Can substitute with oil or a plant-based alternative.
- Pineapple: Sub or add banana or mango for more tropical flavor.
- Shredded Coconut: Sub a toasted nut!
Coconut French Toast Variations
If you really, really love coconut, consider coating the French toast in shredded coconut before cooking. It will add a crunchy layer of coconut crust!
Add ½ cup banana puree (one mashed banana) to the milk/egg mixture for more fruity flavor.
Need some French toast recipe inspiration?
Try out our base recipe, take a look at our variations, and then have fun experimenting with your favorite ingredients to YOUR Taste!
Healthy French Toast Base Recipe
Banana French Toast with Sourdough
Pumpkin French Toast with Whole Grain Bread
Equipment Recommendations
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – for accuracy
- Nonstick Skillet or Griddle – ensures even cooking and easy flipping
- Wide Spatula – helps flip without breaking
- Mixing Bowl or Pie Plate – ideal for soaking bread
- Whisk – for smooth custard
Check out our essential equipment guide to stock your kitchen with ALL the tools you need to prepare anything and everything!
Health Benefits of Coconut French Toast
This recipe combines balanced ingredients to create a satisfying and nutrient-rich breakfast.
Whole Grain or Sourdough Bread
Whole grains provide fiber and steady energy, while sourdough supports digestion and a balanced gut microbiome. Some of the world’s longest-lived populations consume sourdough regularly, so it must be working for them!
Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, choline, and several B vitamins that support energy metabolism and brain health.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, but is also extremely high in saturated fat. Most of the fat comes from medium-chain fatty acids which may have some positive health benefits, but more research is needed. Be sure to balance with unsaturated fats throughout the rest of your day!
Learn more about the different types of milk in this article!
Explore our Ingredient Guide for more tips on choosing the freshest, most flavorful picks for your recipes. Because great ingredients = great food! 🌟🍴
How to Serve
Serve warm with diced pineapple, toasted macadamia nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. Pair with yogurt or eggs for a balanced meal.
Learn how to build a healthy balanced meal with our Whole Life Plate, meal plan, and book!
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven for best texture. French toast can also be frozen and reheated as needed.
Looking for more recipes featuring coconut?
Try these delicious recipes!
Coconut Almond Dark Chocolate Bark
Chocolate Dipped Banana Bites with Coconut and Macadamia Nuts
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Unlike many other recipe blogs, we encourage you to tweak our recipes to suit your taste. Try it out, leave us a review, and tell us what changes you made! We love hearing how you make it your own.
Coconut French Toast with Pineapple
Equipment
- Stovetop, Griddle
Ingredients
- 8 slices whole grain or sourdough bread, slightly stale*
- 1 Cup coconut milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon coconut extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- Dash salt
- ½ Tablespoon unsalted butter
Toppings:
- Diced fresh pineapple
- Toasted shredded coconut
- Maple syrup or Honey
Instructions
- Preheat a griddle or skillet to medium-low heat.
- In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together coconut milk, eggs, vanilla, coconut extract, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, flipping to coat both sides completely. Ensure bread fully absorbs the mixture, but is not soggy.
- Melt butter on the griddle and spread evenly with a pastry brush. Place bread slices onto the pan.
- Cook for ~2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter to the pan if needed between batches. Top with pineapple, toasted shredded coconut, and maple syrup. Enjoy!
