Kiwi Fruit French Toast: A Zesty Morning Delight

I’ll never forget the first time I had kiwi fruit French toast. It was a bleary-eyed Sunday morning at a tiny cafe tucked away on a quiet side street in Melbourne, Australia. The tangy kiwi against the warm, eggy bread was an unexpected burst of sunshine that cut through the morning fog. It was so delightful, so simple, and so surprisingly delicious, that I knew I had to recreate it. This recipe is my tribute to that perfect breakfast moment, bringing a little bit of Down Under sunshine to your kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 8 slices stale toasted bread
• 2 kiwi fruits, finely sliced
• Unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• White sugar, for sprinkling
• Greek yogurt, to serve

Equipment Needed

• Heavy-based frypan
• Oven
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Shallow Dish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 170°C (338°F). This ensures the French toast will be warmed through without burning the outside.
2. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. This buttery layer will add richness and prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
3. Arrange the finely sliced kiwi fruit on the buttered side of four bread slices. Top with the remaining four slices of bread, butter-side down, to create kiwi fruit sandwiches. Press gently to secure.
4. In a shallow dish, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. This creates the custard base that will soak into the bread and give the French toast its signature texture. Ensure everything is well combined for even flavor.
5. Heat the vegetable oil and a small knob of butter in a heavy-based frypan over medium heat. The combination of oil and butter prevents burning and adds a nutty flavor.
6. Dunk each kiwi fruit sandwich into the milk mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Allow the bread to soak for a few seconds on each side so it absorbs the custard without becoming overly saturated.
7. Carefully place the soaked sandwiches into the hot frypan. Fry for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Watch closely and adjust the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
8. Transfer the partially cooked French toast to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 3 minutes.
9. Flip the sandwiches over, sprinkle lightly with white sugar, and bake for another 3 minutes. The sugar will caramelize, adding a delightful sweetness and slight crunch.
10. Remove from the oven and cut each sandwich in half diagonally.
11. Serve immediately with a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Use stale bread: Day-old bread is ideal for French toast as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh bread, lightly toast it to dry it out.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the sandwiches in batches to maintain the pan’s temperature and ensure even browning.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet French toast, reduce or omit the sugar sprinkled on top.
• Kiwi ripeness: Ensure the kiwi fruit is ripe but still firm enough to hold its shape when sliced. Overripe kiwi can become mushy during cooking.
• Infuse the custard: For a deeper flavor, infuse the milk with spices like cardamom or nutmeg. Simmer the milk with the spices before whisking in the egg and vanilla. Remove the spices before soaking the bread.
• Prevent Soggy French Toast: Press down gently on the sandwiches while they’re cooking in the pan to ensure even contact with the heat. This helps the bread cook through without becoming soggy.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Kiwi fruit French toast is best served immediately while it’s warm and the kiwi fruit is still vibrant. The Greek yogurt adds a cooling contrast to the warm, sweet toast.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave until warmed through. The French toast may lose some of its crispness upon reheating. For a crispier reheat, use a toaster oven.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	225.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	58 g	26%
Total Fat	6.5 g	9%
Saturated Fat	2.3 g	11%
Cholesterol	61.4 mg	20%
Sodium	389.1 mg	16%
Total Carbohydrate	34.1 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	2.5 g	9%
Sugars	5.7 g	22%
Protein	7.8 g	15%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.
• Dairy-free: Substitute the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter alternative. Replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Use a dairy-free milk and butter alternative, and replace the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative.
• Other fruits: Substitute the kiwi fruit with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas.
• Spiced version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the milk mixture for a warmer flavor.
• Citrus zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the milk mixture for a brighter flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: While best served immediately, you can prepare the kiwi fruit sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to fry and bake them just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.

Q: Can I use frozen kiwi fruit?
A: Fresh kiwi fruit is recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen kiwi fruit tends to become mushy when thawed. If you must use frozen, ensure it is fully thawed and drained before slicing.

Q: What type of bread works best?
A: Stale or day-old bread is ideal. Brioche, challah, or even sourdough work well. Avoid using very soft bread as it may become too soggy.

Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener?
A: Yes, you can substitute the white sugar with brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Adjust the amount to your preference.

Q: Is it necessary to bake the French toast after frying?
A: Baking helps to cook the French toast all the way through and ensures that the center is warm. While you can skip this step, the baking process provides a more even cooking result.

Final Thoughts

Kiwi fruit French toast is a delightful way to start your day with a burst of sunshine. The combination of tangy kiwi, warm bread, and sweet custard creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and refreshing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits, spices, and toppings to create your own unique version. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast or a special brunch treat, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to transform your kitchen into a little slice of paradise. Share your creations and variations with us! I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own.