Coquito French Toast: A Delicious Holiday Breakfast Recipe

Coquito French Toast: Imagine waking up on a crisp holiday morning to the intoxicating aroma of coconut, rum, and warm spices wafting from the kitchen. That’s precisely the experience you’ll unlock with this decadent twist on a breakfast classic! This isn’t just French toast; it’s a celebration of flavor, a fusion of cultures, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Coquito, often dubbed “Puerto Rican Eggnog,” is a beloved holiday beverage with roots tracing back to Spanish colonial times. It’s a creamy, coconut-infused delight that’s traditionally shared amongst family and friends during the festive season. We’ve taken that same spirit of warmth and joy and infused it into a breakfast staple, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

People adore French toast for its soft, custardy interior and golden-brown exterior. It’s a blank canvas for culinary creativity, and the addition of coquito elevates it to a whole new level. The coconut milk and rum provide a rich, creamy sweetness, while the spices add a warm, comforting depth. This Coquito French Toast is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a special occasion brunch or a weekend treat. The taste is simply divine, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to transform your breakfast routine with this unforgettable recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Coquito:
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk
• 1 (15 ounce) can cream of coconut (Coco Lopez recommended)
• 1/2 cup white rum (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves
• For the French Toast:
• 8 slices of brioche bread (or challah, or your favorite thick-cut bread)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup Coquito (from the recipe above)
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
• For the Toppings (optional):
• Fresh fruit (berries, mango, banana slices)
• Whipped cream
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Maple syrup or honey
• Cinnamon sugar

Making the Coquito (Ahead of Time):

First things first, we need to make the coquito! This is best done at least a few hours ahead of time, or even the day before, to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Don’t worry, it’s super easy!

1. Combine the Milks: In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and cream of coconut.
2. Add the Rum (Optional): If you’re using rum, add it to the blender. Start with 1/4 cup and taste, adding more to your preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
3. Flavor it Up: Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves. These spices are what give coquito its signature warm and comforting flavor.
4. Blend Until Smooth: Blend everything together until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds.
5. Chill: Pour the coquito into a pitcher or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the coquito to thicken slightly. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!

Preparing the French Toast Batter:

Now that our coquito is chilling and getting all delicious, let’s get started on the French toast batter. This is where the magic happens, transforming ordinary bread into a decadent treat!

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a shallow dish (like a pie plate or a wide bowl), whisk together the eggs until they are light and frothy. This will help create a light and airy French toast.
2. Add the Coquito: Pour in 1/2 cup of the coquito that you made earlier. This is what will give our French toast that amazing coquito flavor!
3. Add Milk: Add the milk to the egg and coquito mixture. The milk helps to thin out the batter and create a more even coating on the bread.
4. Sweeten and Spice: Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. The sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while the vanilla and cinnamon enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Combine Thoroughly: Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and there are no streaks of egg yolk. The batter should be smooth and slightly thickened.

Soaking and Cooking the French Toast:

This is the crucial step where the bread soaks up all that delicious coquito-infused batter. Don’t rush this process – the more the bread soaks, the richer and more flavorful the French toast will be!

1. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely, coating the bottom of the pan evenly. You want the pan to be hot enough to cook the French toast properly, but not so hot that it burns the butter.
2. Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of brioche bread into the French toast batter, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Let the bread soak for about 20-30 seconds per side, allowing it to absorb as much of the batter as possible. The bread should be saturated but not falling apart.
3. Cook the French Toast: Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan – you may need to cook the French toast in batches.
4. Cook Until Golden Brown: Cook the French toast for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be crispy and the center should be soft and custardy.
5. Add More Butter as Needed: As you cook the French toast, add more butter to the pan as needed to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
6. Keep Warm (Optional): If you’re cooking in batches, you can keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated oven (200°F) until you’re ready to serve.

Serving and Enjoying Your Coquito French Toast:

Now for the best part – serving and enjoying your delicious Coquito French Toast! Get creative with your toppings and make it your own.

1. Plate the French Toast: Arrange the cooked French toast slices on plates.
2. Add Toppings: Top with your favorite toppings. Some suggestions include fresh fruit (berries, mango, banana slices), whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, maple syrup or honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
3. Drizzle with Coquito (Optional): For an extra burst of coquito flavor, you can drizzle a little bit of the chilled coquito over the French toast.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the Coquito French Toast immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Bread Choice: Brioche bread is my personal favorite for French toast because it’s rich, buttery, and soaks up the batter beautifully. However, you can also use challah, Texas toast, or any other thick-cut bread that you like.
• Rum Options: If you’re not a fan of rum, you can omit it from the coquito recipe altogether. You can also substitute it with other liquors, such as brandy or bourbon, for a different flavor profile.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a little more. If you’re not a fan of cloves, you can leave them out.
• Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based milk (such as almond milk or soy milk) and vegan butter. You can also use a flax egg or other egg replacer in the French toast batter.
• Overnight Soak: For an even richer and more flavorful French toast, you can soak the bread in the batter overnight in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover the bread tightly to prevent it from drying out.
• Baked French Toast Casserole: If you’re feeding a crowd, you can turn this recipe into a baked French toast casserole. Simply arrange the soaked bread slices in a baking dish, pour any remaining batter over the top, and bake at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.

Enjoy your Coquito French Toast! It’s the perfect way to start your day with a taste of the tropics.

Conclusion:

This Coquito French Toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a celebration on a plate! The rich, creamy coquito batter infuses every slice of bread with warm spices and a hint of coconut, transforming ordinary French toast into an extraordinary culinary experience. Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to elevate your brunch game or impress your holiday guests, this recipe is an absolute must-try. The aroma alone will have everyone gathered in the kitchen, eager to indulge.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible flavor, it’s surprisingly simple to make. We’ve broken down each step to ensure even novice cooks can achieve perfect, golden-brown French toast every time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover coquito you might have from the holidays (though, let’s be honest, leftover coquito is a rare occurrence!). The combination of the sweet, spiced coquito and the perfectly cooked bread creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. It’s decadent, comforting, and utterly irresistible.

And the best part? There are so many ways to customize this recipe to your liking! For a truly indulgent experience, top your Coquito French Toast with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, and a drizzle of maple syrup. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of rum extract to the coquito batter for an extra kick. You could also experiment with different types of bread – challah, brioche, or even croissants would work beautifully. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries.

Looking for serving suggestions? This Coquito French Toast is perfect as a standalone brunch dish, but it also pairs well with other breakfast favorites. Serve it alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. A side of fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing element. And don’t forget the coffee! A strong cup of coffee or a creamy latte is the perfect complement to the rich, sweet flavors of the French toast. For a truly special occasion, consider serving it with a mimosa or a glass of sparkling wine.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s become a staple in my household, and I can’t wait to share it with you. So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to create some culinary magic.

Once you’ve made your own batch of this incredible Coquito French Toast, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What toppings did you use? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your Coquito French Toast adventures. Happy cooking! And remember, the key to perfect French toast is patience and a generous amount of love. Enjoy!