Kaya toast is simple to make with just bread and butter. To make it even better, serve it with a soft-boiled egg and some dark soy sauce. The best part is dipping the kaya toast into the soft egg yolk and soy sauce. It’s a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors.

Kaya is a smooth and creamy coconut jam from Singapore, loved across Southeast Asia. It’s like a mix of thick coconut pudding and caramel sauce. The unique taste comes from fresh pandan leaves, which give the coconut custard a light vanilla-like flavor. If you can’t find pandan leaves, you can use pandan extract instead. First, the custard is made, then a quick caramel is added and mixed in to create a golden, delicious jam.

Ingredients

For the Kaya Jam:

For the Kaya Toast:

Steps to Make It

Prepare the Kaya Jam

01

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start.

02

Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl and keep them aside.

03

In a small pan, mix 1 cup of coconut cream, sugar, and pandan leaves. Stir over high heat until it starts to boil, then turn off the heat.

04

Slowly add half of the coconut mixture to the egg yolks to warm them up, then slowly pour the egg yolk mixture back into the pan.

05

Put the saucepan on medium heat and let it simmer gently, with small bubbles on the surface. Stir it now and then, cooking for about 8 minutes until it thickens like pudding and you can draw a line through the center with a spatula. Remove it from the heat and throw away the pandan leaves.

06

In a medium pan, add the dark brown sugar and the rest of the coconut cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring now and then, for about 2 minutes, or until the sugar melts and the mixture looks like caramel.

07

Mix the caramel into the custard in the pan, then pour it into a bowl set in a cold water bath.

08

Let the jam cool, put it in a jar, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Make the Kaya Toast

01

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start.

02

Remove the crusts from the bread, then toast it in a pan or toaster until both sides are golden.

03

Put the thin butter slices on one piece of toast, then spread the kaya jam on the other.

04

Put the toast slices together and cut in half. Serve with a soft-boiled egg and pour some dark soy sauce on top.

FAQs

What is kaya toast?

Kaya toast is a beloved traditional snack in Singapore and Malaysia, often eaten as breakfast or a light snack. It consists of crispy, toasted bread spread with kaya jam (a rich, creamy coconut and egg custard) and typically served with a pat of butter. It’s often accompanied by soft-boiled eggs, drizzled with dark soy sauce, offering a delightful sweet and savory experience.

What is kaya jam made of?

Kaya jam is made from coconut cream, eggs, sugar, and pandan leaves. The pandan leaves infuse the coconut-egg custard with a fragrant, grassy vanilla flavor, making it unique. This jam has a smooth, custard-like texture and is golden in color due to the combination of coconut cream and sugar.

Can I use store-bought kaya jam?

Yes, store-bought kaya jam is a convenient option if you don’t have the time or ingredients to make it from scratch. Simply spread it on the toast as you would with homemade kaya, and it will still provide that signature flavor. However, homemade kaya offers a fresher, richer taste.

What is pandan?

Pandan is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, prized for its aromatic leaves. The leaves are often used in cooking, particularly in desserts and drinks, for their fragrant, slightly floral flavor. In kaya jam, pandan leaves are steeped to impart a mild, vanilla-like flavor that is both unique and essential to the recipe.

Can I substitute pandan leaves?

If fresh pandan leaves aren’t available, pandan extract is a suitable substitute. It’s more concentrated, so use a few drops rather than the whole leaves. However, note that the extract may alter the color of the kaya jam, and if it’s not clear, it could give the jam a greenish hue.

Why should I remove the crust from the bread?

Traditionally, the crust is removed from kaya toast to ensure a soft and delicate texture that pairs well with the smooth kaya jam and butter. It also creates a more refined appearance and experience when enjoying the toast.

Can I use any type of bread for kaya toast recipe?

While white bread is traditional, you can use other types like whole wheat or even brioche if you prefer. However, white bread works best because it’s soft, light, and soaks up the kaya jam and butter perfectly. Brioche, on the other hand, adds a richer flavor and texture.

How do I make kaya jam from scratch?

To make kaya jam, start by whisking egg yolks, sugar, and coconut cream together. Cook this mixture slowly, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. As it cooks, add pandan leaves to infuse the flavor. Once the custard thickens to a pudding-like consistency, remove from heat, discard the leaves, and let it cool. For a deeper flavor, you can caramelize sugar separately before mixing it into the custard base.

How long does kaya jam last?

Kaya jam can last up to 1-2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The jam can also be frozen, but its texture may change slightly once thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Can I freeze kaya jam?

Yes, kaya jam can be frozen for later use, but freezing may cause a slight change in texture due to the high coconut cream content. To freeze, store the jam in an airtight container, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

What type of butter should I use for kaya toast recipe?

Salted butter is typically used for kaya toast to balance the sweetness of the kaya jam. The slight saltiness complements the jam’s richness. If you prefer a less salty flavor, you can use unsalted butter, but you may need to adjust the seasoning of the entire dish.

How do I boil eggs for kaya toast?

For the perfect soft-boiled egg, bring a pot of water to a boil and gently lower the eggs in. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes for runny yolks. After cooking, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Soft-boiled eggs are ideal for kaya toast as they offer a rich, creamy yolk that complements the toast perfectly.

Do I need to caramelize sugar for kaya jam?

Caramelizing sugar is optional but adds depth and a beautiful golden color to the kaya jam. To do this, melt sugar over medium-low heat until it becomes a deep amber color, then carefully stir in coconut cream. This caramelized sugar will blend smoothly with the coconut custard and give the jam a rich, slightly toasty flavor.

Can I make kaya toast without butter?

Yes, kaya toast can be made without butter, especially for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a lighter version. You can replace butter with a plant-based alternative like margarine or coconut oil, or simply skip it and enjoy the kaya jam with toasted bread.

What is the best way to toast the bread for kaya toast?

The best way to toast the bread for kaya toast is either in a skillet or a toaster. In a skillet, butter the bread lightly and toast it over medium heat until golden brown and crisp on both sides. If you prefer using a toaster, simply toast the bread until it’s crispy but not overly browned. The bread should be warm and slightly crispy, providing the perfect contrast to the smooth kaya jam.

Is kaya toast served with anything else?

Kaya toast is typically served with soft-boiled eggs, which add a rich, creamy element. You can also drizzle the eggs with dark soy sauce for added flavor. In some variations, kaya toast is paired with a hot cup of kopi (local coffee) or tea, which enhances the overall experience.

Can I make kaya toast vegan?

Yes, you can make kaya toast vegan by using dairy-free alternatives. For the kaya jam, replace eggs with a plant-based alternative like cornstarch or agar agar to thicken the coconut cream. Use a vegan butter spread or coconut oil for the toast, and ensure the soy sauce is also vegan-friendly.

What are the health benefits of kaya toast?

Kaya toast is a delicious indulgence but is not considered a health food. It’s rich in calories, sugar, and fat, especially because of the kaya jam and butter. Enjoy it in moderation as a treat, and consider pairing it with fresh fruit or a light salad if you want to balance the meal.

How can I make the kaya jam less sweet?

To make kaya jam less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. You can also add a bit more coconut cream to dilute the sweetness, or use unsweetened coconut cream if you’re watching your sugar intake.

Can I make kaya toast ahead of time?

While kaya toast is best served fresh, you can make the kaya jam ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Toast the bread and prepare the soft-boiled eggs just before serving to maintain their freshness. This allows you to enjoy kaya toast with minimal preparation time when you’re ready to serve it.