My New Favorite Dessert Is Just 3 Ingredients and Takes 5 Minutes To Make

Made with just three simple ingredients, Korean ex-boyfriend toast is more than the sum of its parts. The viral recipe has become my new favorite dessert, combining soft bread, cream cheese, and jam for a cheesecake-like treat.

My New Favorite Dessert Is Just 3 Ingredients and Takes 5 Minutes To Make
Overhead shot of Korean breakfast toast on a plate
Simply Recipes / Kat Lieu

Most of my family members were sick the morning after Christmas, and we barely had any groceries left at home. As the least ill person in the house, it fell on me to make breakfast. A glance at our pantry revealed milk bread, a selection of jams and marmalades, and a trusty block of cream cheese in the fridge (because I’m constantly making cheesecakes, there’s always cream cheese in my refrigerator). What’s more comforting than something sweet?

That’s when it hit me: I should make some Korean ex-boyfriend toast. What is this toast, you ask? It’s a viral, three-ingredient dessert that’s as simple as satisfying. It became quite trendy a few years ago and is still popular on social media, not just for its ease but also for its cute backstory. 

The story goes that the recipe comes from a Korean woman who had to text her ex-boyfriend to get the recipe for the delicious toast he used to make for her. (She also made it known to him that they were not getting back together!)

Luckily, you don’t need to call any exes for this recipe because I’ve got it right here for you. This desserty toast couldn’t be any easier to make. 

How To Make Korean Ex-Boyfriend Toast

First, you’ll start with a slice of bread—milk, white, or even sourdough bread. Spread on a generous layer of softened cream cheese before topping it with your favorite jam or marmalade. It could be blueberry jam, apricot marmalade, or even ube halaya, the popular purple yam jam staple in the Philippines. If you don’t have any jams at home, you can use chocolate or hazelnut spread.

Once assembled, pop the toast into the microwave for up to 20 seconds. The heat softens the cream cheese and allows it to mix slightly with the jam, creating a warm, sweet treat reminiscent of decadent cheesecake. The best part is it takes just minutes to make.

What I love most about this toast is its comfort and versatility. It’s like a sweet, warm, toasty hug! My favorite variation is to use berry cream cheese (instead of plain cream cheese), a little blueberry jam, and to tie it all together with honey and sea salt. For a bit of crunch, I add chopped nuts or granola.

Side shot of Korean Breakfast Toast on a plate and in the background, two jars of jam
Simply Recipes / Kat Lieu

How To Make My Korean Ex-Boyfriend Toast

For two toasts, you’ll need:

  • 2 slices bread (milk bread, white bread, or sourdough)
  • 4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened and divided  
  • 2 tablespoons jam, divided 
  • Optional toppings: honey, sea salt

Toast the bread until golden golden brown and crispy using the toaster oven, toaster, or in a frying pan with a little unsalted butter. 

Meanwhile, soften the cream cheese by leaving it on the counter for 10 minutes or microwave it for 15 to 20 seconds. Spread about 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese over each slice of toast. Top each slice with a tablespoon of jam. 

Pop the assembled toasts in the microwave and heat for 15 to 20 seconds. Use a butter knife or spoon to smear the jam into the cream cheese. Drizzle honey over the toast and top with sea salt flakes, if using, and enjoy.

Quick Tips

  • Skip the microwave: Prefer a bit of crunch? Use a toaster oven or air fryer on low heat (around 300°F) to warm the toast and toppings at the end.
  • Add texture: Sprinkle on crushed nuts, granola, toasted sesame seeds, or shaved chocolate for a little extra flair.
  • Keep it vegan: Use vegan toast, vegan cream cheese, and vegan jam.
Side shot of two toasts in a plate topped with cream cheese and blueberry jam
Simply Recipes / Kat Lieu