If you’re looking to turn your weekend breakfast into something truly spectacular, this Red Velvet French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine slices of rich brioche soaked in a luscious, cocoa-tinged custard brightened up with a pop of red food coloring and topped with a dreamy cream cheese glaze. Each bite offers a perfect balance of tender bread, subtle chocolate flavor, and that signature velvety tang, making it a colorful and indulgent twist on classic French toast that’s perfect for a festive brunch or any day you want to treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, yet essential ingredients is the first step to making this mouthwatering Red Velvet French Toast Recipe come alive. Each plays a crucial role, whether it’s the richness of the brioche, the depth of the cocoa, or the creamy sweetness of the glaze.
- 8 slices brioche or challah bread: Preferably day-old to soak up the custard without falling apart.
- 3 large eggs: The base for that silky custard coating that binds everything together.
- 3/4 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess, helping the custard stay light and smooth.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Boosts richness for a decadent texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the cocoa and bread.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings that unmistakable chocolate depth without too much sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring: The magic touch that gives this French toast its stunning red velvet color.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Highlights all the flavors and tempers the sweetness.
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan: Prevents sticking and helps develop a gorgeous golden crust.
- For the cream cheese glaze: 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for a luscious topping that complements the toast perfectly.
- Optional toppings: Fresh berries, whipped cream, and chocolate chips to add even more layers of flavor and texture.
How to Make Red Velvet French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and salt in a shallow bowl or baking dish. Make sure the mixture is smooth and fully combined so every slice of bread gets a perfect chocolatey coating with that signature red hue.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of brioche or challah bread into the custard mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Avoid soaking too long to keep the bread from becoming soggy—just enough to absorb the flavors and moisture for a tender, yet firm bite.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Cook the custard-coated slices for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and develop a slightly crisp exterior. This creates the perfect contrast between crunchy edges and a soft, custardy center.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk quantity to reach your desired glaze consistency—rich and creamy enough to drizzle enticingly over the warm toast.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Plate the freshly cooked Red Velvet French Toast and generously drizzle with the cream cheese glaze. Add any optional toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor and color that will impress everyone at the table.
How to Serve Red Velvet French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
While the cream cheese glaze steals the show, adding fresh garnishes like plump blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries not only enhances the visual appeal but also introduces a refreshing tartness that balances the richness beautifully. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chocolate chips takes it from delicious to downright decadent.
Side Dishes
Serve your Red Velvet French Toast alongside crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages for a satisfying sweet-and-savory combo. Fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness, making your brunch spread well-rounded and crowd-pleasing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive flair, stack the slices like a towering cake and drizzle the cream cheese glaze in a cascading effect down the sides. Alternatively, use cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of the bread before cooking, perfect for holidays or special occasions. You can even serve smaller “French toast bites” on skewers for an interactive and shareable breakfast experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely stick around), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the French toast moist but safe to enjoy later without sacrificing too much texture.
Freezing
Red Velvet French Toast freezes beautifully. Lay slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen French toast keeps for up to 1 month and makes for a quick, indulgent breakfast anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the toast soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this Red Velvet French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are preferred for their richness and texture, you can also use thick-cut white sandwich bread or even Texas toast. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the custard without falling apart.
Is the red food coloring necessary for this recipe?
The red food coloring provides the classic red velvet look, making the dish visually striking. If you prefer a natural alternative, you could experiment with beet juice, but expect a slightly different flavor and intensity of color.
Can I make the cream cheese glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling to smooth it back out if it thickens.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk and heavy cream with oat milk or almond milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the glaze. Keep in mind that the flavors will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! This Red Velvet French Toast Recipe scales well, just double all the ingredients and cook in batches. Keep the cooked slices warm in a low oven while finishing the rest for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet French Toast Recipe is a true showstopper that brings a burst of color, flavor, and comfort to your breakfast table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something a bit more indulgent, this recipe delivers all the warmth and happiness you want from a perfectly cooked French toast. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you might just find your new favorite way to start the day!
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Red Velvet French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Red Velvet French Toast is a decadent twist on a classic breakfast favorite, featuring rich cocoa and vibrant red coloring in a custard-soaked brioche. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese glaze and optional fresh berries or chocolate chips, it’s perfect for festive brunches or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices brioche or challah bread (preferably day-old)
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (or more for deeper color)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Dip the bread slices: Dip each slice of brioche or challah bread into the custard mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly but avoiding soaking them for too long to prevent sogginess.
- Cook the French toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until each slice is golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Make the cream cheese glaze: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and pourable, adding more milk if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm French toast slices. Top with optional fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate chips as desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a richer custard, substitute half-and-half for the milk and cream combination.
- Let the bread sit out for a few hours or toast lightly before dipping to help it absorb the custard better and prevent soggy toast.
- This recipe is ideal as a festive brunch option or a special Valentine’s Day breakfast treat.
