Imagine waking up to the perfect blend of rich chocolate and vibrant red hues all swirling together in a heavenly breakfast treat – that’s exactly what this Red Velvet French Toast Recipe delivers. It’s not just any French toast; it’s an indulgence that turns ordinary mornings into celebrations, with its tender brioche soaked in a luscious, velvety batter and topped with a dreamy cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this recipe is a true delight that combines the nostalgia of red velvet cake with the comfort of classic French toast. Prepare to make mornings unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a vital role in creating that iconic taste, texture, and rich color for the Red Velvet French Toast Recipe. From the decadently smooth eggs and cream to the cocoa’s subtle depth, every component works in harmony.
- Brioche or thick white bread: Use day-old slices for the best absorption and sturdy texture.
- Eggs: Provide the custardy richness that holds the toast together.
- Whole milk and heavy cream: Add creaminess and help create that tender custard base.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the red velvet its classic hint of chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors and adds warmth.
- Red food coloring: Vital for that signature glossy red appearance.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice layer that complements the cocoa.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness and flavors.
- Butter or oil: To beautifully brown the toast without sticking.
- Cream cheese glaze ingredients: Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and milk combine to create a luscious topping that enhances the dish’s richness.
- Fresh berries and powdered sugar: Optional but highly recommended for freshness and a delicate finish.
How to Make Red Velvet French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. The batter should be smooth and vibrantly red, ready to infuse each slice of bread with that unmistakable red velvet essence.
Step 2: Heat and Grease the Pan
Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. This step ensures a golden crust forms on the outside of the French toast while keeping the inside tender and moist.
Step 3: Dip the Bread
Carefully dip each slice of brioche into the red velvet custard, flipping to coat both sides well. Let the excess drip off gently so the toast will cook evenly and won’t become soggy.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Place the custard-coated bread slices on the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they’re a glorious golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining slices, maintaining the perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy center.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the toasts cook, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until silky smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add milk one tablespoon at a time, stirring until you reach a luscious, pourable glaze that will melt beautifully over your French toast.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Serve the warm Red Velvet French Toast drizzled generously with cream cheese glaze and topped with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. This final touch adds freshness and a hint of natural sweetness that perfectly complement the richness of the toast.
How to Serve Red Velvet French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a burst of tartness that balances out the sweet and creamy notes. Powdered sugar adds a delicate snow-kissed appearance that feels festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
For an extra special brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or savory sausages to add a smoky contrast. A simple fruit salad or even a dollop of whipped cream can make the meal even more indulgent without overpowering the main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the slices for a towering effect, with layers of cream cheese glaze between each slice for extra indulgence. You could also cut the French toast into smaller pieces and serve them as bite-sized treats with dipping sauces for a fun twist perfect for family gatherings or brunch parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They remain delicious when gently reheated, making mornings after just as special without the fuss.
Freezing
This Red Velvet French Toast Recipe freezes beautifully. Just layer the cooled slices between parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month, perfect for quick breakfasts or last-minute guests.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat to revive the crisp edges. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy, and a gentle reheating will bring back that fresh-from-the-griddle magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of brioche?
Absolutely! While brioche offers a rich, buttery flavor and texture that’s ideal, thick white bread or even challah can work well. Just choose a sturdy bread that soaks the custard without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milks like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
Can I bake the French toast instead of pan-frying?
Definitely. Arranging the soaked bread slices on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes is a fantastic option for feeding a crowd or saving some hands-on time.
How do I get that perfect red color without food coloring?
Red food coloring is traditional here to achieve that iconic vibrancy, but you can experiment with natural alternatives like beet juice. Keep in mind the color may be more muted, and the flavor slightly earthy.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
For sure! Just double the ingredients and cook the French toast in batches. If oven baking, arrange the slices on multiple sheets or in larger batches as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet French Toast Recipe is truly one of those dishes that makes you feel special just by eating it. It’s perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any day you want to start on a sweet, luxurious note. I encourage you to give it a whirl and share it with loved ones – the smiles that come from that first bite are absolutely priceless.
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Red Velvet French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (2 slices each) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent breakfast treat with this Red Velvet French Toast recipe, featuring rich cocoa and a vibrant red hue soaked into thick brioche slices. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze and fresh berries, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it an ideal choice for a special brunch or Valentine’s Day morning.
Ingredients
French Toast:
- 6 slices brioche or thick white bread
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for the pan
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Topping:
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Heat the cooking surface: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Soak the bread slices: Dip each slice of brioche into the red velvet custard mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. Allow excess custard to drip off to avoid sogginess.
- Cook the French toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the heated skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Repeat the process with all slices.
- Make the cream cheese glaze: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then add milk one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the glaze reaches a drizzling consistency.
- Serve: Plate the French toast while warm, drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze, and top with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and extra flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old bread to allow better absorption of the custard mixture without falling apart.
- Store-bought cream cheese frosting thinned with milk can be used as a quick alternative for the glaze.
- To make a larger batch or keep warm, bake dipped slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
