Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Yield: 4 servings
Red velvet French toast transforms an ordinary breakfast into a luxurious, indulgent experience. With its rich red color, velvety texture, and a hint of chocolate flavor, this dish is perfect for special mornings, romantic brunches, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a marriage of classic red velvet cake and traditional French toast. It’s the perfect way to elevate your breakfast game and impress guests or loved ones. The balance of flavors—sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy—makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients for Red Velvet French Toast
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- Butter for cooking
For the Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Drizzle
In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 3: Dip the Bread
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a pat of butter. Dip each slice of bread into the batter, ensuring both sides are well-coated but not overly soaked.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Place the bread slices on the heated skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Stack the French toast on a plate. Drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh berries and whipped cream if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet French Toast
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the batter without becoming overly soggy.
- Adjust the Food Coloring: Add more or less red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the toast cooks through without burning.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for an extra burst of chocolate flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-free version.
- Holiday Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive touch.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet over medium heat for best results.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with a hot cup of coffee, cappuccino, or a glass of cold milk. A mimosa or freshly squeezed orange juice also pairs beautifully with this decadent dish.
Why This Recipe Works
The rich cocoa-infused batter gives the toast a luxurious flavor reminiscent of red velvet cake, while the cream cheese drizzle ties everything together with its tangy sweetness. It’s an indulgent yet easy-to-make recipe that feels like a treat every time.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Red velvet French toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence that combines the best of dessert and breakfast into one stunning dish. It’s perfect for special mornings or when you’re craving a little extra decadence. Try this recipe today, share it with friends, and don’t forget to subscribe for more mouthwatering recipes!
FAQ
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free bread and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
2. What’s the best type of bread to use? Brioche or challah is ideal for its soft and rich texture.
3. Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes, the batter can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
4. How do I prevent the toast from becoming soggy? Use slightly stale bread and avoid soaking it in the batter for too long.
5. Can I skip the red food coloring? Absolutely! The dish will still taste amazing without it, though it won’t have the classic red velvet look.
Red Velvet French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- Butter for cooking
For the Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Drizzle
In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 3: Dip the Bread
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a pat of butter. Dip each slice of bread into the batter, ensuring both sides are well-coated but not overly soaked.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Place the bread slices on the heated skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Stack the French toast on a plate. Drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh berries and whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet French Toast
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the batter without becoming overly soggy.
- Adjust the Food Coloring: Add more or less red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the toast cooks through without burning.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for an extra burst of chocolate flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-free version.
- Holiday Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes