Red Velvet French Toast
Red Velvet French Toast is a fun twist on a classic breakfast favorite, combining the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the comforting texture of French toast. Imagine thick…
Tip: save now, cook later.Red Velvet French Toast is a fun twist on a classic breakfast favorite, combining the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the comforting texture of French toast. Imagine thick slices of tender bread dipped in a red cocoa batter, cooked to a perfect golden brown, and topped with cream cheese glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s sweet, a little chocolatey, and has that lovely hint of vanilla that makes every bite feel special.
I love making Red Velvet French Toast when I want to treat myself or surprise someone with a festive breakfast. It’s easy to whip up but feels like you put in a lot of effort, which always impresses guests or family. One tip I have is to use slightly stale bread—it soaks up the batter better without falling apart, giving you that soft, custardy inside with a lightly crisp outside.
My favorite way to enjoy this is with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup, but it’s also delicious just on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes mornings feel cozy and a little more special, perfect for weekends or celebrations. I promise, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making Red Velvet French Toast again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick slices like brioche or challah work best here. They soak up the batter well yet hold their shape. If you don’t have these, Texas toast or a sturdy white bread works fine. Avoid very soft or thin bread that falls apart.
Buttermilk: This adds tang and tenderness to the batter. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tsp vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Cream Cheese Filling: A simple blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla makes the perfect sweet and creamy layer. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or a mascarpone and honey mix instead.
Red Food Coloring: It gives that signature red velvet look. You can skip it if you prefer or use natural colorings like beet juice for a subtle red shade.
How Do You Get the French Toast Soft Inside But Slightly Crisp Outside?
The secret is soaking the bread just enough and cooking over medium heat.
- Dip bread quickly in the batter so it’s coated but not soggy. Too long and the bread gets mushy and falls apart.
- Use medium heat to cook; high heat burns the outside before the inside cooks.
- Add butter to the pan to get a nice crisp crust and rich flavor.
- Cook each side 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- If bread is very thick, you can finish in a warm oven for a few minutes to ensure it’s warmed through.
These steps help keep your French toast tender inside with a slight crisp outside — just like you want!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – cooks the French toast evenly without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – one for the batter and one for the cream cheese filling to keep things organized.
- Whisk – helps blend the batter smooth and lump-free.
- Spatula – perfect for flipping the French toast gently without breaking it.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts, especially the cocoa and food coloring.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cream cheese filling with mascarpone mixed with a bit of honey for a milder, sweeter layer.
- Try adding a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the batter for a subtle spicy kick that pairs well with the cocoa.
- Mix fresh or frozen blueberries into the cream cheese filling for a fruity surprise in each bite.
- Use cinnamon swirl bread instead of plain brioche for a cinnamon-vanilla twist to the French toast flavor.
How to Make Red Velvet French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 slices thick bread (preferably brioche or challah)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp red food coloring
- Pinch of salt
- Butter, for cooking
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, to thin filling)
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Fresh raspberries
- Fresh mint leaves
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the batter and cream cheese filling, plus 10–15 minutes to cook the French toast. Total time is around 20–25 minutes, perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, red food coloring, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the mixture feels too thick, add heavy cream a little at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Set it aside.
3. Cook the French Toast
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Dip each slice of bread into the red velvet batter, covering both sides but avoiding soaking too long so the bread stays firm. Place the coated bread on the skillet and cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble and Serve
Spread a generous layer of cream cheese filling between two slices of cooked French toast, stacking them like a sandwich. Place the stacks on plates, drizzle with maple syrup, and dust with powdered sugar. Garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and mint leaves for a fresh touch.
Enjoy your delicious Red Velvet French Toast right away for the best taste and texture!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
Yes! Frozen bread works well if it’s fully thawed first. Let it thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge. Slightly stale bread is actually ideal because it soaks up the batter better without falling apart.
How Can I Make the Cream Cheese Filling Lighter?
To lighten the filling, swap half or all of the cream cheese with mascarpone or Greek yogurt. You can also reduce the powdered sugar to taste. Adding a bit of heavy cream helps thin it out and makes it fluffier.
Can I Skip the Red Food Coloring?
Absolutely! The food coloring gives the traditional red velvet look but doesn’t affect the taste much. You can omit it or use natural alternatives like beet juice for a subtle red hue.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French toast and filling separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling to keep the bread tender and the filling fresh.
