Red Velvet French Toast Recipe
If you love brunch with a decadent twist, you’re about to meet your new favorite morning treat: Red Velvet French Toast! This recipe transforms classic French toast into a show-stopping dish with rich cocoa notes, a vibrant red hue, and a luscious cream cheese glaze drizzled on top. Each bite is tender, custardy, and just the right kind of sweet, making it the ultimate choice for special breakfasts or whenever you want to make mornings extra magical. Trust me, this is a must for Valentine’s Day or any time you’re craving a little luxury at your breakfast table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient lineup is short and sweet, but each item plays a crucial role in nailing both the signature red velvet color and that soft, pillowy texture. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need for Red Velvet French Toast, and why each component matters!
- Day-old brioche or challah bread: The dense crumb soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart. Use slightly stale bread for best results.
- Large eggs: The foundation of a luxurious custard base for your French toast slices.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the custard while balancing out the cocoa.
- Heavy cream: Delivers extra decadence and that perfectly soft, creamy interior.
- Granulated sugar: Boosts sweetness and helps deepen the caramelized finish on each slice.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Essential for those classic red velvet chocolate undertones.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances everything with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Red food coloring: The secret to that iconic red velvet visual wow-factor!
- Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors to life and balances the sweetness.
- Butter or oil for greasing: Ensures lovely golden edges and easy removal from the pan.
- Cream cheese (for glaze): Softened for easy blending, it’s key to the silky glaze.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens the cream cheese without any grit.
- Milk (for glaze): Helps thin the glaze to a perfect drizzle-friendly consistency.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): A little extra vanilla makes the glaze taste like frosting in the best way.
- Optional toppings: Fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate chips for extra fun and flavor.
How to Make Red Velvet French Toast
Step 1: Whisk Up the Custard Base
In a wide, shallow bowl (think pie plate or casserole dish), combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and salt. Whisk until everything is smooth and the cocoa is fully dissolved—aiming for a creamy, deep red mixture that already smells heavenly. This is where Red Velvet French Toast gets its unique color and chocolatey character, so don’t skimp on the mixing!
Step 2: Dip the Bread Slices
Working one at a time, dip each slice of the day-old bread into your custard. Be gentle but thorough—coat both sides well, but don’t let the bread soak too long or it might fall apart. You want each slice to be fully saturated but not overly soggy for the perfect French toast texture.
Step 3: Cook Until Perfectly Golden
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Once hot, lay your coated bread slices onto the surface. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping once they’re golden and a little crisp at the edges. This is when your kitchen starts to fill with the most incredible, sweet cocoa aroma!
Step 4: Mix Up the Dreamy Cream Cheese Glaze
In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, splash of milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. If it seems too thick, just add another teaspoon of milk at a time. This glaze should drizzle easily off a spoon and taste like the best part of a red velvet cupcake!
Step 5: Assemble and Finish with Flair
Arrange the warm French toast slices on plates and liberally drizzle with your homemade cream cheese glaze. Don’t be shy—it’s what makes Red Velvet French Toast legendary! Add a shower of fresh berries, clouds of whipped cream, or a handful of chocolate chips to really take it over the top.
How to Serve Red Velvet French Toast
Garnishes
The beauty of Red Velvet French Toast is how easily you can dress it up. A classic dusting of powdered sugar adds instant brunch charm, while the cream cheese glaze is a non-negotiable centerpiece. Fresh berries or a handful of chocolate chips add gorgeous color and extra pops of flavor; don’t forget a little sprig of mint or a swirl of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
Pair your French toast with a side of crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or a fresh fruit salad for balance. If you love breakfast spreads, serve with fluffy scrambled eggs or even a yogurt parfait. The rich, indulgent profile of Red Velvet French Toast means it pairs especially well with bright, tangy sides to lighten every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra wow-factor, try stacking the slices and drizzling glaze between each layer, like a red velvet breakfast cake! You can also cut the slices into sticks and serve them as dunkable French toast “fries” with a side of glaze for dipping. For brunch parties, build a beautiful platter sprinkled with edible flowers, more berries, and a dusting of cocoa just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Red Velvet French Toast (lucky you!), let the slices cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, and the flavor actually deepens as they rest.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a zip-top bag or container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. The cream cheese glaze is best made fresh, but can be refrigerated up to 3 days.
Reheating
Warm the French toast slices in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisp. You can also microwave them for a quick fix, but the texture is best if you use dry heat. Re-whip or warm up the glaze before drizzling!
FAQs
Can I make Red Velvet French Toast without red food coloring?
Absolutely! While the red color is iconic, you can leave out the food coloring for a more subtle look. The chocolate flavor will still shine, but it won’t have the same vivid red velvet visual.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! Swap in your favorite non-dairy milk and cream, use a plant-based egg replacer or flax “eggs,” and go for a vegan cream cheese in the glaze. Choose a hearty vegan loaf for the bread, and you’ll have a luscious vegan Red Velvet French Toast.
Can I use other types of bread?
Definitely—thick sandwich bread, Texas toast, or even baguette slices work well. Just be sure the bread isn’t too fresh, so it can absorb the custard without getting mushy.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Pick your favorite gluten-free loaf with a sturdy crumb, and double-check all other ingredients for gluten-containing additives. The rest of the method stays exactly the same!
What’s the best way to get a deeper red color?
For a bolder color, use an extra few drops of red food coloring or try gel coloring, which delivers a more intense shade. Remember, start small and add gradually to reach the perfect look for your Red Velvet French Toast.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a holiday or special occasion to whip up Red Velvet French Toast, though it never fails to dazzle on days that call for celebration. It’s pure comfort, a total treat, and always a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to spark big smiles around the breakfast table. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make your own mornings extra memorable with this playful, delicious twist on a classic!
Print
Red Velvet French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent breakfast treat with this Red Velvet French Toast recipe. Rich and chocolatey, this French toast is made with brioche or challah bread, dipped in a red velvet custard, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a special occasion or a festive brunch!
Ingredients
Bread:
- 8 slices brioche or challah bread (preferably day-old)
French Toast Mixture:
- 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
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 French Toast Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and salt until smooth.
- Dip Bread: Dip each bread slice into the mixture, coating both sides without soaking too long.
- Cook French Toast: Heat a skillet, cook bread slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Make Glaze: Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle glaze over warm French toast and add optional toppings.
Notes
- For a richer version, use half-and-half instead of milk and cream.
- Let the bread sit out or toast lightly before dipping for better absorption.
- Perfect for a festive brunch or Valentine’s Day breakfast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
