Red Velvet French Toast is a delicious twist on a classic breakfast favorite, blending fluffy, custardy French toast with the rich, chocolatey flavor and vibrant red color of red velvet cake. Imagine slices of thick bread dipped in a cocoa and vanilla-infused batter, then cooked until golden and tender. It’s topped with a creamy drizzle, often cream cheese glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, making every bite feel like a sweet morning treat.
I love making Red Velvet French Toast on weekend mornings when there’s time to relax and enjoy a special breakfast. It’s such a fun way to surprise family or friends because of its bold color and comforting taste. I usually whip up a quick cream cheese drizzle while the toasts cook, and that combo of warm toast and cool glaze is just amazing. Plus, it’s simple enough to make without too much fuss, which is always a win for me!
Serving this with fresh berries or sliced bananas adds a nice, fresh contrast that balances out the richness. I also like a side of crispy bacon or sausage to mix sweet and savory flavors on the plate. This recipe always makes our mornings feel a little brighter and more festive, perfect for holiday breakfasts, birthdays, or just any day that could use a little extra cheer.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bread
- Brioche or challah is best for fluffy, rich French toast because of their soft texture and slight sweetness. If you don’t have these, thick-cut white bread or Texas toast works well too.
- Buttermilk
- It adds a tangy flavor and tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Red Food Coloring
- This gives the red velvet its signature color. You can use natural beet juice powder as a substitute if you prefer a natural option.
- Cocoa Powder
- Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for that mild chocolate taste. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a smoother flavor if you have it.
- Cream Cheese Filling
- Cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla make a simple, creamy filling. You can swap powdered sugar for honey or maple syrup for different sweetness profiles.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture Without Sogginess?
The trick is soaking the bread just right. Here’s how:
- Use thick slices to hold up well in the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Dip each side quickly into the custard—too long and the bread will soak too much and become soggy.
- Cook on medium heat so the outside gets golden but the inside stays soft and cooked through.
- Flip gently to keep the toast intact.
Patience is key. If your pan is too hot, the toast will brown too fast and remain undercooked inside. If too low, it won’t get that beautiful golden crust.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or griddle – perfect for cooking multiple slices evenly and creating a nice golden crust.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need one for the batter and another for the cream cheese filling.
- Whisk – makes mixing the egg batter smooth and helps avoid lumps.
- Spatula – for flipping the French toast gently without breaking it.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredients just right for the perfect flavor and texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warm, cozy spice notes that pair well with the chocolate and cream cheese.
- Swap raspberries for sliced strawberries or blueberries for a different fruity freshness and color contrast.
- Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a richer, silkier filling with a mild sweetness.
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra bursts of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Red Velvet French Toast?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The French Toast:
- 8 slices thick bread (preferably brioche or challah)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
For The Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving & Garnish:
- Fresh raspberries
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 12-15 minutes to cook the French toast in batches. Overall, expect about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick but special breakfast treat that feels like a mini celebration!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Red Velvet Batter:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and salt. Mix well until smooth and fully combined. This will be your custard-like batter for dipping the bread.
2. Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling:
Using a hand mixer or a spoon, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until creamy and smooth. Set this delicious filling aside for assembling later.
3. Cooking the French Toast:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Dip each bread slice quickly into the red velvet batter, letting it soak just a few seconds so it absorbs the flavors but stays firm. Place the soaked bread on the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter as needed for subsequent batches.
4. Assembling and Serving:
Once your red velvet French toast slices are ready, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese filling on one slice, then sandwich it with another slice. Put the sandwiches on a plate, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh raspberries around the plate. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving to add extra sweetness and moisture.
Enjoy your rich, festive Red Velvet French Toast with family or friends for a bright and special breakfast!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before dipping it in the batter. Thaw frozen bread overnight in the fridge or leave it at room temperature for a few hours. Using slightly stale bread also helps it absorb the batter without falling apart.
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before spreading on the French toast sandwiches.
How Should I Store Leftover Red Velvet French Toast?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a toaster oven or on the stovetop over low heat to preserve texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.
Can I Substitute the Red Food Coloring?
Yes, you can use natural alternatives like beet juice or beet powder to create that vibrant red color if you prefer to avoid artificial coloring. Keep in mind it might slightly alter the flavor and hue.