Red Velvet French Toast
Red Velvet French Toast is a colorful and delicious twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Imagine soft, fluffy slices of bread dipped in a rich, red velvet batter, cooked to…
Tip: save now, cook later.Red Velvet French Toast is a colorful and delicious twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Imagine soft, fluffy slices of bread dipped in a rich, red velvet batter, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze. The hint of cocoa in the red velvet gives it a unique, slightly chocolatey flavor that’s just the right amount of sweet and comforting.
I love making this for a special weekend breakfast when I want something fun and a little different. The bright red color always brings smiles at the table, and the cream cheese glaze feel like a little treat without going over the top. A tip I like to share is to use thick-cut bread like brioche or challah to hold up well with the coating and stay nice and soft inside.
This French toast is perfect for sharing with family or friends, especially on holidays or birthdays when you want to add a bit of extra cheer to the morning. I find it so satisfying to see everyone’s surprise when they bite into the rich, tender layers and get that little burst of red velvet goodness. It’s a happy way to start the day that feels special but is actually super easy to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Velvet Bread or Cake: This is what makes the dish special with its cocoa flavor and red color. If you can’t find red velvet bread, try using plain brioche and add a teaspoon of cocoa powder and red food coloring to your custard mix.
Cream Cheese Filling: Cream cheese adds a creamy tang that balances the sweetness. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey and vanilla.
Eggs and Dairy: Eggs and cream create the custard that soaks into the bread. Whole milk gives richness, but you can swap it for almond or oat milk if you want a dairy-free version. Just keep the heavy cream for extra creaminess, or use full-fat coconut milk instead.
Maple Syrup and Toppings: Maple syrup is classic, but honey or caramel sauce works well too. The red velvet crumbs add texture and look great; if unavailable, crushed freeze-dried raspberries give a similar bright pop.
How Do You Make French Toast Soft Inside but Crispy Outside?
Getting that perfect texture is all about timing and heat control. Here’s what works well:
- Use thick bread slices so they soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Dip each slice slowly, about 15 seconds each side, to soak it well but not become soggy.
- Cook over medium heat—too hot and the outside burns before inside cooks, too low and it becomes rubbery.
- Add butter or oil to the pan to get that crisp, golden crust.
- Flip gently and only once per slice for best results.
- Keep cooked slices warm in a low oven while you finish the batch so they stay crisp.
Practicing this balance makes a soft, tender inside and nicely browned outside every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – perfect for cooking the French toast evenly without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – one for the custard batter and another for the cream cheese filling.
- Whisk – helps blend the eggs and milk smoothly for a lump-free custard.
- Spatula – essential for flipping the French toast gently to keep it intact.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredients just right for consistent flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or espresso powder to the custard for a deeper flavor twist.
- Swap cream cheese filling for mascarpone mixed with honey for a lighter, sweeter option.
- Add fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries between the layers for tartness and freshness.
- Use cinnamon swirl bread instead of red velvet for a warm, spiced flavor throughout.
Red Velvet French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The French Toast:
- 8 thick slices of red velvet cake or red velvet bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Butter or oil, for cooking
For The Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Red velvet crumbs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. Allow extra time if you want to prepare toppings or keep cooked French toast warm before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set this aside while you prepare the batter.
2. Make the Custard Batter:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is well combined.
3. Dip and Cook the French Toast:
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil to coat the surface. Dip each slice of red velvet bread or cake into the custard batter, soaking about 15 seconds on each side. Place the soaked slices on the skillet and cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed, adding more butter or oil as necessary.
4. Assemble the French Toast Stack:
On a serving plate, stack the cooked French toast slices. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese filling between each slice to create layers.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Top the stack with a dollop of cream cheese filling or whipped cream. Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle red velvet crumbs over the top. Drizzle with warm maple syrup and serve right away for a rich and indulgent breakfast treat.
Can I Use Regular Bread Instead of Red Velvet Cake or Bread?
Yes! You can use thick slices of brioche or challah as a substitute. To mimic the red velvet flavor, add a teaspoon of cocoa powder and red food coloring to the custard batter before dipping.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the filling. The flavor will still be delicious.
How Can I Prevent My French Toast From Getting Soggy?
Use thick slices of bread or cake and soak them only briefly (about 15 seconds per side) in the custard. Cooking over medium heat and ensuring the pan is well-greased helps create a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft.