Red Velvet French Toast Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, combining rich cocoa flavor with a creamy, sweet filling. This vibrant and indulgent dish is perfect for a special brunch or weekend treat.

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

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, to thin filling)

• Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
• Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, red food coloring, and a pinch of salt until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add heavy cream a little at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Dip each slice of bread quickly into the batter, coating both sides without soaking too long to keep the bread firm.
4. Step 4: Place the coated bread on the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: Spread a generous layer of cream cheese filling between two slices of cooked French toast, stacking them like a sandwich.
6. Step 6: Place the stacks on plates, drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and mint leaves.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Red Velvet French Toast!

Tips & Variations

• Use brioche or challah bread for the best texture; avoid very soft or thin bread that falls apart.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup milk with ½ tsp vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.
• Try replacing cream cheese filling with mascarpone mixed with honey for a milder sweetness.
• Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the batter for a subtle spicy kick.
• Mix fresh or frozen blueberries into the cream cheese filling for a fruity surprise.
• Use cinnamon swirl bread instead of plain brioche for a cinnamon-vanilla twist.

Storage

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a toaster oven to preserve the crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving as it can make the toast soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the batter and filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and cream cheese filling a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Stir the filling before using if it thickens too much.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

You can skip the red food coloring or use natural alternatives like beet juice for a subtle red hue, though the color may be less vibrant.

Red Velvet French Toast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 116 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings (4 slices total, making 2 sandwiches) 1x

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Description

This Red Velvet French Toast recipe offers a rich, tender inside with a slightly crisp exterior, featuring thick slices of brioche or challah soaked in a cocoa-infused, red food coloring batter. Layered with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling and served with fresh berries, maple syrup, and powdered sugar, it’s a decadent yet approachable breakfast or brunch dish that is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, red food coloring, and a pinch of salt 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 is too thick, gradually add heavy cream to achieve a spreadable consistency. Set aside.
3. Cook the French Toast: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter. Quickly dip each slice of bread into the red velvet batter, coating both sides without soaking too long to keep bread firm. Place coated slices onto the skillet and cook each side for 2-3 minutes 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 to form a sandwich. Place on plates, drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and mint leaves. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use thick bread like brioche or challah for best results; avoid thin or overly soft bread to prevent falling apart.
• Substitute buttermilk by mixing ½ cup milk with ½ tsp vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• For a lighter cream cheese filling, consider mixing Greek yogurt or mascarpone with honey instead.
• If you prefer, natural red food coloring such as beet juice can be used for subtle coloring.
• Cook on medium heat to prevent burning the outside while ensuring the inside cooks thoroughly.
• If bread slices are very thick, finish cooking in a warm oven for a few minutes to ensure warm center.
• Try flavor variations like adding chili powder or cayenne to the batter or incorporating fresh/frozen blueberries into the cream cheese filling.
• Use cinnamon swirl bread instead of plain brioche for a cinnamon-vanilla twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet French Toast, cream cheese filling, breakfast recipe, brunch, brioche French toast, sweet breakfast, cocoa French toast