Description

Indulge in a decadent breakfast with this Red Velvet French Toast! This dish combines the rich flavors of classic red velvet cake with the crispy, custardy goodness of French toast. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, brunch gatherings, or whenever you crave a sweet morning treat. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, this French toast is both stunning and delicious!

Ingredients

Scale

For the French Toast:

4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp red food coloring
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
6 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup heavy cream (more if needed for consistency)
½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings
Maple syrup

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract.
Whip the mixture until smooth and creamy. For an extra light texture, use an electric hand mixer.
If you’re making a stuffed version, keep the mixture slightly thicker. For a topping, whip it until airy and spreadable.
Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the toast.

2. Create the Red Velvet Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or cream for extra richness), cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
Make sure the cocoa powder is fully incorporated—no lumps! The batter should be smooth and vibrant red.
Adjust the amount of food coloring based on your desired color intensity. Natural alternatives like beet juice can also be used.

3. Proper Soaking Technique for the Bread

Pour the batter into a shallow dish for easy dipping.
Dip each slice of thick-cut brioche or challah into the batter, allowing it to soak for 10–15 seconds per side.
Don’t over-soak, or the bread may become too soggy and fall apart during cooking. The goal is to let the bread absorb enough batter without losing structure.

4. Cooking Temperature and Timing Tips

Preheat your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter.
Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping once golden brown.
If the toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to ensure the inside cooks through without burning the outside.

5. Visual Cues for Doneness

The toast should have a rich, deep red color with a slightly crisp golden edge.
Press the center gently with a spatula—if it springs back, it’s done.
The surface should be set with no wet batter visible.

6. Assembly Instructions

For stuffed French toast, spread a generous layer of cream cheese mixture between two slices and stack them.
If serving topped, arrange the slices on a plate and dollop or pipe the cream cheese mixture on top.
Garnish with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra indulgence.
Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Achieving the Perfect Red Color

To get that signature vibrant red hue without using too much food coloring, start with a rich cocoa base. The deeper the cocoa flavor, the less color you’ll need.
Gel food coloring works better than liquid because it’s more concentrated—just a few drops will do the trick.
Prefer natural options? Try beet juice or pomegranate powder for a beautiful red shade without artificial dyes.

Techniques for Even Cooking

Always preheat your skillet over medium heat for consistent cooking.
Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary, and wipe the skillet clean between batches to prevent burnt bits.

Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions

The cream cheese topping can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
Cooked French toast slices can be refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for up to a month. Reheat in a toaster or oven to retain crisp edges.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Soggy toast? Soak the bread for a shorter time.
Browning too fast? Lower the heat and cook longer for a perfect texture.
Batter not sticking? Lightly dry the bread slices before dipping for better absorption.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1-2 slices per serving
Calories: ~350
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~40g