If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to something decadent yet totally comforting, this Red Velvet French Toast is your ticket to a breakfast (or brunch) that feels like a special occasion. Imagine thick slices of golden French toast, with that signature red velvet flavor—moist, rich, and just the right amount of sweet. Topped with a velvety cream cheese glaze and dusted with powdered sugar, this dish will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy café. Trust me, it’s not just for Valentine’s Day—it’s for any day you want to make extra memories around the breakfast table.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Now, you’re probably wondering, “Why should I try this recipe?” Let me tell you—it’s more than just pretty on the plate. It’s about indulgence, joy, and the simple pleasure of enjoying a breakfast that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Here’s why you’ll love this Red Velvet French Toast!
Why You’ll Love Red Velvet French Toast
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re planning a fun brunch with friends or treating yourself to something sweet, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Showstopper: It’s a total eye-catcher. If you want to impress someone with your cooking skills or just want to make your morning a little extra special, this Red Velvet French Toast is the way to go.
Decadent Yet Comforting: You get the best of both worlds—decadence from the rich red velvet flavor and comforting familiarity from the French toast base. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cozy and satisfied, yet a little bit fancy.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or a lazy weekend morning, this recipe is perfect for those times when you want to treat yourself or someone else to something memorable.
Sweet and Tangy: The cream cheese glaze adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the French toast, bringing a balance of flavors that keeps you coming back for more.
Customizable: Want to make it even more indulgent? Add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fresh berries on top. You can really make this your own!
Ingredients in Red Velvet French Toast
Now that we’ve convinced you to try this, let’s talk about what goes into making this masterpiece:
Eggs: The base for the custard-like dip that soaks into the bread, giving it a rich, fluffy texture once cooked.
Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create that soft, tender center in every slice of French toast.
Sugar: Sweetens the custard to complement the red velvet flavor and the cream cheese glaze.
Vanilla Extract: A warm, comforting flavor that ties everything together.
Cocoa Powder: The secret to achieving that signature red velvet taste without overwhelming the dish with chocolate.
Red Food Coloring: The key ingredient for that beautiful, vibrant red hue that makes this French toast look as stunning as it tastes.
Bread: Choose a thick, hearty bread—like brioche or challah—for the best texture and flavor.
Butter: To fry up that French toast to golden perfection and add a bit of richness.
Cream Cheese: For the tangy, smooth glaze that takes this dish from delicious to next level.
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of sweetness on top that makes everything feel just a bit more festive.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make this mouthwatering breakfast treat:
Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and a few drops of red food coloring. You want the custard to be smooth and evenly colored for the best result.
Soak the Bread: Dip your slices of bread into the custard mixture, making sure both sides are coated but not soggy. Let the bread soak for about 10-15 seconds per side.
Cook the French Toast: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt some butter. Place the soaked bread slices on the hot surface and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
Make the Glaze: While the French toast is cooking, make the cream cheese glaze by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the French Toast: Once the French toast is ready, stack the slices on plates. Drizzle with the cream cheese glaze and dust with powdered sugar.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve with your favorite toppings—maybe fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for that extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Red Velvet French Toast
This French toast is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few sides to round out the meal. Here are a few ideas:
Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a pop of freshness to balance the richness of the French toast.
Whipped Cream: For a light, fluffy topping that adds a bit more indulgence.
Maple Syrup: Because what’s French toast without a little syrup, right? A drizzle of maple syrup is always a good idea.
Bacon or Sausage: For a savory contrast, serve with a side of crispy bacon or sausage.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can whisk up the custard the night before and keep it in the fridge for a faster breakfast the next day.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the powdered sugar in the cream cheese glaze to your liking.
Use Stale Bread: Stale bread works even better for French toast! It soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for that fresh-from-the-griddle flavor.
Double the Batch: If you’re feeding a crowd or want extras for later, double the recipe and freeze the French toast. Reheat in the toaster or oven.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this recipe without food coloring?
A1: Yes! You can skip the food coloring and still have a delicious French toast, but it won’t have that classic red velvet look.
Q2: Can I make the cream cheese glaze dairy-free?
A2: Absolutely! Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use almond or oat milk for the glaze.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the leftover French toast in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet to get it crispy again.
Q4: Can I freeze this French toast?
A4: Yes! Let the French toast cool completely, then freeze the slices in an airtight container. Reheat in the toaster for a quick breakfast.
Q5: Can I add chocolate chips?
A5: Definitely! Chocolate chips would add a sweet, melty surprise in every bite. You can add them to the custard or sprinkle them on top.
Q6: Can I use a different type of bread?
A6: Yes, you can use any thick bread like sourdough, French bread, or even cinnamon swirl for extra flavor.
Q7: How can I make this a more indulgent treat?
A7: Top with whipped cream, extra chocolate chips, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a truly decadent treat.
Q8: Can I make this without the glaze?
A8: Absolutely! You can serve this French toast plain or with just a dusting of powdered sugar if you want to skip the glaze.
Q9: Can I make this for a crowd?
A9: Yes, simply double the recipe and cook the French toast in batches. Keep them warm in the oven while you finish the rest.
Q10: Can I use a non-dairy milk in this recipe?
A10: Of course! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk will work just fine as a substitute for regular milk.
Conclusion
Ready to indulge? This Red Velvet French Toast is sure to become your new favorite breakfast treat. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special breakfast or just treating yourself to something extra special, this recipe is bound to impress. So go ahead, try it out—you won’t regret it!
Print
Red Velvet French Toast
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Red Velvet French Toast turns a classic dessert into a show-stopping breakfast! Made with rich cocoa, red food coloring, and buttery brioche, this vibrant toast is pan-fried to golden perfection and topped with luscious cream cheese icing instead of syrup. Perfect for Valentine’s Day brunch or whenever you want to treat yourself!
Ingredients
Red Velvet French Toast
- 8 slices brioche
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup half and half cream (10% MF)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2–3 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2–3 tbsp butter or oil, for frying
Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 3/4 cup whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Make the cream cheese icing: Beat cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth. Add whipping cream, vanilla, and salt, then beat for 2–3 minutes until thick. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to set.
- Prepare the French toast: Preheat oven to 250°F. Place brioche slices on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes to slightly dry them out. Let cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, sugar, vanilla, cocoa powder, food coloring, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture over the brioche slices on the sheet pan. Let them soak for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to absorb the mixture evenly.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Fry the soaked slices for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Serve warm with generous drizzles of cream cheese icing.
Notes
- For extra decadence, top with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- You can use milk or heavy cream instead of half and half, depending on your preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or toaster.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 898
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 56g
- Saturated Fat: 32g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 76g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 251mg