Red Velvet French Toast
If you’re looking to elevate your breakfast game, then look no further than this delightful Red Velvet French Toast. With its vibrant color, rich flavor, and creamy filling, it’s the perfect way to turn an ordinary morning into a special occasion. Imagine sinking your teeth into soft, fluffy bread infused with the classic flavors of red velvet cake, complete with a luscious cream cheese filling and a hint of sweetness from fresh raspberries. Whether served on a lazy Sunday or for a special brunch gathering, this decadent dish is sure to impress.
Why It’s My Go-To
This Red Velvet French Toast is not just visually stunning; it also brings together the best of both worlds—breakfast and dessert. The combination of cocoa powder and red food coloring gives it that signature red velvet look, while the creamy filling makes it utterly indulgent. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make! With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a dish that feels luxurious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a favorite not only for its taste but also for the joy it brings to the table.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar (set aside to ‘sour’ for 5 minutes)
- 2 tablespoons sugar or natural granulated sweetener
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
- 8 slices of bread (halved to make 16 bread halves)
- 8 oz reduced fat cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons sugar or natural granulated sweetener
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 handful fresh raspberries
Cook’s Kit
- Large mixing bowl – for whisking the egg mixture.
- Whisk – to blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Skillet or griddle – for cooking the French toast to golden perfection.
- Spatula – to flip the French toast with ease.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accuracy in your ingredients.
- Serving plates – to present your delicious creation beautifully.
Red Velvet French Toast: How It’s Done
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the 8 oz of reduced fat cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of sugar or natural granulated sweetener, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste until smooth. Set this aside; this will be the delicious filling for your French toast.
Step 2: Create the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs, 1 cup of buttermilk (or soured milk), 2 tablespoons of sugar or sweetener, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 2 teaspoons of red food coloring. Make sure everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth and vibrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
Take your 8 slices of bread and cut them in half, so you have 16 halves. This size is perfect for dipping and filling.
Step 4: Dip the Bread
Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each bread half into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. Allow any excess mixture to drip off before placing the bread on the skillet.
Step 5: Cook the French Toast
Cook the dipped bread for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Repeat this process until all pieces are cooked.
Step 6: Assemble the Toast
Once the French toast pieces are cooked, take one slice, add a generous dollop of your cream cheese filling, and then top it with another slice of French toast. Repeat this for all the pieces.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Red Velvet French Toast warm, garnished with fresh raspberries on top for a pop of color and flavor. Drizzle with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Health-Conscious Tweaks
- Use whole grain or gluten-free bread for a healthier option.
- Substitute the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Try using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
- Incorporate more fruits, like bananas or strawberries, to add natural sweetness and nutrients.
Cook’s Notes
For the best flavor, let your egg mixture sit for a few minutes after whisking to allow the cocoa powder to dissolve completely. You can also prepare the cream cheese filling in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your French toast. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of bread; brioche or challah would add an extra layer of richness to this dish!
Save It for Later
If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will), simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the toaster or a skillet to bring back that delightful warmth. You can also freeze the unfilled French toast for a quick breakfast option—just make sure to separate each slice with parchment paper before freezing.
Quick Q&A
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer. Use plant-based milk and a vegan cream cheese alternative for the filling.
What can I use instead of red food coloring?
If you’d prefer to avoid food coloring, you can use beet juice or pureed beets to achieve a similar color naturally.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch to the cream cheese filling. Just mix them in before spreading.
How do I serve this dish for a crowd?
To serve a larger group, simply multiply the ingredients and cook the French toast in batches. You can keep the cooked pieces warm in an oven set to low heat while you prepare the rest.
Desserts to Finish
- Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies – a rich and creamy dessert that pairs beautifully with this breakfast.
- Macadamia Nut Pancakes Recipe – for those who love a nutty twist in their morning routine.
Before You Go
This Red Velvet French Toast is a showstopper that combines the joy of breakfast with the indulgence of dessert. Its vibrant color and delicious flavors make it a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a festive brunch with friends. So next time you’re in the mood to impress, whip up this delightful dish and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy. Happy cooking!
Red Velvet French Toast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar or sweetener, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, sugar or sweetener, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring until well combined.
- Cut the bread slices in half to make 16 halves.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each bread half into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Allow excess to drip off before placing on the skillet.
- Cook the dipped bread for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Repeat until all pieces are cooked.
- Assemble the toast by adding a dollop of cream cheese filling between two pieces of French toast. Repeat for all pieces.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Let the egg mixture sit for a few minutes for better flavor.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling in advance for convenience.
- Experiment with different types of bread for varied flavors.
