If you’re looking for a brunch treat that feels like a heartfelt celebration in every bite, this Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe is an absolute game-changer. The vibrant red hue paired with a velvety texture and that luscious cream cheese drizzle creates a perfect balance of indulgence and comfort. It’s not just French toast; it’s a feast for both the eyes and taste buds, ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special on a lazy weekend morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in the simplest way but are absolutely essential to achieving the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color in this dish. Each one adds a unique touch that transforms ordinary French toast into something unforgettable.
- 4 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread: The soft, buttery bread soaks up the batter wonderfully and crisps beautifully on the outside.
- 2 large eggs: They provide the rich, binding base for the custard-like batter.
- 1/4 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess, helping the custard soak evenly into the bread.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: For a subtle sweetness that balances the cocoa and spice perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder: Essential for that signature chocolate hint without overpowering the red velvet flavor.
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring: Gives the toast its stunning, true-to-name vibrant red hue.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle, cozy spice that complements the cocoa beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking): Used to create that golden, crispy crust on the pan.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened): The foundation of the dreamy cream cheese drizzle.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for cream cheese drizzle): Sweetens the drizzle perfectly without graininess.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for cream cheese drizzle): Makes the cream cheese drizzle silky and easy to pour.
- Maple syrup or whipped cream (for serving): The classic finishing touch that takes the experience to another level.
How to Make Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Batter
Start by whisking together your eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cocoa powder, red food coloring, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This mixture is what makes your French toast so irresistibly flavorful and visually stunning. The combination of cocoa and cinnamon adds a nostalgic warmth, balanced by the bright pop of red, turning every slice into a festive masterpiece.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Next, warm up your skillet or griddle over medium heat, melting a small knob of unsalted butter. This step ensures your French toast gets that perfect golden crust while cooking evenly. Butter not only prevents sticking but also infuses the toast with a rich, buttery aroma that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 3: Dip the Bread
Now, dip each thick slice of brioche or challah into your red velvet egg mixture, soaking both sides generously but not overly soaked to avoid sogginess. The thick bread is ideal here because it holds the custard beautifully, resulting in a texture that’s crisp on the outside but soft and custardy inside.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden
Place the soaked bread on the hot skillet, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. You’ll want to keep the heat on medium to ensure the toast cooks through without burning. Repeat with your remaining slices, adding more butter as needed for that perfect crust every time.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Drizzle
While the French toast cooks, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream in a small bowl. Whisk until completely smooth and pourable. This drizzle isn’t just a topping — it’s a velvety, tangy sweetness that elevates the whole dish to pure indulgence.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Drizzle
Serve each slice warm, generously drizzled with the cream cheese mixture and optionally finished with maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. This combination hits all the right notes — rich, sweet, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying.
How to Serve Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add a burst of natural sweetness and a lovely contrast to the cream cheese drizzle. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves can also brighten up the plate visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Red Velvet French Toast with lightly crisp bacon or savory sausage offers a perfect sweet-savory balance. For a lighter option, a fresh fruit salad or citrusy yogurt works beautifully to complement the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the French toast slices with layers of cream cheese drizzle in between for an elegant tower. For a festive brunch, serve on colorful plates with edible flowers or a dusting of edible glitter. Presentation can definitely amplify the joy of this already fabulous recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the cream cheese drizzle separate until serving to maintain its freshness and texture.
Freezing
French toast freezes well. Lay the cooked slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy this treat anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, toast the frozen slices in a toaster oven or warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy again. Rewarm the cream cheese drizzle slightly in a microwave or warm water bath before drizzling to keep it smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal for their richness and texture, you can experiment with thick slices of sourdough or even Texas toast. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to soak the batter without falling apart.
Is red food coloring necessary?
To get that iconic red velvet look, red food coloring is important. However, if you prefer a natural option, beet juice can be used, but it will alter the flavor slightly and may not produce as vibrant a color.
Can I make the cream cheese drizzle ahead of time?
Yes, the cream cheese drizzle can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to two days. Before using, give it a quick whisk and, if needed, add a splash of cream to loosen it up.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy French toast?
The key is soaking the bread just long enough for it to absorb the batter without becoming overly saturated. Using thick-cut, sturdy bread like brioche helps maintain the structure and texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives. The flavor will vary slightly but still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings a little magic to your morning routine. Its blend of vibrant color, rich flavor, and luscious texture makes it perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to feel a little extra love on your plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own classic brunch favorite.
Print
Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on classic breakfast with this Red Velvet French Toast recipe. Thick-cut brioche or challah bread slices are dipped in a rich, red velvet-flavored custard made with cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a touch of red food coloring, then pan-cooked to golden perfection. Topped with a luscious cream cheese drizzle and served with maple syrup or whipped cream, this comforting dish is perfect for a special morning treat or brunch.
Ingredients
Bread and Custard
- 4 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking)
Cream Cheese Drizzle
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For Serving
- Maple syrup or whipped cream
- Fresh berries (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, red food coloring, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Heat the skillet: Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of unsalted butter to grease the surface, ensuring the French toast will cook evenly without sticking.
- Dip the bread: Take each slice of thick-cut brioche or challah bread and dip it into the prepared custard mixture, coating both sides thoroughly but without letting it soak too long to prevent sogginess.
- Cook the French toast: Place the coated bread slices onto the heated skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and the center is cooked through. Add more butter to the skillet as needed when cooking additional slices.
- Prepare the cream cheese drizzle: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and drizzleable. Adjust the consistency by adding extra cream if necessary.
- Serve the French toast: Serve each French toast slice warm, drizzled generously with the cream cheese glaze. Top with maple syrup or whipped cream, and optionally garnish with fresh berries for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Use thick-cut brioche or challah for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid soaking the bread too long in the custard to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust red food coloring to achieve your desired depth of red color.
- Fresh berries make a beautiful and tasty garnish, adding freshness to the dish.
- Ensure the skillet is at medium heat to cook the toast evenly without burning.
