Red Velvet French Toast
Red Velvet French Toast is a fun and colorful twist on classic French toast, featuring that rich red hue and a hint of cocoa that reminds you of the popular…
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Red Velvet French Toast is a fun and colorful twist on classic French toast, featuring that rich red hue and a hint of cocoa that reminds you of the popular cake. Soft, fluffy bread slices coated in a sweet batter then cooked to golden perfection make this breakfast extra special. The touch of cream cheese glaze or frosting on top adds that perfect creamy sweetness.
I love making Red Velvet French Toast on a lazy weekend morning when I want to surprise my family with something a bit different. The chocolate flavor mixed with the slight tang from the cream cheese always brings smiles around the table. It feels like a little celebration with every bite, and I usually add fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar to make it even prettier.
Serving this French toast with a side of maple syrup and a hot cup of coffee turns any morning into a cozy, happy start. It’s one of those dishes that makes breakfast feel like a treat, no matter the day. I keep coming back to this recipe because it’s simple to make but feels like a special occasion every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Velvet Cake: This is the star of the dish. Use thick slices for sturdiness. If red velvet cake isn’t handy, you can try plain chocolate or vanilla cake, but the red color and slight cocoa flavor make it special.
Cream Cheese Filling: Softened cream cheese whipped with powdered sugar and vanilla makes a smooth, sweet layer. For dairy-free options, try a vegan cream cheese or coconut cream sweetened with a little honey.
Custard Mix: Eggs, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt come together here. You can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk if you prefer non-dairy.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries and raspberries add freshness and a gentle tartness that pairs well with the sweet layers. Blueberries or sliced bananas can be good alternatives depending on your preference.
How Do You Keep the Cake from Falling Apart While Cooking?
Red velvet cake is softer and more fragile than bread, so you want to be gentle during dipping and cooking.
- Dip each slice quickly into the custard—just enough to coat without soaking through.
- Heat the skillet to medium, then add butter or oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, flipping gently with a spatula to avoid breaking the cake.
- If the cake feels too delicate, chill slices in the fridge before dipping to firm them up.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – it makes cooking the delicate cake slices easy without sticking or breaking.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need one for the custard and another for the cream cheese filling to keep things organized.
- Whisk – helps blend eggs, milk, and spices smoothly without lumps.
- Spatula – perfect for carefully flipping the fragile French toast slices without breaking them.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for getting your ingredients just right, especially the cocoa and cinnamon.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try swapping fresh strawberries for blueberries or bananas to change the fruit flavor and texture.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or a bit of orange zest to the custard for a spicy, citrus twist.
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for a sweet chocolate surprise in every bite.
- Use cinnamon swirl bread instead of red velvet cake for a less sweet but warmly spiced take on the recipe.
Red Velvet French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The French Toast:
- 8 slices of thick red velvet cake (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil, for cooking
For The Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Toppings:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced (about 1 cup)
- Fresh raspberries (optional, for garnish)
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time. Assembly is quick and simple, so you’ll have a delicious, eye-catching breakfast ready in under 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set this aside to use as the delicious filling between your French toast layers.
2. Make the Custard for Dipping:
In a shallow dish, whisk eggs, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and combined.
3. Dip and Cook the Cake Slices:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat with a little butter or oil to keep things from sticking. Dip each red velvet cake slice quickly into the custard, coating both sides lightly but not soaking. Cook each slice for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and lightly crisp. Handle carefully as the cake is delicate.
4. Assemble the French Toast Stack:
On a serving plate, place one slice of cooked French toast. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese filling on top, then add some sliced strawberries. Repeat with two more layers of toast, cream cheese, and strawberries to create a tall and colorful stack.
5. Add the Final Touches:
Top with the last slice of French toast. Dust your creation with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and scatter fresh raspberries around for color and flavor. For an extra special treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a whole strawberry on top.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Red Velvet French Toast immediately while warm and fresh. Enjoy the creamy, fruity, and rich flavors that make this breakfast a memorable feast!
Can I Use Frozen Red Velvet Cake for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the cake slices in the fridge before dipping them in the custard. This helps prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before spreading to keep it smooth and creamy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out.
Can I Substitute the Red Velvet Cake With Another Type of Bread?
Yes, you can use thick slices of brioche or challah bread, but you’ll miss the unique red velvet flavor and color that make this recipe special.
