If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a celebration on a plate, this Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine thick, fluffy slices of brioche infused with cocoa and a vibrant red hue, perfectly golden on the outside and tender inside, topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese drizzle that melts into every bite. It’s a delightful twist that transforms the humble French toast into a stunning brunch centerpiece. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing family and friends, this recipe is sure to make mornings extra special and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to nailing this dish. Each element brings its own magic, from the richly flavored cocoa powder to the creamy smoothness of the cream cheese drizzle. Together, they create a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and that iconic red color that makes this French toast stand out.
- Thick-cut brioche or challah bread: The rich, tender crumb of brioche or challah is perfect for soaking up the batter without falling apart.
- Large eggs: Eggs are the binding agent that gives the batter its custardy texture and helps the bread cook beautifully.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and helps thin out the batter so it coats the bread evenly.
- Sugar: Just a touch enhances sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Cocoa powder: Provides that subtle chocolate undertone essential for red velvet.
- Red food coloring: The secret to that stunning, signature red hue everyone loves.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of warm spice for extra depth.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- Unsalted butter: For cooking, it ensures a golden crust and rich taste.
- Cream cheese (softened): The base of the drizzle, providing tanginess and creaminess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese drizzle to perfection.
- Heavy cream: Thins the drizzle for easy pouring and a smooth finish.
- Maple syrup or whipped cream: Classic toppings to add extra sweetness and flair.
How to Make Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Flavorful Batter
Begin by mixing together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, red food coloring, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk the ingredients until they form a smooth, unified batter that’s rich in color and bursting with the promise of those signature red velvet flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Cooking Surface
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add some unsalted butter. Letting the butter melt will create a beautiful, golden crust on the French toast, so don’t skimp — a little more butter as you cook will keep the bread from sticking and boost that mouthwatering richness.
Step 3: Dip and Coat the Bread
Take each slice of thick-cut brioche or challah and dip it into the batter, ensuring both sides are well coated but not soggy. The goal is to have the bread soaked just enough to absorb those delicious flavors without falling apart when it hits the pan.
Step 4: Cook Until Perfectly Golden
Place the dipped slices onto the hot skillet and cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown finish with slightly crisp edges, while the inside remains soft and tender. Keep cooking batches until all slices are done, adding more butter as needed.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Drizzle
While the French toast is cooking, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, slightly pourable drizzle. Adjust the cream amount if you want it thinner for easy drizzling over your finished toast.
Step 6: Serve and Adorn
Plate your warm red velvet French toast and generously drizzle the cream cheese mixture over each slice. For an extra special touch, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries make a lovely garnish, adding a pop of color and brightness that complements the richness perfectly.
How to Serve Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries is a fantastic way to brighten up the plate with some natural sweetness and tartness. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves can also add a decorative touch and elevate the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Red Velvet French Toast with creamy yogurt or fresh fruit salad balances the richness of the toast and drizzle. Crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages make for an irresistible sweet-and-salty combo that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, serve these French toast slices stacked high and drizzled generously on a beautiful platter, letting guests help themselves. Individual portions on pretty plates with a side of fresh fruit and a drizzle bottle for cream cheese glaze offer an interactive and Instagram-worthy experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This keeps the bread moist and helps preserve the fresh flavors. Keep the cream cheese drizzle separate and add it just before serving to maintain its smooth texture.
Freezing
Red Velvet French Toast freezes beautifully. Arrange cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to one month. This way, you can enjoy a special breakfast anytime without the full prep.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the frozen French toast slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving as that can make the bread soggy. Once heated, drizzle fresh cream cheese glaze and enjoy like it’s freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are recommended for their rich texture that holds up well, you can substitute with thick-cut white bread or even Texas toast. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to soak up the egg mixture without falling apart.
Is there a vegan or dairy-free option for the cream cheese drizzle?
Yes, you can use vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk or cream alternatives to make the drizzle dairy-free. Adjust sweetness and consistency as needed to match the creamy, smooth texture of the original.
How important is the red food coloring?
The red food coloring is key to achieving the classic red velvet appearance that makes this French toast so special. You can use gel or liquid food coloring, but gel tends to provide a more intense color without altering the batter’s consistency.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
It’s best to prepare the batter fresh to ensure the ingredients combine properly and the flavors are vibrant. However, you can mix the dry ingredients (sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, salt) ahead of time and add eggs and milk just before cooking.
What can I substitute for the heavy cream in the drizzle?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, whole milk or half-and-half can work, though the drizzle may be a little thinner. You could also use a dairy-free creamer if you’re adapting the recipe for dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
Making this Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe is like inviting a little celebration into your morning routine. The vibrant color, the perfectly balanced flavors, and that indulgently creamy drizzle create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special occasion breakfast, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. So go ahead, make that batter, fire up the skillet, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this decadent Red Velvet French Toast, a vibrant twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Thick-cut brioche or challah bread is soaked in a luscious mixture of eggs, cocoa, cinnamon, and red food coloring, then pan-cooked to a golden perfection. Topped with a creamy, sweet cream cheese drizzle and served alongside maple syrup or whipped cream, this quick 20-minute recipe serves two with irresistible flavor and a festive look perfect for any special morning.
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 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)
For the 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 egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, red food coloring, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Heat the cooking surface: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of unsalted butter to grease the surface, ensuring it melts and coats evenly to prevent sticking.
- Dip the bread slices: Submerge each slice of brioche or challah bread into the prepared egg mixture, making sure both sides are thoroughly coated but not overly saturated to avoid sogginess.
- Cook the French toast: Immediately transfer the dipped bread to the preheated skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the surface is golden brown and the toast is cooked through. Add more butter to the skillet as needed when cooking remaining slices.
- Make the cream cheese drizzle: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and drizzleable, adjusting the consistency with extra cream if necessary.
- Serve: Plate the warm French toast slices, generously drizzle with the cream cheese glaze, and top with maple syrup or whipped cream as desired. Garnish with fresh berries for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use thick-cut brioche or challah for the best texture and richness.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to create a smooth drizzle without lumps.
- Adjust red food coloring amount to achieve your preferred shade of red.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or espresso powder to the egg mixture.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture, as French toast tends to get soggy if left too long.
