Red Velvet French Toast is a fun twist on two classic breakfast favorites. Imagine thick slices of bread soaked in a rich, cocoa-spiked batter that gives the toast its famous red velvet color, then cooked until golden and topped with a dollop of cream cheese glaze or syrup. The texture is soft inside with slightly crisp edges, making every bite a little celebration of sweet and fluffy goodness.
I love making this when I want to add a special touch to an ordinary morning. The red velvet flavor feels like a treat, but it’s surprisingly easy to pull together with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, the cream cheese frosting twist adds a smooth tang that complements the cocoa perfectly. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but without any guilt.
One of my favorite ways to serve it is with fresh berries or sliced bananas on top. The natural sweetness and freshness balance out the richness and make the dish feel even more inviting. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a holiday morning, Red Velvet French Toast always brings smiles to the table and a little extra joy to start the day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Velvet Cake or Bread: This is the star of the dish. If you don’t have red velvet on hand, you can use plain brioche or challah bread with a touch of cocoa powder and red food coloring added to the custard for a similar effect.
Cream Cheese Filling: Cream cheese adds a nice tang and creaminess. You can substitute with mascarpone or Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey for a lighter option.
Cocoa Powder: Adds the classic red velvet flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa powder. If you prefer mild chocolate notes, Dutch-processed cocoa works well too.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla deepens the flavor. If you don’t have vanilla, a pinch of almond extract can be a nice substitute but start small as it’s strong.
How Do You Soak Red Velvet Cake Without It Falling Apart?
Because red velvet cake is soft, soaking it in the egg mixture needs a gentle touch. Here’s how I keep it intact:
- Mix custard batter well so it’s smooth but not too watery.
- Dip each slice quickly, about 3-5 seconds per side. Avoid soaking too long to prevent sogginess.
- Use thick slices—about 3/4 inch or more—so they hold moisture without falling apart.
- Cook on medium heat to allow the inside to set without burning the outside.
Patience and gentle handling make sure your slices stay firm and cook evenly for that perfect toast texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – This helps cook the French toast evenly without sticking or breaking apart the soft red velvet slices.
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need these to whisk together the custard and to prepare the cream cheese filling easily.
- Whisk – Perfect for blending the eggs, milk, cocoa, and spices smoothly for a lump-free custard.
- Spatula – Great for flipping the French toast gently so it doesn’t tear or crumble.
- Knife and cutting board – Handy for slicing strawberries or cutting the red velvet cake into even, thick slices.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chocolate chip bread or add mini chocolate chips to the custard for extra melty pockets of chocolate goodness.
- Mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the custard for warm spice notes that complement the cocoa flavor well.
- Top with fresh raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries for a tart twist and bright color contrast.
- Add a touch of espresso powder into the custard to enhance the cocoa flavor and give a subtle coffee boost.
Red Velvet French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The French Toast:
- 6 thick slices of red velvet cake or red velvet bread
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Butter or oil, for cooking
For The Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (to thin)
For Topping:
- Fresh strawberries, halved
- Maple syrup or red berry syrup
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking. You’ll spend your time mixing the custard, preparing the cream cheese filling, cooking the French toast slices, and assembling the dish for a delicious and pretty breakfast treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream using a hand mixer or whisk. Keep mixing until it’s smooth and easy to spread. Set this aside while you make the custard.
2. Make the Custard Batter:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and sugar until everything is well combined and smooth. This will be the flavorful soaking mixture for your French toast.
3. Dip the Red Velvet Slices:
Quickly dip each slice of red velvet cake or bread into the custard batter. Make sure to coat both sides gently but don’t soak them too long to avoid sogginess or falling apart.
4. Cook the French Toast:
Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Cook each dipped slice for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
5. Assemble the Toast:
Place a cooked slice on your plate, spread a thick layer of cream cheese filling over it, then top with another slice to make a sandwich. Repeat if you want to stack more layers.
6. Add Toppings:
Drizzle maple syrup or red berry syrup over the stack. Arrange fresh halved strawberries on top and around the plate for a bright and tasty finish.
7. Final Touches:
Drizzle any extra cream cheese frosting or filling in a decorative way over the assembled French toast. Lightly dust powdered sugar on top and serve immediately for the best taste.
Can I Use Regular Bread Instead of Red Velvet Cake?
Yes! If you don’t have red velvet cake or bread, use thick slices of brioche or challah. Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder and a few drops of red food coloring to the custard batter to mimic the red velvet flavor and color.
How Do I Prevent the Red Velvet Cake from Falling Apart?
Dip the slices quickly—about 3-5 seconds per side—in the custard to avoid them becoming soggy. Using thicker slices also helps keep the structure intact while cooking over medium heat.
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before spreading for a smoother texture, and whisk it lightly if it thickens.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep 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 for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
