why make this recipe
Red Velvet French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. This recipe combines the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the comforting texture of French toast. It’s perfect for special occasions, like holidays or brunch with friends, where you want to impress your guests and enjoy something a little different. The vibrant color and delicious cream cheese frosting make it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.
how to make Red Velvet French Toast
Ingredients:
For the Red Velvet Bread:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
For the Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or milk alternative)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Butter or oil for cooking
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, cocoa powder, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm water, vegetable oil, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat until smooth.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Slice the red velvet bread into thick slices. Dip each slice into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side.
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil.
- Cook the soaked bread slices in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Add milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Spread or dollop the cream cheese frosting over the hot French toast or dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
how to serve Red Velvet French Toast
Serve Red Velvet French Toast warm on a plate. You can add fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup on top for extra flavor and presentation. This makes for a fantastic brunch dish or even a sweet breakfast treat.
how to store Red Velvet French Toast
If you have leftovers, store the cooked French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a toaster oven or microwave. For the bread before it’s made into French toast, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
tips to make Red Velvet French Toast
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, when activating the yeast for the bread.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid squishing the loaf.
- If you prefer a sweeter custard, feel free to adjust the sugar in the custard mixture.
- Always use fresh eggs for the best texture and flavor in your custard.
variation
You can switch up the frosting by adding different flavors, such as lemon or almond extract. You can also try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the bread for extra texture or garnishing with crushed cookies or sprinkles.
FAQs
1. Can I make the bread in advance?
Yes, you can make the red velvet bread a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and slice it the next day when you’re ready to make the French toast.
2. Can I use a milk alternative for the custard?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other milk alternative in place of whole milk.
3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the bread gluten-free. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately according to the package instructions for the best results.
Red Velvet French Toast
- Total Time: 165 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on classic French toast, combining red velvet flavors with a creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- For the Red Velvet Bread:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- For the Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or milk alternative)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Butter or oil for cooking
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, cocoa powder, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm water, vegetable oil, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat until smooth.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Slice the red velvet bread into thick slices. Dip each slice into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side.
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil.
- Cook the soaked bread slices in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Add milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Spread or dollop the cream cheese frosting over the hot French toast or dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Serve warm with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or maple syrup. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American