why make this recipe
Red Velvet French Toast is a fun and festive twist on a classic breakfast dish. The vibrant red color and rich chocolate flavor make it perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or brunch with friends. It’s not just about how it looks; the taste is delightful, especially when topped with creamy frosting. This recipe will impress your family and guests and add an exciting touch to your breakfast table.
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, mix 1 cup of flour, cocoa powder, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add in the warm water, vegetable oil, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat until the mixture is 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 it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and put it into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped. Allow it 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 pieces. Dip each slice into the custard mix, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side.
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
- Cook the soaked bread slices in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Adjust with milk for desired consistency.
- Spread or dollop the cream cheese frosting over the hot French toast or sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
how to serve Red Velvet French Toast
Serve Red Velvet French Toast warm, topped with generous dollops of cream cheese frosting. You can add fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra sweetness. This delightful dish is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the skillet.
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 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the skillet or toaster. The red velvet bread can also be stored in the freezer. Slice and freeze the unglazed bread for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when you want to enjoy it again.
tips to make Red Velvet French Toast
- Make sure the water you use for the dough is warm but not hot—this will help the yeast activate without killing it.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area to ensure it doubles in size properly.
- For best results, slice the bread thickly, so it can soak up plenty of custard without falling apart.
- Experiment with your favorite spices in the custard, like nutmeg or allspice, to add an extra layer of flavor.
variation
You can make mini Red Velvet French Toast by using a smaller loaf pan or cut the bread into smaller pieces. You could also add chocolate chips into the bread dough or the custard for extra chocolate goodness!
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute eggs with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg) or use applesauce as an alternative.
2. Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk, soy milk, or any milk alternative you prefer.
3. How long does it take to prepare this French toast?
Including the bread-making time, the entire process takes about 3-4 hours, mostly due to the rising time of the dough. The good news is that you can prepare the bread ahead of time!
Red Velvet French Toast
- Total Time: 215 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive twist on classic French toast, featuring vibrant red velvet bread, rich chocolate flavor, and creamy frosting, perfect for special occasions.
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, mix 1 cup of flour, cocoa powder, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add in the 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.
- Once risen, punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and 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) and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until 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 pieces. Dip each slice into the custard mix, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side.
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
- Cook the soaked bread slices in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Adjust with milk for desired consistency.
- Spread or dollop cream cheese frosting over the French toast or sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, slice the bread thickly to absorb the custard without falling apart. Experiment with spices like nutmeg for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 180 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American