why make this recipe
Red Velvet French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. This dish combines the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the comfort of French toast, making it perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat. The vibrant color and delicious taste will impress anyone who tries it. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration on a plate!
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 in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let 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. Top with cream cheese frosting, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
how to store Red Velvet French Toast
Store any leftover Red Velvet French Toast slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a microwave or a toaster oven until they are warmed through.
tips to make Red Velvet French Toast
- Make sure your warm water is at the right temperature (110°F/45°C) to activate the yeast properly.
- Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Don’t rush the soaking process; let the bread absorb enough custard for a rich flavor.
- If you like it sweeter, add more sugar to the cream cheese frosting.
variation
For a different taste, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the bread mixture. You can also replace the red food coloring with other colors for festive occasions!
FAQs
1. Can I make the red velvet bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the red velvet bread a day in advance. Just store it at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Slice when ready to use.
2. Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! You can use whipped cream or chocolate sauce as a topping if you prefer.
3. What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast instead. Just mix it in with the dry ingredients and skip the warm water step before adding in other liquids.
Red Velvet French Toast
- Total Time: 155 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on classic French toast, combining rich red velvet flavors for a special breakfast treat.
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 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let 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.
Notes
Tips include ensuring warm water is at the right temperature for yeast activation and cooling the bread before slicing.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking and Cooking
- Cuisine: American