This Red Velvet French Toast is a fun twist on a breakfast favorite! It’s soft, fluffy, and has a beautiful red color, making it perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat.
Who doesn’t love a breakfast that looks like dessert? I like to serve it with cream cheese frosting for an extra touch. It’s like having cake for breakfast—yes, please! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick bread like brioche or challah gives a soft and rich texture. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, whole wheat or gluten-free bread can work well too! Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Red Food Coloring: This is what really brings the red velvet theme alive! If you want a natural alternative, beet juice can provide a similar color without artificial dyes. However, it may alter the taste slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds that classic chocolate flavor. If you need a caffeine-free option, carob powder can be a good substitute and offers a different, unique taste.
Vanilla Bean Paste: It’s amazing for the cheesecake filling! If you don’t have it, vanilla extract will work just fine—though the flavor will be slightly less intense. Homemade vanilla sugar is another option to consider.
Whipped Cream: While optional, I find it adds a creamy touch. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, try coconut whipped cream or yogurt as a delightful swap!
How Do I Ensure My French Toast is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking French toast might seem easy, but timing is crucial for the best texture! Here’s how to do it right:
- Temperature: Keep your skillet on medium heat. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked;
- Coating: Dip the bread quickly in the batter—don’t let it soak too long! You want it coated, but not soggy;
- Cooking Time: Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. If unsure, a quick poke with a fork to check inside can help;
- Cooling: Let the cooked pieces rest for a minute before assembling. This helps them firm up a bit!
How to Make Red Velvet French Toast Stuffed with Vanilla Bean Cheesecake?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 4 slices of thick bread (e.g., brioche or challah)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
For Topping:
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chocolate sauce (optional)
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-15 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’ll need about 30 minutes to make this amazing breakfast treat perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
Start by making the cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Mix everything together using a spatula or a hand mixer until it’s nice and smooth. Once mixed, set it aside while you prepare the French toast.
2. Prepare the French Toast Batter:
Now, let’s whip up the batter for the French toast! In a large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs, pour in the milk, and add the flour. Then add the cocoa powder, red food coloring, vanilla extract, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and looks like a beautiful red mixture.
3. Cook the French Toast:
Next, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray. Take each slice of bread and dip it into the red velvet batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the soaked slices onto the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown. Once cooked, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly.
4. Assemble the French Toast:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Take two pieces of your cooked red velvet French toast and spread a generous layer of the creamy cheesecake filling on one slice. Then, place another slice on top to make a sandwich. Repeat this process with the remaining slices of French toast.
5. Serve:
For the final touch, top your stuffed French toast with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh raspberries to make it extra special. Serve immediately and enjoy this decadent treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal for their softness and ability to soak up the batter, you can use any thick sliced bread like Texas toast or even sourdough. Just ensure the bread is thick enough to hold the filling and maintain its shape while cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No problem! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, check that the bread you choose is gluten-free. You may want to adjust the milk quantity slightly, as gluten-free flours can sometimes soak up more liquid.
Can I Prepare the Cheesecake Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the cheesecake filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using to smooth it out; it may thicken up a bit in the fridge!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover French Toast?
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
