Dessert

Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese Topping Recipe

ByLila Prescott February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

Introduction

Red Velvet French Toast offers a delightful twist on a breakfast classic, combining rich cocoa flavor with a vibrant red hue. Topped with a creamy sweet cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of maple syrup, it’s perfect for a special weekend brunch.

A stack of three waffle layers sits neatly on a white plate, each waffle golden brown with visible chocolate chips inside, giving a textured look. Between the bottom and middle waffle layers is a thick layer of smooth white cream, repeated again between the middle and top waffle. Over the top waffle, a bright red raspberry sauce drips down the sides in shiny streaks. On top of the stack, six fresh red raspberries are placed, dusted lightly with powdered sugar that also decorates the plate around the waffles. The background shows a white marbled surface with soft-light blurred white cups and jars. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 slices brioche or challah bread
2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tbsp red gel food coloring

2 tbsp maple syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
4 oz softened cream cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp milk (for consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
Step 2: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture until fully coated, allowing excess liquid to drip off.

Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Cook soaked bread slices until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 4: For the cream cheese topping, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk until creamy.
Step 5: Serve by stacking red velvet slices on a plate, dolloping with cream cheese topping, and drizzling with maple syrup.

Tips & Variations

Use thick slices of brioche or challah for the best texture and soaking capacity.
To make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and milk with vegan alternatives.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the egg mixture for extra depth of flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven to keep it crispy. Keep the cream cheese topping separate and add fresh before serving.

How to Serve

A stack of three layers of thick, golden-brown waffles filled with creamy white layer in between each waffle, drizzled with bright red strawberry sauce flowing down the sides and pooling on a white plate, topped with fresh red raspberries dusted with powdered sugar, all set against a soft white marbled background with blurred white cups and a jar of strawberry sauce in the distance, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, but gel food coloring is preferred as it provides a more vibrant color without altering the texture or adding extra liquid.

What’s the best bread for French toast?

Thick, soft breads like brioche or challah work best because they soak up the custard well and offer a tender, rich bite.