Sweet Easy Slow French Toast

Sweet and easy slow cooker French toast is my answer to feeding a big family crowd with zero stress. The slow cooker turns simple French bread into a custardy, caramel-drizzled casserole that is pure brunch comfort. This is my go-to whenever family stays over and the kitchen is buzzing with life.

What Makes It Special

• Ready with minimal hands-on effort perfect for holidays or group brunches
• Uses easy-to-find ingredients and is endlessly customizable with toppings
• Bakes up fluffy inside with rich pockets of melted caramel for a decadent bite
• Kids absolutely light up when they see this come out of the slow cooker

When I first served this to my little nieces on Christmas morning the whole kitchen filled with laughter and sweet smells and everyone went back for seconds

What You’ll Need

• French bread: cubed day-old is best for soaking up the custard and holding shape
• Sweetened condensed milk: adds sweetness and caramel flavor choose the caramel kind for a deeper taste
• Eggs: create a creamy custard that binds everything together
• Milk: makes the custard rich and moist whole milk gives the best texture
• Kosher salt: balances the sweetness and brings out flavor in both bread and caramel
• Caramel bits: melt into gooey pockets throughout the casserole look for soft bits that melt easily or chop up soft caramel candies
• Heavy cream: smooths the caramel sauce for drizzling on top
• Crème fraîche: tangy and creamy optional but adds an elegant finish especially if you have brunch guests

Let’s Cook This Together

Prep the Bread:

Cut your French bread into two to three inch cubes If your bread is not stale leave it out overnight or toast it lightly in the oven This soaks up more custard and prevents a soggy casserole

Build the Base:

Spray the slow cooker thoroughly with nonstick spray or line with parchment for easier cleanup Pack the bread cubes into the bottom pressing them down so you can fit as much as possible

Add Sweetness:

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the bread letting it soak in for a minute This creates rich caramel notes in every bite

Make the Custard:

Whisk eggs milk and salt together until the mixture is smooth Pour it slowly and evenly over the bread Press down gently so all cubes get a good soak

Cook Low and Slow:

Cover and set the slow cooker to high Cook for two to two and a half hours Avoid opening the lid so the casserole sets properly

Melt the Caramel:

Combine caramel bits and heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl Heat in thirty second bursts stirring each time until melted and silky

Serve with Style:

Once the casserole is set slice and serve warm Drizzle with melted caramel and spoonfuls of crème fraîche or your favorite toppings like berries or nuts

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Good to Know

• Perfect for prepping ahead saves tons of time on busy mornings
• Stays moist even when reheated and makes delicious leftovers
• Brings a wow factor to any breakfast or brunch table

The caramel bits are my favorite because they create little golden pockets in the French toast My family always debates who gets the pieces with the most melted caramel and it has turned into a silly breakfast tradition

Keeping It Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days To reheat microwave in thirty second bursts or warm in the oven at three hundred degrees for ten to fifteen minutes If the casserole seems a bit dry add a splash of milk or cream before reheating for extra moisture

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Use challah or brioche if you cannot find French bread and look for bread that is sturdy and slightly dry For extra flavor try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard or swapping crème fraîche with thick Greek yogurt or whipped cream Caramel sauce from a jar works well if you are out of caramel bits

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How to Serve It Right

Serve straight from the slow cooker for casual gatherings or slice and plate individually for a special brunch Dust with powdered sugar add fresh berries or toasted nuts and drizzle generously with your melted caramel If you have leftovers try repurposing by pan frying slices in butter for a decadent breakfast treat

Behind the Dish

I first created this recipe after a holiday where I wanted something hands off but still special and festive The slow cooker freed me up to enjoy coffee and chatter with my family without standing at the stove The gooey caramel and creamy texture made it a fast family favorite and it is a tradition we have kept for every winter gathering

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the French toast from getting soggy?

Let the bread cubes sit out overnight or lightly toast them before assembling, ensuring they absorb the custard without becoming mushy.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

You can mix the wet ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, just add the bread and begin cooking.

→ What toppings pair well?

Try crème fraîche, melted caramel, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicious finish.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven to maintain texture.

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, other sturdy breads like brioche or challah work well, absorbing the custard while holding their shape.

→ Is condensed milk necessary?

Condensed milk adds a rich caramel flavor, but you may substitute with evaporated milk and extra sugar if desired.