Caramel-Apple Comfort Slow Cooker French Toast

If you love starting your day with a sweet, indulgent treat, this Caramel-Apple Comfort Slow Cooker French Toast is for you. It’s an aromatic blend of warm spices, tender apples, and a luscious custard base that soaks into thick slices of bread. The best part? You can set it up in the slow cooker and let those comforting scents waft through your home while you handle the rest of your morning.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or French bread)
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Caramel sauce or syrup (for drizzling)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

First, prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior to prevent sticking. Then, cut your bread into thick slices—about one inch is perfect—and set them aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well combined.

Layer half of the bread slices at the bottom of your slow cooker, letting them slightly overlap. Scatter half the apple slices on top of the bread. Drizzle half of the melted butter and just a bit of caramel sauce (or syrup) over the apples. Now pour half of the egg-milk mixture evenly over the bread and apples.

Repeat with a second layer of bread, apples, melted butter, caramel, and remaining custard. Gently press down on the top layer to help the bread soak in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about four hours, or until the French toast is set and the apples are tender.

Once it’s cooked, turn off the heat and let it rest with the lid slightly ajar for a few minutes, allowing the French toast to firm up. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce, an extra shake of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream.

This indulgent yet easy breakfast (or brunch) option is perfect if you’re hosting, feeding a crowd, or simply want a treat that takes minimal effort. If you’d like to lighten things up, use reduced-fat milk or swap in almond milk, and adjust the sugar to taste. You can also try pears or peaches instead of apples, or add a handful of chopped nuts for a crunchy twist. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy weekend at home or need something special for the holidays, Caramel-Apple Comfort Slow Cooker French Toast hits all the right notes.