Simple French Toast dish

a skillet of french toast topped with caramel sauce

This Simple French Toast recipe is the standout indulgence — it takes the classic breakfast treat to a whole new level of deliciousness! Soft, gooey, and decadent slices of bread are soaked in a sweet caramel sauce before being baked to perfection in a single skillet.

Whether you’re craving a luxurious breakfast or brunch option or looking for a sweet dessert to satisfy your cravings, this simple French toast checks all the boxes. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries for an extra touch of sweet flavor!

What Is Caramel Skillet French Toast?

The finest way to start the day, caramel skillet French toast is an simple recipe that’s bursting with flavor. We took traditional recipes and made them even better with the addition of a sweet caramel sauce topping.

Plus, broken into pieces similarly to monkey bread, this recipe comes together in a single skillet, making it reliable for serving a crowd. Not only is it absolutely scrumptious, but it’s also:

Budget-friendly
Speedy to make
Customizable
Great for holidays, Sunday brunch, game day, and more

Is French Toast Actually French?

Contrary to popular belief, French toast is not actually French at all! The truth is that the recipe has been around for years and years and has been dated all the way back to 300 A.D. when it was listed in a Roman cookbook.

In fact, the French referred to the classic breakfast dish as Roman bread for centuries. It was referred to as French toast until French immigrants began popularizing the dish in America. Today, the recipe exists all across the globe in many flavors and variations and (outside of the U.S.) is often referred to as lost bread.

unbaked french toast in a skillet topped with caramel sauce

What Is the Finest Bread for Simple French Toast?

Really, any bread can be used. However, for the finest results, we recommend using a thick loaf like Texas toast, Challah, or Brioche, and make sure it’s stale! This allows it to easily absorb the liquid without falling apart.

Ingredients Needed

To make this simple recipe extra special, we’ve taken the traditional ingredients and added a from-scratch caramel sauce to elevate the flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

Bread – We used brioche, but any thick, bread loaf will work.
Eggs – These help lock in moisture, creating the tender center and crisp outside we love.
Milk – For an extra rich taste, we use whole milk, but skim milk or a milk alternative can be used in its place.
Heavy Cream – This creates an extra silky and decadent taste.
Vanilla Extract – Used to sweeten the recipe.
Sea Salt – Helps enhance the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.
Butter – Forms the base of the caramel sauce.
Brown Sugar – Combines with butter for a sweet flavor and soft sauce.

How to Make Simple French Toast in a Skillet

This skillet French toast is so simple you’ll never go back to frying individual pieces of bread again!

Whisk the eggs, milk, half and half, vanilla, and salt in a small bowl until they’re well combined.
Slice the bread into 1-inch slices and arrange them in a 16-inch skillet.
Pour the egg mixture on top of the bread, and let it soak in the fridge overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
In a small saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and corn syrup, and heat until it is bubbling. Then, pour the caramel over the bread.
Bake until fragrant, and the egg mixture has set.
Serve warm with your go-to toppings, and enjoy!

Flavor Additions and Toppings

Thanks to the caramel sauce, this dish is already loaded with flavor. However, you can always add your go-to mix-ins and toppings to make it even better! Some of our favorites include:

Powdered Sugar
Maple Syrup
Chocolate Chips
Fruit (Bananas, Blueberries, Strawberries)
Whipped Cream
Chopped Nuts

Storage and Freezing Options

It’s extremely rare to have leftovers with this recipe. However, if you do, it makes for great meal prep to enjoy throughout the week!

Fridge: Cover leftovers with tin foil, or transfer them to an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer: For a longer-lasting option, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a sealable bag or airtight container, and freeze it for up to 2 months.

Reheating: The easiest way to reheat your French toast is to heat the oven to 400° Fahrenheit, and warm it in the oven for 6-8 minutes or until it has heated through. If you’re in a pinch for time, you can also heat it in the microwave, but your French toast is likely to become a bit soggy if you do. It’ll still taste tasty! It just won’t be quite as crisp.

Common Questions about French Toast

Is baked French toast soggy?

Baked French toast should not be soggy. To avoid sogginess, be sure to measure your liquid ingredients precisely and cook for the recommended time.

What is the most common mistake when making French toast?

Not allowing enough time for the bread to soak up the custard is one of the most common mistakes when making French toast. Give the bread ample time to absorb the liquid ingredients.

Is milk or heavy cream better for French toast?

While you can use either, we prefer to use whole milk for our French toast to give it the reliable texture.

Should I dry out my bread before making French toast?

It is ideal to dry out bread before making French toast. You can let it dry out on its own, or for a speedy fix, pop it in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Place it on a wire rack so that the air can circulate around it.

More French Toast Recipes You’ll Love

On the hunt for more French toast ideas? We’ve got you covered with these memorable recipes!

The finest dessert breakfast recipe, this Bananas Foster French Toast will have you coming back for seconds and thirds!
Sweet sugar and warm cinnamon combine in this Churro French Toast for an out-of-this-world breakfast.
This Pain au Chocolat French Toast takes your go-to chocolate and turns it into a satisfying breakfast or brunch!
This Berry Stuffed Croissant French Toast is a showstopping recipe reliable for every occasion.

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 8 servings

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Total: 50 mins

Soft, gooey, and decadent, this Simple French Toast is soaked in a sweet caramel sauce and baked in a single skillet for an indulgent breakfast or brunch or a sweet dessert you’ll adore! Email

Ingredients

6 eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon Sea salt
1 loaf Brioche

Caramel Sauce

8 Tablespoons butter unsalted
1 cup brown sugar dark or light
1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. 6 eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon Sea salt
Cut the brioche into thick 1-inch slices, and arrange them in a 16-inch round skillet or baking dish. Note: It is okay for the bread to overlap.1 loaf Brioche
Pour the egg mixture on top of the bread, and place it in the refrigerator to soak overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a small saucepan, stir the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream until combined. Heat on medium-high heat until the caramel sauce begins to bubble. Pour it over the bread. 8 Tablespoons butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup heavy cream
Bake for 40 minutes or until the bread is crisp and the egg mixture has set.
Dust with powdered sugar or maple syrup, if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy!