Description
Breakfast dreams come alive with slow cooker French toast casserole, blending custardy bread layers and sweet cinnamon magic. Hearty weekend mornings welcome this effortless make-ahead marvel that promises golden, caramelized edges and rich comfort you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread:
- 1 loaf day-old french bread or brioche
- 6 large eggs
Dairy:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
Sweeteners and Spices:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Grease the interior of a 6-quart slow cooker thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Slice the day-old French bread or brioche into thick, uniform cubes, allowing them to sit and slightly dry out for better absorption of the custard mixture.
- Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl until they become smooth and well-combined, creating a uniform base for the custard.
- Pour whole milk and heavy cream into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to create a silky, integrated liquid foundation.
- Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the liquid mixture, stirring until all ingredients are completely dissolved and evenly distributed.
- Gently fold bread cubes into the custard, ensuring each piece is completely coated and absorbs the flavorful liquid without breaking the bread into smaller fragments.
- Transfer the saturated bread mixture into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it evenly and pressing down gently to create a compact layer.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans across the top of the casserole, distributing them uniformly for consistent crunch and nutty flavor.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Once cooking is complete, turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest for 15 minutes to allow further setting and easier serving.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar and drizzle maple syrup just before serving to add a final layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Create a non-stick surface by generously buttering the slow cooker, preventing any frustrating stuck-on bits and ensuring smooth serving.
- Use day-old bread for superior texture, allowing cubes to slightly dry out which helps them soak up the rich custard mixture more effectively without becoming soggy.
- Whisk eggs and dairy thoroughly to develop a silky, homogeneous base that guarantees even flavor distribution and a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Customize the recipe by swapping pecans with almonds or walnuts, making it adaptable for different nut preferences or allergy considerations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg