Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan French Toast Casserole: The Easiest Breakfast Ever

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Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon, buttery bread, and crunchy pecans. This isn’t a dream; it’s the reality of making French toast in a slow cooker! You might be skeptical, but trust me, this Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan French Toast Casserole will revolutionize your breakfast game. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and yields a breakfast that’s rich, decadent, and utterly satisfying. The combination of the soft, cinnamon-infused bread, the buttery goodness, and the spicy crunch of pecans creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone begging for seconds. This is not just breakfast; it’s an experience!

Perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy weekend brunch, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying precious moments with your loved ones. Forget standing over a hot stove, flipping individual slices of French toast. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to relax and savor the anticipation. Prepare it the night before, or early in the morning, and let the magic happen while you get ready for the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Amazing Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole

This French Toast Casserole embraces all the classic elements that make French toast irresistible: a luscious egg custard, the richness of butter, and the delightful sweetness of sugar. For the base of this casserole, I prefer using French bread – after all, it’s called French toast for a reason! However, don’t feel limited; you can absolutely experiment with your favorite bread. Texas toast, challah, or even brioche would work beautifully, each adding its unique texture and flavor to the final dish. The key is to use a bread that can soak up the custard without becoming overly soggy.

Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need to create this breakfast masterpiece:

• Eggs: The foundation of the custard, providing richness and structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Maple Syrup: Opt for the real deal! Real maple syrup contributes a distinct, nuanced sweetness that elevates the casserole beyond the ordinary. Avoid artificial syrups like Mrs. Butterworth’s for the best flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note.
• Cinnamon: The star spice, delivering that classic French toast flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg: A hint of nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the spice blend.
• French Bread: My preferred choice! I usually pick up a loaf from Walmart or your local bakery. Cut it into cubes for easy soaking.
• Chopped Pecans: These provide a delightful crunch and a nutty, slightly spicy counterpoint to the sweetness of the casserole.
• Butter: Essential for richness and flavor, both in the custard and the streusel topping.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the streusel topping.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making French Toast in Your Slow Cooker

While making French toast in the slow cooker definitely takes longer than the stovetop method, the payoff is significantly less hands-on work. Forget dipping each piece of bread individually and ensuring even cooking. The slow cooker simplifies the process, allowing you to prepare everything at once and let it cook to perfection. The consistent, gentle heat of the slow cooker infuses the bread with flavor and creates a wonderfully soft and custardy texture throughout.

Follow these simple steps to create your own Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan French Toast Casserole:

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. This mixture is the heart of your French toast casserole, infusing the bread with its rich, spiced flavor.
2. Prep Your Slow Cooker: Lightly grease your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or line it with a slow cooker liner. This step ensures that the casserole doesn’t stick to the bottom and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Place the cubed French bread evenly in the prepared slow cooker. Sprinkle the chopped pecans generously over the bread cubes. This creates a delightful textural contrast in every bite.
4. Pour and Soak: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and pecan mixture. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s all well coated with the custard. A little stirring can help distribute the mixture evenly.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly mixture. This streusel topping adds a touch of sweetness, spice, and irresistible crunch to the top of the casserole.
6. Sprinkle the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon streusel topping over the entire surface of the French toast casserole. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust during cooking.
7. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the casserole is set and the bread is cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness after 3 hours. The casserole is ready when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the casserole from the slow cooker. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.

Since this recipe requires a few hours of slow cooking, it’s perfect for a leisurely late breakfast or a relaxed brunch. You can easily prepare it earlier in the morning and let it cook until you’re ready to serve. The aroma that fills your home as it cooks is simply divine!

More Delicious Breakfast Recipe Ideas

I am a devoted breakfast lover – I can’t understand anyone who doesn’t enjoy a good breakfast! My website is brimming with breakfast recipes to suit every taste. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Blueberry French Toast Cups: Individual portions of French toast bursting with juicy blueberries, perfect for a quick and easy breakfast.

Bacon and Egg Slow Cooker Casserole: A savory, hearty casserole packed with bacon, eggs, and cheese, perfect for a protein-packed breakfast.

Cinnamon Roll Bites: Bite-sized cinnamon rolls that are perfect for a sweet treat or a fun breakfast option.

4.34 from 6 votes

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Pecan French Toast Casserole

By:

Julia Pacheco

Slow cooker cinnamon pecan french toast casserole is sweet, spiced, and topped with crunchy pecans—an easy, hands-off breakfast or holiday brunch.

Prep:

10 minutes
mins

Cook:

3 hours
hrs

Total:

3 hours
hrs
10 minutes
mins

Servings:

4
servings

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