Crock Pot French Toast Casserole

A square of French toast drizzled with maple syrup.

Crock Pot French Toast Casserole

This delicious Crock Pot French Toast Casserole is easy to make with simple ingredients and is perfect for special occasions like birthdays and holidays.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2

Soaking time 20

Total Time 2 30

Servings servings

Calories 414

Author Dorothy Bigelow

Equipment

Slow Cooker
Cooking spray

Ingredients

1 loaf bakery-style bread approx. 14 ounces
5 large eggs
2 cups half and half or 1 cup of each of milk and heavy cream*
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt or ½ teaspoon fine salt
½ cup packed brown sugar divided

For serving

Fresh fruit optional
Maple syrup optional
Whipped cream optional
Powdered sugar optional

Instructions

Prepare the crock liner: Grease the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Cut the bread into cubes: Slice the bread into 1 ½” cubes and add them to the slow cooker insert in an even layer.
Prepare the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl whisk the eggs until well beaten. Then add in the half & half, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and half of the brown sugar. Whisk until smooth.
Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, pressing them into the liquid to ensure they are evenly soaked with no dry spots remaining.
Soak the bread cubes: Let the bread absorb the liquid for at least 20 minutes before cooking. Alternatively, you can remove the slow cooker insert, cover it with foil, and allow it to soak overnight in the fridge.
Right before cooking, sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the top of the casserole.
Place the insert in the slow cooker and place the lid on top.
Cook on “high” for 2 hours, or on “low” for 4 hours. You will know the baked French toast is done when the center is set and firm to the touch Note: Do not open the lid while cooking. If you do, add another 20 minutes to the cooking time for each time the lid is removed.
Carefully remove the lid, quickly turning it upside down to avoid splashing the finished casserole with water due to condensation.
Serve and enjoy: Scoop portions onto serving plates and garnish with optional fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream.

Notes

The french toast casserole will look slightly puffy but will deflate once removed from the slow cooker.

*Half-and-half substitute: Use 1 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream for the 2 cups of half-and-half called for in the recipe.

Nutrition