Slow Cooker Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Slow Cooker Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast treat, combining the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with soft, custardy French bread. Perfect for a cozy morning, it requires minimal prep and slow cooking to develop rich flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 (16 ounce loaf) French bread, cut into 1–2 inch cubes
Pumpkin Mixture
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 (15 ounce can) pumpkin puree
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch ground cloves
Crumble Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground cloves
To Serve
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cube the bread: Cut the French bread into 1- to 2-inch cubes and place them evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating the base for the casserole.
- Mix pumpkin custard: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together half and half, pumpkin puree, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ground cloves until smooth and fully combined to create the custard mixture.
- Combine bread and custard: Pour the pumpkin custard evenly over the bread cubes in the slow cooker. Gently press the bread down to ensure it soaks up the liquid evenly for a custardy texture.
- Make crumble topping: In a small bowl, use a fork or pastry cutter to blend brown sugar, salted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves until the mixture is crumbly and evenly combined.
- Add crumble topping: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the soaked bread and pumpkin custard in the slow cooker to add a sweet, spiced crunch on top.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the casserole is set and fully cooked through, developing a soft and flavorful consistency.
- Serve: Serve the casserole hot. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup to add sweetness and decoration before enjoying.
Notes
- Use day-old French bread for best texture as it will absorb the custard better without becoming mushy.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preference for more or less warmth and aroma.
- The slow cooker time may vary slightly depending on your model; check doneness by ensuring the casserole is set in the middle.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with a coconut milk blend and butter with a plant-based alternative.
Keywords: pumpkin french toast casserole, slow cooker breakfast, pumpkin breakfast casserole, easy slow cooker recipes, fall breakfast recipes
