Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast – Immerse yourself in the flavor of our Slow Cooker French Toast, with Caramel and Pecans a combination of sweet caramel, crunchy pecans and soft fluffy challah bread. This recipe magically transforms ingredients into a breakfast treat that will surely make your day start on a fantastic note. The key components include challah bread, half and half, pecans, eggs, brown sugar, butter and an irresistible blend of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. To top it off drizzle some caramel sauce for that touch of indulgence.
The first time I prepared this Slow Cooker French Toast with Caramel and Pecans was, on a chilly Sunday morning. The house was filled with a comforting scent of caramel sweetness and warm spices. As the French toast cooked slowly to perfection, my spouse and child eagerly anticipated the moment they could savor this breakfast. Their eyes sparkled with delight as they took their first bite. Since then it has become a family favorite that is repeatedly requested. It’s the recipe to infuse warmth and sweetness into our breakfast table while creating memories and spreading smiles all around.
What makes this Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast truly standout?
This Slow Cooker French Toast, with Caramel and Pecans is a standout because it’s incredibly easy to make and has a blend of flavors. The slow cooker does all the lifting guaranteeing a perfectly cooked, moist and flavorful French toast every single time. By using challah bread we add a touch of richness and texture that sets this recipe apart. The combination of caramel and pecans adds a crunch and sweetness that makes this French toast truly unforgettable.
What You Need To Make This Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast Recipe?
Challah Bread: Go for a loaf that’s a day or two old as its texture absorbs the creamy custard resulting in a more indulgent and flavorful French toast. Whether you tear it into strips or cube it up the bread will blend perfectly with the mixture ensuring each bite is as heavenly, as the previous one.
Half and Half: Here’s the secret ingredient for achieving creamy French toast. It’s creamier than milk but lighter than cream striking a balance that envelops the bread in velvety deliciousness.
Pecans: Select plump and fresh pecans giving them a rough chop. They add a crunch and nutty complexity to the dish creating a contrast with the softness of the soaked bread.
Eggs: They form the foundation of your custard providing structure and richness. Opting for high-quality eggs will yield the best results by creating a silky and luxurious custard base.
Brown Sugar: With its hints of molasses brown sugar adds a layer of caramel-like sweetness that enhances the overall richness of this dish.
Unsalted Butter: This ingredient serves a purpose, in our recipe. When you combine sugar with it it creates a sweet layer, for the pecans. Additionally, it is used to grease the slow cooker ensuring that your French toast doesn’t stick and has a buttery crust.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract adds an aromatic warmth perfectly rounding out the flavors and giving that homemade touch.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Cinnamon and nutmeg are like having autumn in a jar. They infuse the toast with a comforting aroma making it ideal for leisurely mornings.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch of sea salt enhances all the flavors creating a satisfying taste experience from the very first bite to the very last.
Caramel Sauce: Whether you opt for store-bought caramel sauce, for convenience or decide to make your own drizzling it over adds a glossy and sweet finishing touch that will make this dish truly memorable.
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Steps To Make Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast:
Step 1: To get started put the butter and dark brown sugar in a food processor. Give it a whirl until the mixture resembles small, pebble-like pieces. In another bowl toss your chopped pecans in this buttery mixture making sure they are well coated. Set them aside for later.
Step 2: Take a bowl. Whisk together the half and half, cream and eggs until they are thoroughly combined. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg and a pinch of sea salt, to the mixture. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Step 3: Next, take your challah bread pieces. Dip them into the mixture gently stirring to ensure every piece is fully coated. If you’re planning ahead you can cover the bowl. Refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or even overnight to let all the flavors blend together beautifully.
Step 4: Now prepare your cooker by greasing it with butter or spraying non-stick spray. Transfer the soaked bread into the slow cooker so that it absorbs all of that liquid goodness. Sprinkle an amount of sugared pecans, over the top.
Step 5: Put your cooker on the LOW setting. Let it do its thing for about 3 hours remembering to give it a gentle stir every now and then. If you’re a little short, on time you can also cook it on HIGH for around 1 1/2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture starts bubbling and the bread turns golden brown.
Step 6: Serve hot, generously drizzle some caramel sauce, over it. Then sit back. Watch as it magically disappears in front of your eyes!
Tip:
For the flavors and textures, in your Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast it’s recommended to prepare the bread mixture the night in advance. Once you’ve dipped the challah bread strips into the custard mixture cover the bowl tightly. Let it sit in the fridge overnight. This extra time allows the bread to soak up all that goodness resulting in a delicious end result. The spices and vanilla get a chance to blend together creating an aroma that will fill your kitchen as it cooks. Plus this make-ahead approach makes your morning routine easier – just wake up. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker for a hassle-free and luxurious breakfast experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I prepare this Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast the night before?
Definitely! Simply refrigerate the bread that has been soaked overnight and you’ll be all set to put it into the slow cooker the next morning.
Can I use a different type of bread if I don’t have challah?
Absolutely while challah bread provides a fluffy texture you can easily substitute it with brioche or any other sturdy bread that can handle soaking.
Can I add additional toppings to the French toast?
Absolutely! Feel free to let your imagination run wild and add fruits, whipped cream or even a sprinkle of sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah bread torn into strips or cubed (older bread works better in this recipe)
- 1 3/4 c half-and-half
- 1 c pecans roughly chopped
- 4 eggs
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Start by using a food processor to combine 2 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of sugar until they form a pebble-like texture. Add in 1 cup of chopped pecans. Mix well.
- In a bowl whisk together 1 3/4 cups of half and half, 4 eggs, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.
- Take a loaf of challah bread. Tear it into strips or cubes. Dip each piece, into the custard mixture to ensure they are evenly coated. If you're preparing in advance cover the mixture. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare your slow cooker by greasing the inside with butter or nonstick spray.
- Transfer the soaked bread into the slow cooker making sure to evenly distribute it. Sprinkle the sugar-coated pecans on top.
- Set your cooker to LOW heat and cook for around 3 hours or, on HIGH heat for approximately 1 hour and a half. Stir occasionally until the bread is fully cooked through and the top turns brown.
- Serve your toast on a plate drizzle it with caramel sauce and enjoy this homemade Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast while it's still hot!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
