This Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast is rich, buttery, and full of warm cinnamon flavors! Made with challah, pecans, and caramel, it’s the ultimate cozy breakfast.
You know those mornings when you wake up and just know you need something warm, sweet, and downright comforting? That was me last winter. It was one of those bone-chilling mornings when crawling out from under the blankets felt like a personal betrayal. Coffee alone wasn’t gonna cut it—I needed something warm, rich, and dripping with caramel.
Enter this Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast—aka the recipe that saved my morning. I had a loaf of slightly stale challah, some leftover pecans from holiday baking, and a slow cooker begging to do the work while I stayed wrapped in a blanket. A few hours later, my kitchen smelled like a mix of a bakery, a cinnamon roll shop, and a cozy café all in one. And the taste? Pure magic.
Since then, this recipe has been my go-to brunch dish when I want something fancy with zero effort. Whether it’s Christmas morning, a lazy Sunday, or just a random Tuesday when life calls for an upgrade, this slow cooker French toast delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast Recipe?
- Hands-off & stress-free – Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Thick, soft, custardy texture – Like bread pudding, but better.
- Pecan caramel crunch – Because French toast deserves a little extra drama.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd – No flipping required. Just scoop and serve.
- Make-ahead friendly – Assemble the night before and cook in the morning.
Ingredient Notes:
If you’re thinking, is this just regular French toast?—let me stop you right there. This version is a game changer.
- Challah Bread – The secret to that perfectly soft, custardy center. Brioche works too!
- Half-and-Half – A mix of milk and cream for extra richness. Whole milk works, but it won’t be as velvety.
- Brown Sugar & Butter – Caramel-like sweetness that turns the pecans into candied little gems.
- Vanilla, Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Cozy, warm, must-have flavors.
- Pecans – For that perfect crunch on top. You could swap for walnuts, but pecans hit different.
- Caramel Sauce – Because why wouldn’t we drizzle it with caramel?!
How To Make Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast?
Step 1: Make the Pecan Topping
Blend butter, brown sugar, and pecans in a food processor until crumbly. This will create that golden, crunchy, caramelized topping we all love.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together half-and-half, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. This infuses every bite with sweet, spiced flavor.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Tear the challah bread into pieces and fully coat them in the custard. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate overnight—trust me, it makes the flavors even better.
Step 4: Assemble the Slow Cooker
Grease the slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray. Add the soaked bread, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar pecan topping over everything.
Step 5: Let the Slow Cooker Do the Work
Want To Save This Recipe?
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours or HIGH for 1.5 hours until golden, soft, and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve with Caramel Drizzle
Scoop it onto plates, drizzle with warm caramel sauce, and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Top with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 30 seconds, or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Pro Tip: If reheating from frozen, add a splash of milk to keep it soft!
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix it up? Try these fun twists:
- Chocolate Pecan French Toast – Stir in chocolate chips for melty goodness.
- Maple Walnut Version – Swap pecans for walnuts and drizzle with maple syrup instead of caramel.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist – Add pumpkin puree and extra cinnamon for a fall-inspired version.
- Bourbon Caramel Edition – Stir in a splash of bourbon for a boozy brunch upgrade.
What to Serve with Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast?
Pair this beauty with:
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage – Because sweet + salty = perfection.
- Fresh Berries – Bright, tart contrast.
- Mimosas or Coffee – Brunch essentials.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream – For the ultimate dessert-for-breakfast vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep everything the night before, refrigerate, and cook in the morning.
What’s the best bread to use?
Challah, brioche, or French bread work best—anything that soaks up custard without turning to mush.
Can I use regular milk instead of half-and-half?
You can, but half-and-half makes it creamier and richer. Whole milk is the next best option.
Will This Be Your New Go-To Brunch?
If you love warm, gooey, caramel-drizzled breakfasts that practically make themselves, this Caramel Pecan Slow Cooker French Toast is the one.
It’s lazy brunch perfection—rich, buttery, and packed with sweet, nutty goodness. Whether it’s a holiday morning, a cozy weekend, or just a random Tuesday when you need something special, this recipe delivers every time.
So, what do you think? Will this be your new brunch favorite? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turns out!
<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!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
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!
