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Cozy Slow Cooker Pumpkin French Toast Casserole: Easy 6-Ingredient Recipe

cozy slow cooker pumpkin French toast casserole - featured image

This cozy slow cooker pumpkin French toast casserole is absurdly simple, uses just six main ingredients, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. It is the perfect breakfast for lazy weekends and holiday mornings, filling your house with the smell of autumn and your belly with genuine comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 1416 ounces, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk (or any milk you have on hand)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup (plus more for serving)
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, handful of golden raisins

Instructions

  1. Grease your slow cooker insert generously with nonstick spray or butter, including the sides.
  2. Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, toast cubes at 300ยฐF for 8-10 minutes to dry them out. Day-old bread can go straight into the bowl.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice until completely smooth and uniform.
  4. Add the bread cubes to the bowl with the custard mixture. Gently fold together with a spatula until every cube is coated. Let sit for 5 minutes so the bread can soak up the liquid.
  5. Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the greased slow cooker and spread into an even layer. If adding nuts or raisins, sprinkle them on top.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. The casserole is done when the center is set and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
  7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  8. Serve warm with extra maple syrup drizzled on top. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

Use day-old or toasted bread for best texture. Do not over-soak the bread; 5-10 minutes is plenty. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. For a dairy-free version, use oat milk or almond milk. For a gluten-free option, use sturdy gluten-free bread and reduce soaking time to 3-4 minutes. The casserole can be prepped the night before and stored in the refrigerator; add 15-20 minutes to cooking time if starting cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pumpkin French toast casserole, easy pumpkin French toast, 6-ingredient French toast, fall breakfast, pumpkin casserole, slow cooker breakfast