Go Back
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 large eggs - 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk) - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended), peeled, cored, and diced - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg The main ingredients are key to the flavor. The brioche or challah bread gives a rich taste. Eggs and milk create a custard-like base. Apples add sweetness and texture. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth. - 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped - Powdered sugar for dusting Optional ingredients can enhance the dish. Nuts add crunch and richness. A sprinkle of powdered sugar gives a sweet finish and makes it look pretty. - Slow cooker - Mixing bowls and measuring cups - Spatula or wooden spoon A slow cooker is essential for this recipe. It allows for slow cooking, which makes everything tender and flavorful. Mixing bowls help combine ingredients easily. A spatula or wooden spoon is perfect for folding in the bread. - In a large bowl, crack 3 eggs. - Whisk in 2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Mix until smooth. - Cut your loaf of brioche or challah bread into 1-inch cubes. - Gently fold the bread cubes into the egg mixture. Make sure each piece is coated. - Start by greasing the slow cooker with cooking spray or butter. - Place half of the soaked bread mixture in the slow cooker. - Next, add half of the diced apples mixed with 1/4 cup brown sugar. - If you like nuts, sprinkle half of the chopped walnuts or pecans on top. - Repeat this layering with the rest of the bread, apples, and nuts. - Secure the lid on the slow cooker. - Set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. - The French toast bake is done when it sets and the apples feel tender. - After cooking, turn off the slow cooker. - Let the bake rest for about 10 minutes before serving. - Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch, if you like. Best bread options for texture For the best texture, use brioche or challah bread. These breads are soft and slightly sweet. Their richness gives the bake a lovely taste. You can also use stale bread, as it absorbs the egg mixture better. Choosing the right apples Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work best. They are sweet and hold their shape well during cooking. You can also mix in tart apples like Granny Smith for a flavor boost. Just remember to peel and core them first! Ideal accompaniments Serve this dish warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of extra maple syrup adds a nice touch too. You can also sprinkle some extra nuts or a dash of cinnamon on top for added flavor. Ways to present the dish For a beautiful presentation, cut the bake into squares. Place each square on a plate and dust with powdered sugar. Add fresh apple slices or a small sprig of mint for a pop of color! Over-soaking the bread Be careful not to soak the bread too long. If you do, it may turn mushy. Just mix until the bread is coated, then layer it in the slow cooker. Incorrect slow cooker settings Be sure to set the slow cooker correctly. Cooking on low for 4-5 hours gives the best results. If you use high, keep an eye on it. It can cook faster than you think! {{image_4}} You can change the flavors in your Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake. Try adding different fruits like berries or bananas. These fruits will bring a new taste and color. You can also mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. The chips melt and create pockets of rich chocolate in every bite. If you want dairy-free options, use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. This keeps the dish creamy while being friendly to those who avoid dairy. For gluten-free eaters, you can swap regular bread for gluten-free bread. Make sure to choose a bread that has a good texture for the best outcome. Seasonal flavors can make this dish even more special. In fall, add pumpkin puree and pecans to bring a warm taste. The pumpkin makes the bake moist and tasty. For the holidays, consider adding eggnog flavoring for a festive twist. This gives your French toast bake a cozy, holiday vibe that everyone will love. To keep your Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake fresh, store it properly. First, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. This will keep it from drying out in the fridge. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Cut the bake into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy it later. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When it’s time to reheat, you want to keep the texture nice. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the portions on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. If you use a microwave, be careful. Heat on lower power settings to avoid sogginess. Place a paper towel over the dish. This will help absorb excess moisture. Check it every minute until it’s warm. You can save time by preparing some parts in advance. Mix the egg and milk mixture the night before. Store it in the fridge. You can even chop the apples ahead of time. Just toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning. On busy mornings, assemble the bake the night before. Layer the bread and apple mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and set it in the fridge. In the morning, set the slow cooker to cook. You’ll wake up to a warm, delicious breakfast ready to enjoy! You can tell the French toast bake is done when it looks firm and set. The apples should be soft, and the top should have a nice golden color. If you insert a knife, it should come out clean. These signs mean you can enjoy your tasty dish! Yes, you can prepare this recipe overnight. Mix the egg and milk mixture, and soak the bread as usual. After that, layer the bread and apples in the slow cooker. Cover it and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just set it to cook. It’s a great way to save time! If you want a vegan version, use flaxseed meal or chia seeds as egg substitutes. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This mix works well in many recipes, including this one! Absolutely! Stale bread is perfect for this bake. It absorbs the egg mixture better than fresh bread. Day-old bread keeps its shape and gives a great texture. Using stale bread helps create a more delicious and satisfying dish. This article covered how to make a delicious slow cooker French toast bake. We discussed the main and optional ingredients you can use. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. Tips helped you avoid mistakes and try different flavors. Think of this dish as a great way to start your day or impress guests. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy a warm, tasty treat any time!

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake

Indulge in a delicious breakfast with this Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake! This easy recipe combines brioche or challah bread, tender apples, and warm spices, creating a cozy dish perfect for any morning. Just layer your ingredients in the slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen! Click through to explore the full recipe, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful breakfast!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 large eggs

2 cups milk (you can use dairy or any non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk)

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended), peeled, cored, and diced into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped (optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with the milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

    Carefully add the cubed bread to the egg mixture, gently folding it in with a spatula or wooden spoon until all the bread pieces are thoroughly coated with the liquid.

      In another bowl, combine the chopped apples with brown sugar and a pinch of ground cinnamon, tossing them until the apples are evenly covered.

        Prepare your slow cooker by greasing its inner surface with cooking spray or a pat of butter to prevent sticking.

          Begin layering by placing half of the soaked bread mixture evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Follow this with half of the apple mixture, then sprinkle half of the chopped nuts (if using) over the apples.

            Repeat the layering process with the remaining bread mixture, followed by the rest of the apples, and finish with the remaining nuts.

              Secure the lid on the slow cooker, setting it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The bake is ready when it has set and the apples are tender.

                Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the slow cooker and let the French toast bake rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

                  For an extra touch, serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top, if desired.

                    Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 6-8

                      - Serving Suggestion: Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for delightful indulgence!