Skip to content
Oh, you’re in for a treat! Slow Cooker Banana Pecan French Toast is the ultimate lazy-day (or brunch-party) breakfast—creamy, caramelized, and packed with cozy flavors, all with minimal effort. Imagine cinnamon-spiced bananas, crunchy pecans, and custardy bread pudding vibes… but it cooks itself while you sip coffee. ☕🍌
Why This Recipe Rocks
✔ Hands-off cooking – Just layer, pour, and let the slow cooker work.
✔ Caramelized banana magic – They soften into a jammy, sweet swirl.
✔ Perfect for a crowd – No last-minute flipping slices on the stove!
✔ Make-ahead friendly – Assemble the night before for overnight French toast.
Slow Cooker Banana Pecan French Toast
*(Serves 6-8)*
Ingredients:
-
1 loaf challah, brioche, or thick French bread (stale = better!), cubed (~10 cups)
-
4 ripe bananas, sliced (extra ripe = sweeter!)
-
½ cup chopped pecans (toasted = next-level flavor)
-
6 eggs
-
2 cups milk (or half-and-half for richness)
-
¼ cup maple syrup + extra for serving
-
2 tsp vanilla extract
-
1½ tsp cinnamon
-
½ tsp nutmeg
-
¼ tsp salt
-
Optional toppings: whipped cream, extra pecans, powdered sugar.
Instructions:
-
Prep slow cooker – Grease the insert with butter or spray.
-
Layer bread & bananas – Alternate layers of bread cubes, banana slices, and pecans.
-
Make custard – Whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour evenly over bread. Press down gently to soak.
-
Cook – Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours (or HIGH for 2, but LOW is creamier). It’s done when the center is set (no liquidy egg).
-
Serve – Scoop into bowls, drizzle with maple syrup, and add toppings!
Pro Tips:
🔹 Bread note: Stale bread absorbs custard better. Fresh? Toast cubes lightly first.
🔹 Overnight option: Assemble the night before (keep in fridge), then cook in the morning.
🔹 Texture hack: For a crisper top, broil in the oven for 2-3 mins after slow cooking.
🔹 Variations: Swap pecans for walnuts, add chocolate chips, or swirl in peanut butter!
The Genius Behind Slow Cooker French Toast
Unlike stovetop versions, this method turns the bread meltingly tender, almost like a bread pudding–meets–French toast hybrid. The bananas caramelize into the custard, and the pecans add a buttery crunch. It’s impossible to resist straight from the crock!
Want to make it vegan? Use plant-based milk, flax eggs, and vegan bread—I can tweak it for you! 😊
Serve this at your next brunch, and watch it disappear! 🎉
