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Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Casserole with Vanilla Cream Drizzle

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 345

Ingredients
  

French toast base
  • 3 cups bread cubes stale brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half for richer custard
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
vanilla cream drizzle
  • 1 cup heavy cream cold
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Method
 

Soak the bread
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Add the bread cubes and gently press them down with a spatula until they absorb the liquid — don't over-mix or the bread will fall apart. Let this mixture rest for at least 20 minutes, or ideally overnight in the fridge, so the custard fully penetrates.
Cook the casserole
  1. Pour the soaked bread mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly into a single layer. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean. Do not stir during cooking, as this will break the custard structure.
Make the vanilla cream drizzle
  1. While the casserole is cooking, whisk the heavy cream, softened butter, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl until smooth and the butter is fully melted. Keep this drizzle refrigerated until serving so it stays thick enough to pour.
Serve
  1. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after cooking to firm up slightly. Spoon into bowls or serve directly from the slow cooker insert, drizzling generously with the cold vanilla cream right before each person eats so the contrast of warm custard and cool cream shines.

Notes

I always let the bread sit in the fridge overnight after soaking the eggs — it transforms the texture from soggy to custardy. If you're short on time, skip the overnight and just press the bread firmly with a spatula before adding to the slow cooker.