Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your home, a delightful promise of a cozy breakfast that practically makes itself! Our Healthy Crock Pot Pumpkin French Toast is not just a dish; it’s an experience that transforms your mornings into a festive feast. With just 15 minutes of prep time and the magic of your slow cooker, you can indulge in this creamy, custardy delight that serves up to 8 people. Perfect for family gatherings or a special brunch, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Dive into the comforting flavors of fall and discover how easy it is to create a breakfast masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf whole grain bread, cubed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the bread by cutting the whole grain loaf into 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubes evenly in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring they are loosely arranged to allow for proper soaking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Ensure all spices are fully incorporated with no lumps.
- Pour the pumpkin-egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the slow cooker. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid, making sure all pieces are moistened.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, or until the French toast is set and has a soft, pudding-like texture in the center but is slightly crispy on the edges.
- About halfway through cooking, gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb more of the liquid and ensure even cooking.
- Once cooking is complete, turn off the slow cooker and let the French toast rest for 10-15 minutes to help it set and make serving easier.
- Serve warm, optionally garnishing with additional cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a hearty whole grain bread to hold up against the custard mixture. A day or two old bread works best as it absorbs the liquid without becoming too mushy.
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control the sweetness and spices in your dish.
- Mix Thoroughly: When combining the pumpkin mixture, whisk until smooth to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the custard.
- Layering is Key: Spread the bread cubes loosely in the slow cooker to allow for even soaking. Press down gently after pouring the custard to ensure all pieces are moistened.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Slow cookers can vary in temperature. Check for doneness around the 5-hour mark to avoid overcooking; the center should be set but still soft.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Elevate your French toast by garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a handful of chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast fix!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
