Slow Cooker Banana French Toast

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the comforting aroma of warm bananas, cinnamon, and sweet bread. With this Slow Cooker Banana French Toast recipe, you can achieve that perfect morning bliss with minimal effort. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare an indulgent breakfast that will be a hit with the entire family. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a special holiday brunch, this banana French toast is a delicious way to start the day.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cook’s Notes and Tips
• Variations
• Keto and Low-Carb Versions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Maple syrup and powdered sugar, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Grease the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or butter. Place the cubed bread and sliced bananas into the slow cooker, mixing them evenly.
2. Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Pour Over Bread: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and bananas in the slow cooker. Gently press the bread cubes down to ensure they absorb the custard mixture evenly.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the custard is set and the bread is golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
5. Serve: Once done, serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also add extra sliced bananas or fresh berries for garnish.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

• Bread Choices: Day-old brioche or challah bread works best for this recipe because of their rich texture and ability to absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
• Ripeness of Bananas: Make sure to use ripe bananas for this recipe, as they provide the best sweetness and flavor.
• Timing: If you want this for breakfast, you can prepare it the night before and set it to cook in the early morning. Alternatively, you could cook it overnight using a slow cooker with a timer feature.

Variations

• Chocolate Banana French Toast: Add a half cup of chocolate chips to the bread and banana mixture for a delightful chocolate twist.
• Caramelized Pecan Topping: Before serving, top the French toast with caramelized pecans for a nutty crunch.
• Berry Mix: Add a mix of fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, for an extra burst of flavor.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

To make a keto-friendly and low-carb version of this Slow Cooker Banana French Toast, consider the following modifications:

• Bread Substitute: Use a keto-friendly bread made with almond flour or coconut flour.
• Sugar Substitute: Replace the brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
• Milk Options: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream to reduce carbs.
• Banana Substitute: Bananas are high in carbs, so use banana extract for flavoring instead, and substitute sliced berries like strawberries for a fruity touch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Recipe the Night Before?

Yes, you can prepare everything the night before, cover the slow cooker insert, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, place the insert into the slow cooker base and set it to cook.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftover banana French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

Yes, you can freeze leftover French toast for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap individual servings in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Can I Use as a Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half or simply increase the amount of whole milk. Keep in mind that this may make the French toast slightly less rich.

Can I Add Extra Toppings?

Absolutely! This French toast goes well with a variety of toppings, including fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Banana French Toast is a wonderfully comforting breakfast that brings a sense of warmth and sweetness to your morning. It’s easy to prepare, thanks to the slow cooker, and the combination of rich custard, tender bread, and bananas is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you stick to the original recipe, make a keto-friendly version, or add your favorite toppings, this French toast will become a go-to dish for your special breakfasts and brunches. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the simple preparation—your family will thank you for it!

Happy Cooking!