Slow Cooker Banana Nut French Toast

Wake up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked French toast with a twist in this Slow Cooker Banana Nut French Toast Casserole. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the crunch of chopped walnuts, this breakfast delight is sure to become a family favorite. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can effortlessly prepare this comforting dish the night before and wake up to a warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions. Let’s dive into the recipe and indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat!

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 3 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• Additional walnuts and banana slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread: Arrange the French bread cubes in the slow cooker insert in an even layer.
2. Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in the slow cooker. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard.
4. Add Bananas and Walnuts: Scatter the sliced bananas and chopped walnuts over the top of the bread mixture in the slow cooker.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the French toast casserole on low for 3-4 hours, or until the custard is set and the edges are golden brown.
6. Serve: Once cooked, remove the slow cooker insert from the heat and let the casserole cool slightly. Garnish with additional walnuts and banana slices if desired, and serve warm.

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the French toast casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply place the insert into the slow cooker in the morning and cook as directed.
• Serve with Maple Syrup: Drizzle maple syrup over individual servings for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Substitute Nuts: Feel free to use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use stale bread for this recipe? A: Yes, using slightly stale bread is ideal for French toast as it absorbs the custard mixture better. If your bread is fresh, you can cut it into cubes and let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly before using it in the recipe.

Q: Can I use a different type of milk? A: Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk or soy milk, in place of whole milk for a dairy-free option.

Q: Can I add other fruits to the casserole? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add berries, sliced peaches, or diced apples along with the bananas for added flavor and texture.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version: For a keto-friendly version of this French toast casserole, substitute the French bread with a low-carb bread alternative such as almond flour bread or coconut flour bread. Use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar, and replace the whole milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.

Low-Carb Version: To reduce the carb content, use a smaller amount of banana and walnuts in the casserole. You can also omit the granulated sugar or use a sugar substitute, and replace the whole milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.

Indulge in the rich flavors and comforting warmth of Slow Cooker Banana Nut French Toast Casserole, a breakfast dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether enjoyed on a leisurely weekend morning or as a special treat for brunch, this casserole is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its simple preparation and decadent flavor, it’s the perfect way to start your day on a sweet and satisfying note.

Experience the rich flavors and comforting warmth of Slow Cooker Banana Nut French Toast Casserole, a breakfast dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Customize it with your favorite toppings and variations, and enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade breakfast treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.