Looking for a comforting, fuss-free breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings or special occasions? This Slow Cooker Strawberry French Toast Casserole is the answer.
Slow Cooker Strawberry French Toast Casserole: The Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast
With the classic flavors of French toast and a delicious combination of sweet strawberries and vanilla, this easy breakfast is a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re prepping for a Mother’s Day brunch, holiday breakfast, or just need a quick solution for a busy weekday morning, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crockpot strawberry French toast casserole is one of those breakfast brunch recipes that feels fancy but requires minimal effort. It’s a make-ahead breakfast recipe, meaning you can prep it the night before and let the slow cooker work its magic while you enjoy your morning coffee. The result? A perfectly baked casserole that combines the flavors of traditional French toast with the sweetness of fresh strawberries.
Ingredients for the Perfect French Toast Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crockpot French toast casserole:
- Day-old bread or French bread, cubed – For the best texture, use slightly stale bread like brioche bread, challah bread, or even Texas toast. These varieties soak up the egg mixture beautifully without becoming soggy.
- Strawberry preserves – Adds sweetness and depth to the casserole.
- Fresh strawberries, diced – The highlight of this dish, these fresh sweet strawberries bring vibrant flavor.
- Milk – Opt for whole milk for richness, but you can substitute with your preferred variety.
- Eggs – Essential for the milk mixture that holds the casserole together.
- Vanilla extract – Use a high-quality pure vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor.
- Brown sugar – Adds a caramel-like sweetness that complements the strawberries.
For exact measurements, check the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Slow Cooker Strawberry French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Strawberries
Start by spraying your slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Layer bread cubes and fresh strawberries in the crockpot, alternating until all the ingredients are used.
Step 2: Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the strawberry preserves, milk, eggs, vanilla, and brown sugar. This milk mixture will soak into the bread, giving it a soft, custardy texture.
Step 3: Assemble and Refrigerate
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread mixture in the crockpot, ensuring every piece is coated. Cover the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to absorb all the liquid, ensuring a firmer texture once cooked.
Step 4: Cook the Casserole
The next morning, remove the crockpot from the fridge and set it in the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 4 hours or high heat for 2 hours. The casserole will puff up slightly and should be golden brown on the edges.
Serving Suggestions
The best part of this recipe is how customizable it is. Serve it warm with your favorite toppings like:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Dollops of creamy cheesecake or whipped cream
- Additional fresh strawberries or banana slices
- A scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert twist
This dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit and makes the highlight of any brunch spread.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker French Toast
- Use stale bread: Slightly dry bread, like challah bread or brioche bread, works best to prevent a soggy French toast texture.
- Chill overnight: Refrigerating the casserole before cooking allows the bread to soak up the milk mixture, ensuring an even bake.
- Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure the casserole stays soft and tender.
Why This Recipe Works
This French toast casserole recipe combines the classic flavors of French toast with the ease of a crock pot. The strawberry preserves and fresh sweet strawberries add natural sweetness, while the brown sugar brings a hint of caramelization. Using a slow cooker not only saves time but also ensures the casserole is evenly cooked and perfectly soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche bread and challah bread are ideal, you can also use Texas toast or any sturdy loaf of bread.
Can I substitute the strawberries?
Yes! This recipe works well with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this in a baking dish instead. Follow the same steps, but bake in the oven at 350°F for about 40-50 minutes.
Slow Cooker Strawberry French Toast Casserole
This overnight crockpot strawberry french toast casserole recipe is a super easy, make-ahead breakfast recipe that's fancy enough for brunch too! Breakfast doesn't get easier or more delicious when this slow cooker french toast casserole is on the menu.
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread or French Bread cubed
- ¼ Cup Strawberry Preserves
- 2 cups strawberries diced
- 6 eggs Large
- 2 Cups Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Strawberries
Start by spraying your slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Layer bread cubes and fresh strawberries in the crockpot, alternating until all the ingredients are used.
Step 2: Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the strawberry preserves, milk, eggs, vanilla, and brown sugar. This milk mixture will soak into the bread, giving it a soft, custardy texture.
Step 3: Assemble and Refrigerate
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread mixture in the crockpot, ensuring every piece is coated. Cover the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to absorb all the liquid, ensuring a firmer texture once cooked.
Step 4: Cook the Casserole
The next morning, remove the crockpot from the fridge and set it in the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 4 hours or high heat for 2 hours. The casserole will puff up slightly and should be golden brown on the edges.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
The best part of this recipe is how customizable it is. Serve it warm with your favorite toppings like:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Dollops of creamy cheesecake or whipped cream
- Additional fresh strawberries or banana slices
- A scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert twist
This dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit and makes the highlight of any brunch spread.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker French Toast
- Use stale bread: Slightly dry bread, like challah bread or brioche bread, works best to prevent a soggy French toast texture.
- Chill overnight: Refrigerating the casserole before cooking allows the bread to soak up the milk mixture, ensuring an even bake.
- Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure the casserole stays soft and tender.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave or oven. This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for a holiday breakfast or meal prep for busy mornings.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 251Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 144mgSodium 282mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 2gSugar 18gProtein 11g
Nutrition may vary depending on the products used.
This Slow Cooker Strawberry French Toast Casserole is a versatile, make-ahead breakfast recipe that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare. With its delicious combination of sweet strawberries, soft bread, and warm vanilla, it’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual morning meal to a special breakfast.
If you’re looking for easy cheap breakfast ideas or something to wow your guests at your next holiday brunch, this recipe will make you the most popular person at the table. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comment section below!
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Brittany Gilley
this would be great for easter morning!
Beyond Comps
This is unusual but looks delicious.
Alissa
Ever cook it on low overnight for 8 hours?
Mary
I haven't but I don't see why you couldn't. I did it on high because I was in a hurry, lol.