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947

Slow-Cooker Caramel Apple French Toast

Prep 35 min
Total 3 hr 5 min
Servings 8

Put leftover French or challah bread to good use with this decadent French toast layered with apples, brown sugar, pecans and butter—lots of butter. Pass the syrup, whipped cream and berries, please! ...MORE+ LESS-

Ingredients

French Toast

cups cubed (3/4-inch) French or challah bread

eggs

cups (1 pint) half-and-half

1/2

cup milk

1/3

cup packed light brown sugar

1 1/2

teaspoons vanilla

1/2

teaspoon ground cinnamon

Apple-Pecan Filling

tablespoons butter, softened

apples, peeled and coarsely chopped (3/4-inch pieces)

cup packed light brown sugar

teaspoon ground cinnamon

cup coarsely chopped pecans

Topping

Powdered Sugar, Maple syrup or salted caramel topping, if desired

Steps

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1

Heat oven to 300°F. On large cookie sheet, spread bread cubes. Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until dry.
2

Line sides of 4- to 5-quart slow cooker with foil that has been folded into thirds; spray with cooking spray. (See tip.)
3

In large bowl, beat remaining French Toast ingredients. Fold in bread cubes to coat. Let stand 15 minutes, folding occasionally.
4

In 8-inch skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add apples; cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, in small bowl, stir together remaining 6 tablespoons butter and remaining Apple-Pecan Filling ingredients until crumbly.
5

Spoon half of bread mixture (about 4 cups) into slow cooker. Top with half of the apples. Sprinkle with half of the brown sugar mixture. Repeat layers.
6

Cover; cook 2 1/2 to 3 hours on Low heat setting or until temperature reaches 160°F and center is set.
7

Remove foil before serving by loosening edges with table knife. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with syrup.

Expert Tips

A foil liner for your slow cooker is used to create a barrier between the hot sides of the slow cooker and the food to prevent over-browning and over-cooking. To make a foil liner, fold a 16-inch long piece of foil lengthwise into thirds creating a 16x4-inch band. Place around inside of slow cooker and spray with cooking spray. Once the food is added to the slow cooker, it will help hold the foil band in place.
Wondering which apples are best? Top choices are slightly tart and include Granny Smith, Braeburn, Cortland, Northern Spy and Rome Beauty.
Slow cookers vary. An oval slow cooker works well for this recipe. Keep an eye on your French toast so it doesn't get overdone. The foil will help it from browning too quickly.