Description
Ever wanted to wake up to a warm, indulgent breakfast that’s ready to serve? Raspberry Coconut French Toast Slow-Cooker Style is the perfect recipe! This delightful dish combines fluffy French bread, creamy coconut milk, tangy raspberry jam, and rich cream cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
This recipe serves 8-10 and uses simple ingredients for a rich, flavorful French toast casserole. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:
- For the French Toast:
- 6 large eggs
- 1-1/2 cups refrigerated sweetened coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cubed
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
- 2/3 cup seedless raspberry jam
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- For Serving:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh raspberries
- Toasted sweetened shredded coconut
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Eggs: Create a custardy base that binds the bread and adds richness.
- Coconut Milk: Adds a sweet, tropical flavor and creamy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
- French Bread: Absorbs the egg mixture, creating a soft, fluffy texture.
- Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy pockets for a decadent touch.
- Raspberry Jam: Brings bright, fruity sweetness to balance the richness.
- Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and reinforces the coconut flavor.
- Toppings: Whipped cream, fresh raspberries, and toasted coconut elevate the dish with freshness and crunch.
Substitutions and Variations
- Coconut Milk: Swap with regular milk, almond milk, or canned coconut milk (dilute canned with water to mimic refrigerated).
- French Bread: Use brioche, challah, or gluten-free bread.
- Cream Cheese: Replace with mascarpone, ricotta, or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Raspberry Jam: Substitute with strawberry, blueberry, or mixed berry jam.
- Shredded Coconut: Omit or use unsweetened coconut for less sweetness.
- Eggs: Use egg substitute or flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) for vegan (pair with dairy-free alternatives).
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and check jam and coconut for additives.
- Lower Sugar: Use sugar-free jam and unsweetened coconut milk; reduce jam to 1/2 cup.
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/4 cup chopped almonds or pecans with the coconut.
- Chocolate Boost: Swirl in 1/4 cup chocolate chips with the jam.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Cube 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread into 1-inch pieces.
- Cube 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese into small chunks.
- Measure 1-1/2 cups refrigerated sweetened coconut milk, 2/3 cup seedless raspberry jam, and 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut.
- Grease a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.
- Prepare toppings: set out whipped cream, fresh raspberries, and toast extra sweetened shredded coconut (bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until golden).
Tip: Slightly stale bread works best, as it soaks up the egg mixture without getting soggy.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk 6 large eggs, 1-1/2 cups refrigerated sweetened coconut milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully blended.
Tip: Whisk thoroughly to ensure a smooth, even custard.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Layer Bread: Place half of the cubed French bread in the greased 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add Fillings: Scatter half of the cubed cream cheese, 1/3 cup raspberry jam (in small dollops), and 1/4 cup shredded coconut over the bread.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Pour half of the egg mixture over the layers.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining bread, cream cheese, 1/3 cup raspberry jam, 1/4 cup shredded coconut, and the rest of the egg mixture.
Tip: Distribute jam and cream cheese evenly to ensure every bite has flavor.
Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight
- Cover the slow cooker insert (or transfer to a covered dish if your slow cooker isn’t removable) and refrigerate overnight, 8-12 hours, to let the bread soak up the egg mixture.
Tip: Press the bread lightly to ensure it’s submerged in the egg mixture.
Step 5: Cook
- Place the insert in the slow cooker (if removed) and cook, covered, on Low for 2.75-3.25 hours, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is set but still moist.
Tip: Check at 2.5 hours; some slow cookers may cook faster. Avoid overcooking to keep it custardy.
Step 6: Serve
- Scoop or cut the French toast into portions and serve warm. Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh raspberries, and a sprinkle of toasted sweetened shredded coconut.