Slow Cooker Blackberry Fancy

Don't let the name fool you. A Slow Cooker Blackberry Fancy tastes a whole lot fancier than it actually looks. But looks aren't everything!

*Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2014. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.

As a food blogger, it's not always easy to get attractive pictures of foods that really don't want to cooperate with the camera. This Slow Cooker Blackberry Fancy is certainly one of those stubborn foods, but that didn't detour me from wanting to share this delicious recipe with you.

As we all know, slow cooker dishes are quite popular these days and this one does triple duty because it can be served as a breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Layers of cubed French bread, blackberries, and cream cheese nestle together in the cooker. Then a mixture of eggs, milk, and spices gets poured over the top and cook on high for 2-3 hours until the eggs are almost set. Next, simple syrup is poured over the ingredients, gently stirred, and allowed to finish cooking for an additional hour to absorb the syrup.

The result is a creamy, bread pudding-like dessert that has a sweetness from the simple syrup and a slight tart and freshness from the blackberries. It may not be the fanciest thing you'll ever serve, but it will make a lasting impression on your taste buds. 🙂

Here are a few of the step-by-step photos so you can see the process of putting this Slow Cooker Blackberry Fancy together. The recipe follows.

Use a serrated knife to cut the French bread and an 8-ounce block of cream cheese into cubes.

Layer ⅓ of the bread, cream cheese, and blackberries in the slow cooker. Repeat two more layers. Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layers in the cooker.

Cover and cook for 2-3 hours. Pour the hot simple syrup over the contents in the cooker and stir well to combine. Uncover and cook for an additional hour. Serve warm with maple syrup if desired.

SLOW COOKER BLACKBERRY FANCY     {PRINT THIS RECIPE}
Serves:   10-12       Prep Time: 10-15 minutes     Cook Time: 4 hours

1 loaf of Italian bread, cut into cubes
2 pints blackberries
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
7 eggs
1 ½ cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch salt
For the simple syrup:
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
maple syrup for serving (if desired).

-Layer ⅓ of the bread cubes, cream cheese, and blackberries in the cooker. Repeat the same process for 2 more layers, making 3 layers total.
-In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the contents of the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours.
-In a medium saucepan over medium heat, dissolve the sugar completely in the water until boiling.
-Pour the boiling water over the contents of the cooker and gently stir to combine.
-Continue cooking on high, uncovered for 1 additional hour or until the simple syrup is completely absorbed.
-Spoon the Blackberry Fancy into bowls and serve hot with maple syrup if desired.

If you're looking for more berry delicious recipes, how about this one for

Mixed Berry and Almond Oatmeal Coffeecake:

Blueberry Peach Pancakes:

Blackberry, Blueberry, and Mint Beauty Water:

Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle: