Use a 2-quart slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray (or use an inserted loaf pan and water bath as described in the Steel Cut Oatmeal recipe).

Put the toasted bread cubes into your cooker and add the diced apples. Toss the bread and apples with the melted butter. Sprinkle in the pecans, raisins, and brown sugar. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and pumpkin pie spice. Pour evenly over the top. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for about 2½ hours. Your bread pudding is finished cooking when it has browned on top and pulled away from the sides. The center should be set and not jiggly. Serve warm.