The Coziest Slow Cooker Banana Bread Pudding Recipe for Fall

Tucking into a slice of mouthwatering slow cooker banana bread pudding feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting embrace.

Sweet ripe bananas meld perfectly with soft, custardy bread in this effortless dessert.

Kitchen magic happens when minimal ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Minimal prep work means you can assemble this treat in minutes.

Crockpots transform simple ingredients into decadent desserts without heating up your entire kitchen.

Soft, pillowy textures and rich caramel notes promise a dessert that satisfies every sweet craving.

Grab a spoon and let this homemade comfort come to life.

Perfect Pairings With Banana Bread Pudding

• Elevate Sweet Rum Pairing: Match this banana bread pudding with a smooth dark rum cocktail or aged rum neat, which complements the dessert's warm spices and rich banana flavors.
• Creamy Ice Cream Complement: Top the pudding with vanilla bean ice cream to enhance its creamy texture and provide a cool contrast against the warm, spiced pudding.
• Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Add a rich caramel sauce that amplifies the dessert's sweetness and creates a luxurious layer of flavor complexity, highlighting the banana and nutty undertones.
• Warm Beverage Match: Serve alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or cinnamon-spiced coffee, which echoes the pudding's warm spices and creates a comforting flavor harmony.

Storing Banana Bread Pudding The Easy Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and preserve freshness.
• Transfer cooled pudding to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop when warm throughout, typically 1-2 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pudding in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

Slow Cooker Banana Bread Pudding FAQs

• How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Very ripe or black-spotted bananas work best. These soft, sweet bananas provide more intense flavor and natural sweetness to the bread pudding.

• Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, you can use various bread types like brioche, challah, or day-old French bread. Stale bread actually works better because it absorbs the liquid more effectively without falling apart.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not naturally. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always check product labels carefully.

Why Banana Bread Pudding In The Slow Cooker Is So Cozy

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dessert: Create a warm, homey treat that wraps everyone in pure deliciousness, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with minimal effort.
• Stress-Free Cooking Method: Leverage the slow cooker to transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert without constant monitoring or complex techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the pudding by swapping nuts, adding chocolate chips, or experimenting with different bread types to match your family's taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Indulgence: Transform basic pantry staples like overripe bananas and day-old bread into a luxurious dessert that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience at home.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Banana Bread Pudding

Main Ingredients:

Bread Base: – Cubed Bread: Soft bread that will soak up the creamy banana mixture and create a delightful pudding texture.

Banana Components: – Ripe Bananas: Sweet and soft bananas that provide natural sweetness and moisture to the dessert.

Liquid Mixture: – Eggs, Milk, Heavy Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and smooth custard base for the pudding.

Sweetening Elements: – Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness to enhance the overall flavor of the dessert.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm and classic flavor that complements the banana and bread.

Spice and Seasoning Group: – Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt: Warm spices that add depth and balance to the sweet pudding.

Optional Texture Addition: – Walnuts, Pecans: Crunchy nuts that provide a contrasting texture and nutty flavor to the soft pudding.

Cooking Preparation: – Cooking Spray or Butter: Used to grease the slow cooker and prevent sticking.

Easy Steps To Make Banana Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Surface

Grab your slow cooker and create a non-stick surface by generously coating the interior with cooking spray or softened butter. This protective layer ensures your bread pudding will slide out smoothly without sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Banana Base

• Eggs
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes silky and perfectly blended.

Step 3: Incorporate Bread Cubes

Gently fold bread cubes into the banana mixture. Ensure each bread piece gets completely saturated while maintaining some delightful texture. Be gentle to prevent crushing the bread into mushy pieces.

Step 4: Enhance with Crunchy Nuts

Sprinkle in chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra layer of delicious crunch. Fold them carefully throughout the mixture to distribute evenly.

Step 5: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Pour the entire mixture into the prepared slow cooker. Use a spatula to spread the pudding evenly across the surface, creating a consistent depth for perfect cooking.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 3-4 hours until the pudding sets completely. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the pudding is ready.

Step 7: Allow Resting Period

After cooking, turn off the slow cooker and let the pudding rest for 10-15 minutes. This additional resting time helps the pudding firm up and makes serving easier.

Step 8: Serve with Delightful Toppings

• Vanilla ice cream scoop
• Whipped cream dollop
• Caramel sauce drizzle
• Fresh banana slices

Enjoy your comforting and decadent banana bread pudding right away!

Tips For Creamy Banana Bread Pudding Texture

• Prevent Bread Sogginess: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread cubes to maintain a better texture and prevent the pudding from becoming too mushy during slow cooking.
• Boost Banana Flavor: Select overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor, ensuring a more intense taste in your pudding.
• Control Moisture Perfectly: If the pudding seems too wet, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last 30 minutes of cooking to help excess moisture evaporate and achieve a perfect consistency.
• Enhance Nutritional Value: Swap half the bread with whole grain bread or add chia seeds to increase fiber content and create a more nutritious dessert option.
• Customize Texture Variation: Experiment with different bread types like brioche, challah, or cinnamon raisin bread to create unique flavor profiles and interesting textures in your banana bread pudding.

Fun Flavor Variations For Banana Bread Pudding

• Gluten-Free Banana Bread Pudding: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread or almond flour bread, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this comforting dessert.
• Vegan Banana Pudding Delight: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy, and replace cream with coconut cream for a plant-based version.
• Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding: Add cocoa powder to the wet ingredients and mix in chocolate chips for a rich, decadent chocolate-banana flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Banana Bread Pudding: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, and incorporate sugar-free dark chocolate chips for a healthier alternative.

Slow Cooker Banana Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet banana bread pudding elevates comfort desserts with rich caramel notes and creamy texture. Slow cooker magic turns simple ingredients into a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups bread, cubed (French bread or brioche)
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Serving Options:

• Ice cream or whipped cream
• Caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by thoroughly coating the interior with a light layer of non-stick spray or butter to prevent adhering and facilitate smooth serving.
2. Thoroughly mash ripe bananas in a spacious mixing bowl until completely smooth and uniform in texture.
3. Incorporate eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the mashed bananas. Whisk vigorously until the mixture achieves a consistent, creamy consistency.
4. Gently introduce cubed bread into the banana mixture, carefully folding to ensure each bread piece becomes saturated without destroying its structural integrity.
5. If utilizing walnuts or pecans, tenderly integrate them throughout the mixture, distributing evenly to enhance textural complexity and nutty flavor profile.
6. Transfer the entire concoction into the prepared slow cooker, using a spatula to create an even surface that guarantees uniform cooking.
7. Secure the lid and set the slow cooker to low temperature, allowing the pudding to simmer for 3-4 hours. Confirm doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
8. After cooking, deactivate the slow cooker and permit the pudding to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling further setting and enhanced structural stability.
9. Plate the warm dessert, optionally crowning with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or sliced fresh bananas for an elevated presentation.

Notes

• Swap bread types easily by using stale challah, brioche, or gluten-free bread for different textures and dietary needs.
• Reduce sugar by using ripe bananas’ natural sweetness and replacing brown sugar with monk fruit or stevia for a lower-calorie version.
• Prevent soggy pudding by using day-old bread that’s slightly dried out, which helps absorb the custard mixture without becoming mushy.
• Enhance flavor profiles by experimenting with spices like cardamom or adding a splash of rum for a more complex dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg