This Slow Cooker Banana Bread Pudding is a warm and cozy dessert that uses ripe bananas and bread. It’s soft, sweet, and infused with delicious spices. Yum!
You won’t believe how easy it is to make! Just mix everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax. I can’t resist a scoop with a dollop of whipped cream on top!
The best part? It fills your home with a lovely aroma. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and perfect for those chilly days when you want something comforting.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old bread: French bread or brioche work well due to their texture. If you don’t have either, any sturdy bread will do. Whole wheat or sourdough can be great alternatives for a different flavor!
Bananas: Make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor! Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash easily. If you’re out of bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be a nice stand-in to keep it moist.
Milk & Cream: Use whole milk for richness, but you can swap for almond or oat milk if you want a dairy-free version. If you want to lighten it up, just double the milk and skip the cream.
Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works here! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try coconut sugar—it brings a nice caramel flavor, too.
Walnuts or pecans: Chopped nuts are optional, but they add a great crunch! If nut allergies are a concern, skip them or replace with seeds like sunflower seeds for some texture without the nuts.
How Do I Ensure the Bread Absorbs the Mixture Well?
Getting the bread to soak up the wet ingredients is key to a delicious pudding. Here’s how to do it right: First, mix your wet ingredients thoroughly before adding the bread. This gives everything a good chance to combine.
- Gently fold in the cubed bread. Don’t be too rough; you want the pieces to stay somewhat intact.
- Make sure every cube is submerged in the mixture. You can let it sit for a few minutes to absorb more moisture.
This step makes sure you end up with a rich and creamy pudding rather than dry chunks of bread. Happy cooking!
How to Make Slow Cooker Banana Bread Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pudding:
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (such as French bread or brioche)
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans (optional, chopped)
For Serving:
- Ice cream or whipped cream
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to cook it in the slow cooker for about 3-4 hours. So, overall, you’ll be looking at 3 hours and 15 minutes to about 4 hours and 15 minutes. Perfect for a cozy day at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by greasing the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter. This will help the bread pudding not to stick and make for easier serving later on.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Then add in the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This is going to be the delicious base of your pudding!
3. Add the Bread:
Now it’s time to add the cubed bread. Gently fold the cubed bread into the banana mixture until all the pieces are nicely soaked. Be careful not to crush the bread too much; you want some texture in your pudding!
4. Mix in the Nuts:
If you’re using walnuts or pecans, fold them into the mixture now. This gives your pudding a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
5. Pour into the Slow Cooker:
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared slow cooker. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so that it cooks evenly.
6. Cook the Pudding:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for about 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pudding is set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Let It Rest:
Once it’s done cooking, turn off the slow cooker and let the pudding sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will help it set up a bit more, making it easier to serve.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dessert warm, topped with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle some caramel sauce on top and add sliced bananas for an extra special touch. Enjoy your delicious banana bread pudding!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread?
Using fresh bread is possible, but it may not yield the best results. Day-old bread absorbs the liquid better, giving the pudding a more cohesive texture. If you only have fresh bread, let it sit out uncovered for a few hours to dry out a bit before using it in the recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter version or don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with additional milk. Use 2 cups of milk in total instead of 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. The pudding may be a little less rich, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until warmed through, or cover and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated thoroughly. You can add a splash of milk to moisten it up if needed!
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like apples or berries for added flavor. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces. You can also adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the additional fruit.
