Slow Cooker Banana Foster Pudding is a comforting dessert inspired by the flavors of the classic New Orleans favorite, but designed for easy home cooking. Instead of standing over a stove or working with open flames, this recipe gently transforms ripe bananas into a soft, caramel-like pudding right in the slow cooker. As the fruit cooks, it blends with butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, creating a rich, fragrant sauce and a spoonable texture that feels both nostalgic and effortless. It’s a simple way to turn everyday ingredients into something that feels special, perfect for relaxed weekends or casual family gatherings.
To begin, lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker to prevent sticking and make serving easier later. Slice four medium ripe bananas and lay them in an even layer along the bottom of the cooker. Bananas with small brown spots work best, as they’re naturally sweeter and soften beautifully as they cook. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of cinnamon until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This fragrant syrup will form the base of the pudding’s warm caramel flavor.
Once the caramel mixture is ready, gently pour it over the sliced bananas, making sure most of the fruit is coated. There’s no need to stir at this stage. As the slow cooker warms, the bananas will soften and release their natural sweetness, blending with the buttery sugar mixture to form a deep amber sauce. Cover the cooker and let everything simmer on low for three to four hours, or on high for two to two and a half hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the bananas are tender and the sauce has thickened into a glossy, spoonable consistency.
Before serving, give the pudding a gentle stir so the bananas and caramel come together evenly. Scoop it into small bowls and enjoy it warm, straight from the slow cooker. This dessert is lovely on its own, but it also pairs well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’d like something extra. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this slow cooker banana pudding delivers a cozy homemade treat that fills the kitchen with sweet aroma and brings everyone back for another spoonful.