Slow Cooker Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers
A warm, comforting slow cooker banana pudding layered with fresh bananas and vanilla wafers, perfect for a hands-off dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 165 minutes layers (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 medium, sliced bananas
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafers
- 1 cup for garnish whipped topping
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix and 3 cups cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk and 1 cup sour cream until smooth.
- Step 3: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert; layer half of 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafers on the bottom.
- Step 4: Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the wafers, then layer 2 sliced medium bananas on top.
- Step 5: Repeat layering with remaining wafers, pudding mixture, and bananas.
- Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours until the pudding is set and warmed through, stirring gently halfway through.
- Step 7: Before serving, top with 1 cup whipped topping and chill for 30 minutes if desired to firm up.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers take to make?
Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
