Crockpot Bananas Foster Cinnamon Roll Casserole Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters rather than leaving them whole. This allows the syrup to penetrate every piece and ensures even cooking.

If the rolls are too large, they may remain doughy in the center. Also, arrange the bananas in a single layer between the dough pieces so they caramelize rather than steam.

Resist the urge to stir the casserole during cooking. Stirring can break the rolls and turn the syrup cloudy. Instead, let the slow cooker work undisturbed.

If the top looks dry at the end, spoon some of the syrup from the bottom over the top before serving. The reserved icing is essential; it adds a sweet, tangy contrast to the rich syrup.

Variations

• Apple Cinnamon: Replace the bananas with 3 cups of peeled, sliced apples. Toss the apples with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and increase the cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons. Cook as directed; the apples will soften but hold their shape.
• Pecan Praline: Swap the walnuts for 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the sauce. Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
• Chocolate Banana: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top before cooking. The chocolate melts into the syrup for a dessert-like version. Omit the walnuts if desired.
• Spiced Rum: Use 1 tablespoon of spiced rum instead of the rum extract. Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the syrup. The alcohol will cook off, leaving a deeper flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The casserole will soften; reheat gently.

Freezer

Freeze the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Add a splash of cream if dry.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole will absorb some syrup and become softer, but it is still delicious. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

The casserole can be assembled the night before: layer the cinnamon rolls, bananas, and syrup in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate.

In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Add 15 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve this casserole warm, straight from the slow cooker. Spoon generous portions into shallow bowls, making sure to get some of the caramelized banana and syrup from the bottom.

Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold topping melting into the warm casserole is the signature experience.

For a brunch spread, pair the casserole with crispy bacon, fresh fruit, or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness. It also works as a dessert for a dinner party, served in small bowls with a dusting of powdered sugar. The casserole is rich, so a little goes a long way.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Bananas Foster Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Prep 15 minCook 2 hTotal 2 h 15 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp dark rum extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray. Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside for serving. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters.
2. Arrange half of the quartered cinnamon rolls in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with half of the sliced bananas. Repeat with the remaining cinnamon rolls and bananas.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, rum extract, heavy cream, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls and bananas. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 hours, until the cinnamon rolls are puffed and cooked through, the bananas are caramelized, and the syrup is bubbling around the edges. Do not lift the lid during the first 90 minutes.
5. Spoon the warm casserole into bowls. Drizzle with the reserved icing from the cinnamon roll cans, then top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Spoon extra warm caramel sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over the top.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

62 g

Fat

24 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.