Slow Cooker Banana Jam


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This slow cooker banana jam is a delicious, easy way to make your own homemade jam. It’s made with just five ingredients, it’s easy to whip up this sweet and flavorful jam.

close up of banana jam in slow cooker
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Banana jam is a rich, flavorful spread that’s perfect when you want to do something a little different with ripe bananas. It tastes like bananas foster, with a deep, caramelized sweetness and warm hints of vanilla and spice. This jam is quick to make, great for gifting, and delicious on toast, waffles, or even spooned over ice cream. If you’re looking for a cozy homemade treat that’s both unique and versatile, banana jam is a must-try.

Banana Jam Ingredients

Just pure ingredients go into this homemade jam. Find the full recipe in the recipe card below the images.

bananas, sugar, lemon and vanilla on table
  • Bananas – These should be slightly green, not brown and overripe.
  • Vanilla – Pure vanilla extract works best.
  • Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed. DO NOT USE BOTTLED LEMON JUICE.
  • White and Brown sugar – The brown sugar gives the jam a caramelized flavor.

How to make Banana Jam

Here is how I make this jam in the crockpot:

Step One: Peel and mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth—use a potato masher or fork to get the job done.

Step Two: Mix in the brown sugar, white sugar, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla. Stir well until everything is fully combined and smooth.

Step Three: Pour the mixture into your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how deep you want the flavor. Stir, then let it cool before storing—your jam will thicken as it chills.

Can I substitute a different sweetener?

I prefer using white and brown because it makes the banana jam taste more like traditional American jelly. If you choose another sweetener, add it slowly and taste before cooking.

  • Maple syrup will make the banana flavor a little stronger and give you an earthier tone to your jam while making it sweeter at the same time. 
  • Honey is great if you’re looking for something that tastes less sugary but still has that uniquely sweet quality of bananas while being lower in calories than other options with comparable sweetness levels. 
  • Stevia works well too to lower the sugar content if you’re looking for a keto-friendly or diabetic option.
banana jam done cooking in slow cooker with wooden spoon in it

Is banana jam supposed to be thick?

Bananas are naturally high in pectin, which helps the jam set, but banana jam won’t be as thick as traditional fruit jams. For the best texture, use slightly green or just-ripe bananas—overripe ones can make the jam too thin. Keep in mind that the mixture will thicken more as it cools.

    2 jars of banana jam with english muffin on the side

    Ways to Enjoy

    Here is how we love to enjoy this jam:

    Spread on a biscuit topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. 

    Spoon over ice cream for an indulgent sundae. 

    Mix a teaspoon into a warm bowl of oatmeal or onto banana bread.

    Add it to your peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Or even make an Elvis Sandwich with this jam!

    A toasted English muffin with peanut butter and a bit of this jam makes a great snack or breakfast.

    close up of banana jam in slow cooker with wooden spoon in it.

    Slow Cooker Banana Jam

    5 from 4 votes
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
    Servings: 12
    Banana jam is made with firm, ripe bananas, sugar, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla, creating a smooth, caramel-flavored spread that’s perfect for toast or dessert.

    How to Video

    Ingredients 
     

    • 4 large bananas, (Slightly green bananas. Do no use overripe brown bananas for it will make your jam thin)
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 1 cup white sugar
    • 1 tsp. vanilla
    • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, (Freshly squeezed. DO NOT USE BOTTLED LEMON JUICE)

    Instructions 

    • Add the peeled bananas into a large bowl. Using a potato masher, mash the bananas very well. If you do not have a potato masher, use a fork to mash the bananas.
    • Add the white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and lemon juice.
    • Stir until blended.
    • Add this banana mixture to the slow cooker.
    • Cook on HIGH for 1.5 hours. You can cook this for 2 hours on high if you want a darker jam.
    • Stir and serve hot over ice cream or put into jars and refrigerate or freeze. The jam will thicken as it cools.

    Sarah’s Notes

    Add a cup of sliced strawberries before mashing for strawberry-banana jam.
    How to Store:
    This small-batch banana jam makes 2-3 jars, depending on the size of your jars. It can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator once it’s opened for about 2 weeks. The lemon juice does a nice job of keeping the bananas from oxidizing and turning brown. 
    You can also store the jam in an airtight container for up to six months in the freezer without any noticeable changes.
    This is not a canning recipe for bananas have a low acidity level and canning can produce botulism.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

    Made this recipe? Leave a comment below!

    Recipe adapted from The Crock Pot Ladies

    More fruit recipes for the slow cooker

    Strawberry Applesauce and Blueberry Butter are sweet, fruity spreads that are perfect for toast, biscuits, or pancakes.

    Christmas Jam and Pumpkin Butter bring warm, spiced flavors that are ideal for gifting or enjoying during the holidays.

    Slow Cooker Apple Butter and Blackberry Cobbler offer classic comfort—one for spreading, the other for scooping into bowls with ice cream.

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    Recipe Rating




    4 Comments

    1. Jake says:

      5 stars
      Thanks Sarah for your recipe

    2. Jake says:

      I love the taste of bananas … can’t wait to try this recipe

    3. Arlene says:

      Making this Recipe this weekend sounds so good

    4. KAREN MASET says:

      My husband is going to love this.