Warm, gooey bananas swimming in a buttery brown sugar sauce, nestled under a nutty oat-pecan crumble—this Banana Crumble recipe takes all the comfort of classic fruit crisps and adds a dreamy, caramelized twist. It’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to curl up with after dinner, ideally topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: This Banana Crumble comes together in just minutes and requires no fancy equipment—just your trusty skillet and a mixing bowl!
- Caramel Banana Magic: The filling transforms ripe bananas with a luscious brown sugar-orange glaze and a hint of cinnamon, creating a truly decadent flavor.
- Crunchy, Nutty Topping: Toasted pecans and oats add irresistible texture—every bite is the perfect balance of soft, creamy, and crunchy.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served warm at a dinner party or as an after-school treat, Banana Crumble always disappears fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Banana Crumble is one of those glorious desserts that proves a handful of basic ingredients can make absolute magic. Each element plays a key role—some bring crunch, others sweetness, and a few add that special warm note you’ll crave in every spoonful.
- Brown Sugar (light or dark): Provides rich, caramel sweetness in both the topping and the filling.
- Old Fashioned Oats: Adds hearty texture and that classic crumble crunch.
- All-Purpose Flour: Binds the topping, helping it bake into golden, crumbly perfection.
- Cold Butter: Essential for creating those crisp, buttery crumbles in the topping and a glossy, luscious sauce in the filling.
- Pecans (toasted): Bring nutty flavor and extra crunch—don’t skip the toasting step for fullest taste!
- Bananas (medium, not too thinly sliced): The star of our crumble. Use bananas that are ripe but not mushy for best texture.
- Orange Juice: Brightens up the filling and adds a subtle zesty lift that balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and brings the flavors together in both the sauce and topping.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the sweet and spiced elements.
- Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Topping (for serving): No crumble is complete without a creamy cold finish!
Variations
This Banana Crumble is endlessly customizable and a perfect template for experimenting. Whether you’re working around allergies or just feeling creative, here are a few delicious ways to make it your own.
- Nut-Free Swap: Leave out the pecans (or swap for sunflower seeds) to make a crumble that’s safe for nut allergies but still delightfully crunchy.
- Spice It Up: Add cardamom or ginger along with the cinnamon for a more complex, aromatic twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats for a version everyone can enjoy.
- Extra Fruit: Mix in chopped apples, pears, or berries with the bananas for a dynamic flavor and color boost.
How to Make Banana Crumble
Step 1: Mix Up the Crumble Topping
Start by combining the brown sugar, oats, flour, and cold cubed butter in a medium bowl. Use your fingers to work the butter in until the mixture turns crumbly and clumps together—like making sandcastles, but better! Once crumbly, stir in the toasted pecans for extra crunch, then pop the bowl in the fridge while you get the filling started.
Step 2: Caramelize the Banana Filling
In a large cast iron or oven-safe skillet, gently melt butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar and let it melt, slowly transforming into a glossy sugar syrup—this typically takes about three minutes. Add cinnamon and salt, then carefully pour in the orange juice (watch for the inviting sizzle!). Give everything a quick stir and let it thicken just briefly.
Step 3: Add the Bananas
Add your chunky banana pieces to the skillet, and toss them delicately so each piece gets a coating of the glossy caramel sauce. Spread them out evenly; you want every serving to deliver perfectly sauced fruit.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
With the filling nestled in the skillet, grab your chilled crumble topping and sprinkle it evenly over the bananas—don’t be shy! Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy. Let it rest for 10 minutes before digging in; this gives the crumble just enough time to set and prevents burnt tongues (been there!).
Pro Tips for Making Banana Crumble
- Banana Ripeness Matters: Choose bananas that are yellow with just a few spots—overripe ones will turn mushy, while green bananas won’t deliver the deep, caramel flavor here.
- Toasting Pecans: Always toast pecans before mixing them into the topping. Five minutes in a 350°F oven brings out a world of flavor and irresistible crunch.
- Even Banana Chunks: Cutting bananas into uniform 1-inch pieces means they’ll cook through evenly and soak up just the right amount of sauce without falling apart.
- Keep It Chilled: Refrigerating the topping while making the filling ensures it bakes up crisp and crumbly instead of melting into mush.
How to Serve Banana Crumble
Garnishes
The finishing touches take this Banana Crumble from delicious to downright irresistible. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic move—the cold creaminess melting into the warm bananas and topping is pure comfort. For a lighter spin, a dollop of freshly whipped cream works wonders, or add a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans and a dusting of cinnamon for a special touch.
Side Dishes
While this dessert is absolutely deserving of center stage, if you’re serving Banana Crumble as part of a get-together, consider pairing it with bold coffee, a creamy chai latte, or even a glass of dessert wine. A simple fruit salad or crisp green apple slices on the side can help balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, bake the banana filling and crumble topping in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own golden-topped treat! Or serve it family-style in the center of the table, letting everyone dig in. Add an edible flower or a twist of orange zest on top for an extra bit of wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Banana Crumble left (that’s a big “if”!), cover the skillet or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, still tasting fantastic served cold or reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze Banana Crumble after baking—just allow it to cool completely before wrapping well in plastic or storing in a freezer-safe dish. It’ll keep for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for another round of cozy, fruity joy.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked warmth, reheat portions in the oven at 325°F until hot and bubbly, or use the microwave for a quick treat—just keep in mind the topping stays crispier with oven reheating.
FAQs
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Can I use very ripe bananas for Banana Crumble?
Slightly ripe bananas with freckles work best—they’re sweet and flavorful but will keep their shape. Very overripe bananas may break down too much during baking, resulting in a mushier filling.
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What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
No worries! Any oven-safe skillet or a baking dish will work for assembling and baking your Banana Crumble. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold all the filling and the crumble without overflowing.
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Can I make Banana Crumble ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the crumble topping and keep it in the refrigerator, and the banana filling can be prepped ahead as well. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve for the freshest texture.
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Is this crumble gluten-free or vegan?
The classic recipe is not gluten-free or vegan, but you can easily substitute gluten-free flour and oats, vegan butter, and plant-based ice cream or whipped topping to suit your needs. The crumble remains absolutely delicious with these adjustments!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s playful, comforting, and just a little bit out of the ordinary, this Banana Crumble is your ticket to happiness. I hope you’ll fall for its sweet caramel glaze and golden topping, and share it with everyone you love. Happy baking!
Print
Banana Crumble Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delectable Banana Crumble recipe combines ripe bananas with a sweet crumbly topping, perfect for a comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.
Ingredients
Topping
- 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 Tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup pecans, toasted
Filling
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup light or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 6 medium-size bananas, cut into chunks about an inch long
Instructions
- For the topping: Combine all topping ingredients (except pecans) in a medium bowl. Work the ingredients together with your fingers until crumbly. Add toasted pecans, stir to mix, and refrigerate while making the filling.
- For the filling: In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add brown sugar, stirring until dissolved. Stir in cinnamon, salt, and orange juice. Add banana chunks, toss gently to coat, then spread evenly in the pan. Sprinkle topping over the bananas. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
