Name: Banana Crumble Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 2 Tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup light or brown sugar; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 6 medium bananas, cut into chunks about 1 inch long; Vanilla ice cream or whipped topping, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 54 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that’s cozy, comforting, and bursting with natural sweetness, you simply must try this Banana Crumble Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender banana chunks soaked in a luscious cinnamon-orange sauce, all topped with a satisfyingly crunchy pecan oat crumble. This dessert manages to feel both homey and a little fancy, making it ideal for anything from a casual family dinner to impressing guests. Prepare to fall in love with every warm, gooey, and nutty bite of this Banana Crumble Recipe that celebrates effortless flavors with a delightful texture contrast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl contains soft, golden-brown baked apple chunks covered in a shiny cinnamon-spiced sauce with small pieces of pecans scattered around. A scoop of vanilla ice cream with a creamy off-white color sits on top of the apples, slightly melting into the sauce. A silver spoon is partly dipped into the apples, resting against the side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a blue and white cloth beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Banana Crumble Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, yet every ingredient plays a crucial role in building the final dish’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the buttery crumble topping to the luscious fruit filling, each item is thoughtfully chosen to balance sweetness, spice, and crunch.

Light or dark brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel note to both topping and filling, enhancing the natural banana sweetness.
Old fashioned oats: Bring wholesome texture and a mild chew to the crisp topping.
Flour: Helps bind the crumble ingredients together for that perfect crumbly consistency.
Cold butter cubes: Essential for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumble.
Pecans (toasted): Impart a toasty, nutty crunch that elevates every spoonful.
Butter (for filling): Provides a smooth, rich base to cook the banana sauce.
Orange juice: Adds a bright, citrusy zing that wakes up the whole dessert.
Cinnamon and salt: Bring warmth and balance, deepening the flavor complexity.
Bananas (cut into chunks): The star ingredient, providing sweet, creamy pockets of fruit throughout.
Vanilla ice cream or whipped topping: Optional, but highly recommended to serve alongside for a cool, creamy contrast.

How to Make Banana Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Topping

To get the perfect crumble, start by combining your brown sugar, oats, and flour in a bowl. Use your fingers to mix in the cold butter cubes until you achieve a crumbly, sandy texture that holds together just a bit. Then, gently fold in the toasted pecans, which add that incredible crunch. Pop the topping in the fridge to keep it chilled while you work on the luscious banana filling.

Step 2: Create the Banana Filling

Use a ten-inch cast iron or oven-safe skillet and melt butter over low heat. Stir in brown sugar and allow it to dissolve fully, creating a syrupy, shiny base. Add cinnamon and salt for warmth and depth, then carefully pour in orange juice — be ready for a little sizzling action! Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and begins to coat the pan. Toss in your banana chunks and gently coat them in this fragrant sauce, then spread them evenly across your skillet.

Step 3: Bake Your Banana Crumble

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Evenly sprinkle the chilled topping over your banana mixture and place the skillet in a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for about 20 minutes until the crumble topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and smells absolutely heavenly. Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes to let everything set slightly before serving.

How to Serve Banana Crumble Recipe

A black cast iron pan is filled with two layers: the bottom layer is made of light brown, thinly sliced apple pieces arranged evenly across the pan, and the top layer is a crumbly mixture of oats, light tan dough bits, and small pieces of chopped pecans scattered generously. The background is a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. The pan’s handle is visible in the top left of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For the best experience, top your warm Banana Crumble with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fluffy whipped cream. The cold creaminess pairs perfectly with the warm, sweet bananas and crunchy topping, enhancing every bite. If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle some additional toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top.

Side Dishes

This Banana Crumble Recipe shines as a dessert, but if you want to turn it into a cozy brunch treat, serve it alongside a cup of strong coffee or a spiced chai latte. It also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance richness with brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of baking in one skillet, try dividing the filling and topping into individual ramekins for personalized portions. You can also serve the crumble in pretty glass jars layered with whipped cream or yogurt for a stunning trifle-style presentation that’s perfect for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Banana Crumble can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover the top well so the crumble topping doesn’t lose its crispness completely. Reheat gently to enjoy it almost like freshly baked.

Freezing

If you want to keep this Banana Crumble Recipe ready for a later date, freeze it in the skillet (if freezer-safe) or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the crumble in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through and the topping regains a bit of its crunch. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the topping soggy, losing that beautiful texture contrast.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Fresh bananas work best because they hold their shape and texture during cooking. Frozen bananas tend to get mushy and watery, which may make the filling too soft.

What can I substitute for pecans if I have allergies?

You can swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunch. Each will bring its unique flavor and texture to the topping.

Can I make this Banana Crumble Recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace butter with a vegan butter substitute and choose brown sugar that’s certified vegan. For serving, use coconut whipped cream or a plant-based vanilla ice cream.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the crumble texture intact without any gluten-containing ingredients.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are ripe but still firm—yellow with a few brown spots are ideal. Overripe bananas can turn mushy during cooking and affect the crumble’s texture.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Crumble Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels like a warm hug. It’s straightforward to make, filled with vibrant flavors, and has a texture combo that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or serving up a crowd-pleaser, I promise this recipe will become a cherished favorite. Go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and enjoy the magic of banana crumble at home!

Banana Crumble Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need