This Banana Crumble is a delightful twist on the classic fruit crumble. Featuring caramelized bananas, a buttery oat-pecan topping, and warm cinnamon flavors, this dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Rich and Flavorful: Caramelized bananas with a crunchy pecan topping.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy it as a dessert or a cozy treat.
Ingredients
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup toasted pecans, chopped
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup light or dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon salt
- 6 medium bananas, cut into 1-1½ inch chunks
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped topping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, oats, and flour.
- Work the mixture together with your fingers until it becomes crumbly.
- Stir in the toasted pecans and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
2. Caramelize the Bananas
- In a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over low heat, melt butter.
- Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved (about 3 minutes). The mixture should become syrupy.
- Stir in cinnamon and salt.
- Carefully add orange juice (it may splatter slightly) and cook for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
- Add the banana chunks and gently toss until coated.
- Spread the bananas evenly in the skillet.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the bananas.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the crumble cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Pro Tips for the Best Banana Crumble
- Use Ripe Bananas: Slightly overripe bananas work best for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Make It Crunchier: Add an extra tablespoon of oats for more texture.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice enhances the warmth of this dish.
- Prep Ahead: The topping can be made in advance and stored in the fridge.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the Oven: Warm at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes to keep the topping crispy.
- Reheat in the Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, but note that the topping may soften.

Banana Crumble
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 4-6
Description
This Banana Crumble is a delightful twist on the classic fruit crumble. Featuring caramelized bananas, a buttery oat-pecan topping, and warm cinnamon flavors, this dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup toasted pecans, chopped
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup light or dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon salt
- 6 medium bananas, cut into 1–1½ inch chunks
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped topping (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, oats, and flour.
- Work the mixture together with your fingers until it becomes crumbly.
- Stir in the toasted pecans and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
2. Caramelize the Bananas
- In a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over low heat, melt butter.
- Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved (about 3 minutes). The mixture should become syrupy.
- Stir in cinnamon and salt.
- Carefully add orange juice (it may splatter slightly) and cook for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
- Add the banana chunks and gently toss until coated.
- Spread the bananas evenly in the skillet.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the bananas.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the crumble cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes