Banana Crumble

Table of Contents

1. Banana Crisp Ingredients
2. Banana Crumble Recipe Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Banana Crumble
4. How to Serve Easy Banana Crumble
5. When to Serve Banana Crumble Dessert
6. How to Store This Easy Banana Crumble Recipe
7. Why Banana Crumble is the Best
8. Great Recipe Ideas You'll Love
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

This easy-to-make banana crumble has simple ingredients and an amazing aroma. Rich, carmelized bananas are topped with a homemade crumble mixture then baked golden brown for a sweet treat you’ll find hard to resist!

Banana Crisp Ingredients

This old-fashioned crisp dessert comes together quickly with ingredients you’ll have on hand. You may find it’s one of the best ways to enjoy bananas!

You’ll need:

For the Banana Filling

• 4 tablespoons salted butter, sliced into pats
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons apple juice
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 5 medium-sized ripe but firm bananas

For the Crumble Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup cold salted butter, sliced into pats
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Banana Crumble Recipe Substitutions and Additions

If you have plenty of bananas, this is the type of dessert you need! It’s a good way to use up those bananas and is so tasty, it will become an absolute favorite for your family. You may want to keep the whole dish for yourself!

This yummy and easy recipe is perfect as presented, but here are more options to consider when baking it yourself at home from scratch.

APPLE JUICE: You could also use apple cider instead of juice. You could also use orange juice or pear juice as well.

NUTS: The recipe calls for pecans, but you can substitute chopped walnuts or almonds.

BUTTER: If you only have unsalted butter, add ⅛ of a teaspoon of salt to the mixture.

BROWN SUGAR: Dark brown sugar can be used instead of light brown sugar to create a deeper, more caramel-like flavor in the banana filling and crumble topping.

Coconut sugar is another great substitute, offering a similar sweetness with a hint of caramel, though the crumble may be darker in color. While it will change the flavor profile, white sugar will also work.

PURE VANILLA EXTRACT: Almond extract can replace pure vanilla extract for a nuttier aroma. Use half the amount, as almond extract is stronger in flavor. This substitution can complement the nutty elements in the crumble topping, especially if using almonds as a nut choice.

GROUND CINNAMON: Ground nutmeg or a pumpkin pie spice blend can be used as alternatives to ground cinnamon in the filling and topping. These substitutes can offer a warmer, more complex spice profile, perfect for autumn-inspired variations of the recipe.
FRUIT: Fresh pears or apples would also be delicious in addition to the bananas. It would be delicious with berries added as well, whether baked in or with fresh berries served on top.

CHOCOLATE: Add half a cup of chocolate chips before baking. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate would be delicious.

How to Make Banana Crumble

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy banana crumble recipe is simple to make.

Follow our step-by-step directions below to enjoy this scrumptious dessert.

You can print the instructions by using our recipe card feature at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Generously spray an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

STEP TWO: Add the butter to a two to three quart saucepan over medium heat to melt. 

STEP THREE: Once the butter has melted, whisk in the light brown sugar, apple juice, flour, vanilla, and ground cinnamon.

Continue to whisk until the mixture begins to thicken. Remove from the heat.

STEP FOUR: Line the bottom of the prepared baking dish with the sliced bananas.

For an even bake and consistent texture throughout the crumble, slice your bananas to the same thickness, about half an inch. This ensures each slice softens perfectly without some pieces becoming too mushy or others remaining too firm. 

STEP FIVE: Pour the thickened filling evenly over the bananas. 

STEP SIX: Add the oats, flour, granulated and light brown sugars, and cinnamon to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir to combine. 

STEP SEVEN: Add the sliced half cup of cold butter pats. Use your hands or a pastry blender to work the mixture into coarse crumbs. 

Before starting, ensure your butter is cold. This helps achieve a crumbly, crisp texture as the butter melts and creates steam pockets during baking.

When mixing your crumble topping, aim for a coarse, breadcrumb-like texture. Overworking the mixture can lead to a dense topping. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips for the best results, mixing until the ingredients are combined.

STEP EIGHT: Evenly sprinkle the topping over the banana filling. Then, add the chopped pecans over the topping.

Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven or until the topping is golden brown.

The crumble should be golden brown on top when done, and you might see the filling bubbling around the edges.

If the topping browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the filling to continue cooking.

After removing the crumble from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes. This rest period lets the filling set a bit, making it easier to serve neat portions without being too runny.

How to Serve Easy Banana Crumble

To satisfy your sweet tooth, serve warm and topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce topping, and whipped cream.

A drizzle of hot fudge sauce or shredded coconut will take this up to another level of decadence!

Pair this with a cup of dark roast coffee or a chai latte for a truly indulgent dessert experience that balances sweetness with spice and warmth.

When to Serve Banana Crumble Dessert

This delectable banana crumble can transform any ordinary day into a special occasion.

Here are some ideas on when this heartwarming dish would be perfect:

Weekend Brunch: Elevate your brunch spread by featuring this banana crumble as a sweet centerpiece. It’s a great way to spoil your family or impress guests with something warm, comforting, and indulgent. Serve it alongside savory brunch items like omelets or quiches to provide a sweet balance.

Dessert for Family Dinners: Make meals special by ending them with this warm banana crumble. It’s a fantastic way to bring everyone together at the table, lingering over the last bites of a homemade dessert that feels like a hug in a dish.

Potluck Parties: Banana crumble is an ideal dish for a potluck. It’s easy to transport, can be reheated if needed, and stands out among the usual suspects of pasta salads and casseroles. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser likely to be a hit with guests of all ages.

Afternoon Tea: Turn your afternoon tea into a more indulgent affair by serving slices of banana crumble alongside your tea selection. Its comforting sweetness pairs wonderfully with the subtle bitterness of tea, offering a perfect midday treat.

Book Club or Other Gatherings: If you host or attend a book club, study group, or any other casual gathering, surprise everyone with a homemade banana crumble.

No matter when you choose to serve this banana crumble, its warmth, rich flavors, and comforting texture will bring smiles and make any moment feel a little more special.

How to Store This Easy Banana Crumble Recipe

Let’s dive into the best practices for making ahead, refrigerating, freezing, and reheating your banana crumble, ensuring that every bite is as inviting as the last.

MAKE AHEAD: Banana crumble is wonderfully accommodating for those who like to plan ahead.

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the crumble topping up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

IN THE FRIDGE: If you find yourself with leftovers or have prepared the entire dish in advance, storing the banana crumble in the fridge is simple.

First, allow the crumble to cool completely to room temperature to prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can make the topping soggy.

Then, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the crumble to an airtight container.

Stored this way, your banana crumble will keep for up to three days. The fridge will slightly alter the texture of the topping, but it will still be delicious.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, the banana crumble can be frozen, though it’s best to do this before baking for the freshest taste.

To freeze an unbaked crumble, assemble it in a freezer-to-oven safe dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months.

To freeze a baked crumble, let it cool completely, then follow the same wrapping method.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind, freezing and thawing may affect the texture slightly, but it will still be a tasty treat.

REHEATING: To recapture the magic of your banana crumble, gentle reheating is key.

For the best results, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes for refrigerated crumble and a bit longer for thawed frozen crumble. This method helps the topping regain some of its crispness.

Why Banana Crumble is the Best

Perfect Balance of Flavors: This banana crumble masterfully balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, caramel-like undertones of brown sugar and the warm, inviting spice of cinnamon. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that isn’t overly sweet but perfectly nuanced, appealing to both adults and children alike.

Delightful Texture Contrast: The soft, tender banana filling and the crispy, buttery crumble topping create a delightful texture contrast. The topping’s crunchiness contrasts beautifully with the banana’s creaminess, making every bite a satisfying experience.

Versatility in Serving: Whether served warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or just as it is, this banana crumble is incredibly versatile. It can be a comforting dessert on a cold day, a delightful treat for brunch, or a sweet note to end a summer picnic.

Easy to Make: One of the best things about this lovely dessert is its simplicity. Even novice bakers can achieve excellent results with minimal effort. The recipe is forgiving and doesn’t require fancy techniques or equipment, making it accessible to everyone.

Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of baking bananas mixed with cinnamon and sugar. This banana crumble evokes feelings of warmth, home, and nostalgia, making it the ultimate comfort food.

Ideal for Any Occasion: This banana crumble fits seamlessly into any meal plan, from casual family dinners to more formal gatherings. It’s as suitable for a cozy weeknight dessert as a holiday or celebration, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Creativity and Customization: This recipe allows for creativity and customization. You can add nuts or spices or even swap the bananas for other fruits depending on what’s in season or your personal preferences, making it a versatile base for experimenting with flavors.

Banana Crumble Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

Indulge in the irresistible warmth of banana crumble. The caramelized sweetness of ripe bananas meets a golden, buttery crunch, offering a comforting dessert everyone will love.

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