This banana crumble is a warm, comforting dessert that transforms ripe bananas into a rich, caramelized filling topped with a buttery oat crumble. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s simple to prepare yet deeply satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a great way to use ripe bananas while creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. The filling is soft, naturally sweet, and lightly spiced, while the crumble topping adds a crisp, buttery contrast. It comes together with basic pantry ingredients, requires minimal prep, and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as it bakes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Banana filling
4 to 5 ripe bananas, sliced
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Pinch of salt
Crumble topping
1 cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced bananas with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt until evenly coated. Spread the banana mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the banana filling. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes.
Baking time is 35 to 40 minutes.
Total time is about 55 minutes.
Variations
For added texture, chopped walnuts or pecans can be mixed into the crumble topping. A small handful of chocolate chips stirred into the banana filling adds a dessert-style twist. For extra warmth, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can be added to the cinnamon in the filling.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover banana crumble can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds, or place the baking dish in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through. The crumble topping will stay crispest when reheated in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use very ripe bananas for this recipe?
Yes, very ripe bananas work best because they are sweeter and softer, which enhances the flavor and texture of the filling.
Can I make this banana crumble ahead of time?
You can assemble it a few hours in advance and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze banana crumble?
It can be frozen after baking and cooling completely. Wrap it well and freeze for up to one month, then thaw and reheat before serving.
What can I serve with banana crumble?
It pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a simple drizzle of caramel-style sauce.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can slightly reduce the sugar in the filling, especially if your bananas are very ripe.
Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative that is suitable for baking.
Why is cornstarch used in the filling?
Cornstarch thickens the banana juices as the crumble bakes, preventing the filling from becoming watery.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned oats give the best texture, but quick oats can be used if needed, resulting in a softer topping.
How do I know when the crumble is done baking?
The topping should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a 9×13-inch dish, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Conclusion
This banana crumble is an easy, comforting dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of bananas with a crisp, buttery topping. Whether served warm on its own or paired with your favorite topping, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll come back to whenever you have ripe bananas on hand.
A warm, comforting banana crumble dessert with caramelized bananas and a buttery oat topping. Perfect for using ripe bananas and simple to make with pantry staples.
Ingredients
4 to 5 ripe bananas, sliced
½ cup brown sugar (for filling)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Pinch of salt (for filling)
1 cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar (for topping)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Pinch of salt (for topping)
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, toss the sliced bananas with brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt until evenly coated.
Spread the banana mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crumble topping.
Add cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients and use your fingers or a fork to cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the banana filling.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra texture.
Mix in chocolate chips with the banana filling for a dessert twist.
Add nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a spiced variation.
Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain a crisp topping.
Can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
