Easy Baked Banana Crumble Recipe

Name: Easy Baked Banana Crumble Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: Topping; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup old fashioned oats; 1/4 cup flour; 4 Tablespoons cold butter cut into pieces; 3/4 cup pecans fine chopped; Filling; 2 Tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 6 bananas cut into 1 inch pieces; Vanilla Ice Cream

KrystelJune 11, 2024

DifficultyEasy

Servings6

Whip up Delight: Easy Baked Banana Crumble Recipe

Introduction

Hello there! I'm thrilled to introduce you to an absolutely delightful recipe that’s sure to become your new favorite sweet treat - the Easy Baked Banana Crumble. Now, if you're anything like me, you appreciate a good dessert that doesn’t require a whole day in the kitchen. This recipe is just that; simple ingredients, easy steps, and voila, a lovely dessert that fills your home with an amazing aroma. Imagine ripe, sweet bananas layered under a golden brown crumble topping, all ready to be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. We’re talking about fresh bananas, a touch of orange juice for that zesty kick, and a crumble mixture that’s just unforgettable. Plus, it's a great way to use those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Let's dive into this delicious adventure together!

Key Takeaways:

Simple Ingredients: Utilize everyday items like overripe bananas, orange juice, and pantry staples.
Quick and Easy: A straightforward recipe ensuring a lovely dessert without the fuss.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for impressing guests or just a treat for yourself.

Why Banana Crumble?

Why is banana crumble such a heart-stealer? At its core, this lovely dessert epitomizes the essence of home cooking — simplicity mixed with a dash of indulgence. When your kitchen starts filling up with that amazing aroma, you know you've made something special. This delightful treat isn't just a great way to end your meal; it's a smart, delicious way to use up those overripe bananas that seem to always linger a bit too long on the counter.

The versatility of banana crumble is undeniable. Whether you're seeking a warm, comforting sweet treat on a chilly evening or a simple, yet decadent dessert to impress guests, it perfectly fits the bill. Plus, it's an ideal canvas for experimentation, welcoming chocolate chips or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for those who want to elevate it further. Truly, this easy banana crumble recipe turns the humble banana into a superstar, satisfying every sweet tooth.

Gathering Your Ingredients

For the topping: You'll need ¼ cup of light brown sugar, ¼ cup of old fashioned oats, and ¼ cup of flour. Don't forget 4 tablespoons of cold butter, cut into pieces, and ¾ cup of finely chopped pecans. If you're going for a lighter version, almond flour is a great substitution!
For the filling: Have at hand 2 tablespoons of butter, ½ cup of light brown sugar, and ¼ cup of orange juice for that zesty twist. You'll need a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of salt, too. And of course, 6 bananas, cut into 1-inch pieces. If you have dietary needs, using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar works wonders!
Extras: Don't forget to grab some vanilla ice cream for topping and possibly a dash of caramel sauce for an extra sweet treat. And if you're into trying something new, a sprinkle of chocolate chips in the crumble mixture might just be your next favorite thing.

Preparation Before Baking

Preparing your bananas and other ingredients for this Easy Baked Banana Crumble recipe is simpler than you might think, but there are a couple of tricks to getting it just right. First, you'll want to ensure your bananas are nice and ripe - the blacker the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your crumble will be. Now, let's talk slicing those bananas. I find that slicing them into even, 1-inch pieces ensures that every bite is just as delightful as the last.

But before you get to slicing, there's the matter of the butter. Whether you're using unsalted butter or sticking with what you have on hand, make sure it's cold. Why? Because cold butter is the secret to creating that perfect, crumbly texture we all love in a crumble topping. Simply cut the butter into little pieces, and you're on your way to a lovely dessert that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Mixing the Crumble Topping

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients in a small bowl. That's your plain flour, a dash of baking powder, and a sprinkle of dark brown sugar to get that lovely dessert sweetness we all crave.
Next, take your cold butter, cut into little pieces, and sprinkle it into the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or just your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbles. It’s a great way to let off a little steam while you’re at it!
Now, for those finely chopped pecans, fold them into the crumble mixture. They add just the right amount of nutty crunch that makes every bite of this banana crumb cake an absolute favorite.
And finally, sprinkle in a little cinnamon because what’s a good crumble without that amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen, right? This simple step turns your crumble mixture from good to unforgettable.

Creating the Banana Filling

Alright, let's dive right into the heart of our lovely dessert, the banana filling. This part is where the magic starts to happen, and those overripe bananas really get to shine. Stick with me here; it's an easy ride and oh-so-worth it!

Melt the Butter: Begin by grabbing a ten-inch cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet you have lying around. We're aiming to create a base for our amazing aroma to build upon. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. The gentle melting will ensure we're off to a good start.
Blend in the Sugar: Once the butter has fully melted and started to bubble just a little, sprinkle in ½ cup of light brown sugar. Now, this is where the stir game comes in. Keep stirring until that sugar completely dissolves into the butter, forming a blissful, moist mass that glides around the pan.
Add a Splash of Orange: Stir in ¼ cup of orange juice—carefully now, as it'll sizzle and might splatter, giving that base a tangy depth. The mixture will start to thicken slightly as it combines, and that's exactly what you're looking for.
Coat the Bananas: It's banana time! Add those fresh banana pieces, making sure to gently toss them in the mixture until they're evenly coated. We want every inch of the bananas to be kissed by that lovely sauce we just created. Spread the coated bananas evenly across the skillet. There, you've just set the stage for a delicious treat.

Baking to Perfection

Here's how you bring our lovely dessert to that perfect golden brown finish:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s the sweet spot where our easy banana crumble recipe transforms from a bunch of simple ingredients to a warm, comforting delight.
Bake for 15-20 minutes. You'll know it's time to pull it out when the crumble topping turns a beautiful golden brown - that’s when the magic happens, and all those flavors really meld together.
Check for readiness. If you can see the caramel sauce bubbling around the edges under the crumble topping and it smells like heaven, congratulations, you've just baked the perfect banana crumble. It's a sure sign your dessert is ready to enchant everyone’s taste buds.

Serving Your Banana Crumble

Nothing rounds off this delightful easy baked banana crumble like a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm, golden brown crumbles. It's that contrast of temperatures and textures that turns a simple dessert into an experience. And if you're feeling a bit fancy, drizzle some caramel sauce right over the top; it'll mingle with the amazing aroma and add that extra layer of indulgence. Now, should you find yourself with leftovers, just wrap them up tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. They'll keep beautifully at room temperature for 2-3 days, ready to reheat and serve again, maybe next time for a breakfast treat or a sweet midnight snack. Trust me, this banana crumble only gets better, giving you a lovely dessert experience every time.

A Sweet Ending

And there we have it, your path to a deliciously warm and comforting dessert, encapsulated in the heartwarming goodness of an Easy Baked Banana Crumble. I hope this recipe not only fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma but also brings a smile to your face with every bite. From its golden brown, crumbly topping down to the sweet, soft bananas smothered in caramel sauce, it's a sweet treat that speaks to the soul.

But don't let the journey end here! Overripe bananas are a treasure trove for baking enthusiasts, offering endless possibilities from the best banana muffins to the most delightful banana cake, and much more. Whether you're looking to whip up a quick banana bread or experiment with healthier recipes using whole wheat flour and almond flour, the doors are wide open. So, next time you find yourself with plenty of bananas turning black on the counter, remember this easy banana crumble recipe – it might just become your absolute favorite way to bring those bananas back to life.

Embrace the joy of baking, experiment with those spices, swap in some chocolate chips or nuts of your choice, and continue to explore the many other wonders you can create with bananas. Each baked good, from the simplest crumble bakes to the more intricate delights, has its unique charm and offers a new way to bring sweetness into our days. So, grab those overripe bananas, preheat your oven, and let’s make every day a little bit sweeter, one recipe at a time.

If you love sweet recipes check out my Easy Apple Cobbler!