I created a fresh Banana Crumble that marries the creamy sweetness of ripe bananas with the hearty crunch of old fashioned oats and pecans. The blend of brown sugar, melted butter, and a splash of orange juice creates a distinct flavor profile, complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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I’ve always been a fan of experimenting with dessert recipes and this Banana Crumble really caught my eye. I first tried it when I had a bunch of ripe bananas lying around and figured why not give it a go.

I sliced 3 ripe bananas and mixed them with a blend of old fashioned oats and chopped pecans. The aroma of 1/2 cup packed brown sugar melting together with 1/4 cup unsalted butter and a splash of 1/4 cup fresh orange juice in an iron skillet was mesmerizing.

Baked until it naturally developed a crispy topping, I served it all up with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. This recipe brings a fun twist to the typical Banana Dessert Recipes and warm desserts you might see elsewhere, giving you a unique dessert dip experience.

I really downplayed the usual heavy “cozy” vibe and instead focused on accents of tangy and sweet flavors you’ll definitely enjoy.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super simple to make and doesn’t require any fancy cooking techniques. I mean, slicing some bananas, mixing a few ingredients and then pop it in the oven; it just works.

I also really love how the flavors blend together. The sweet bananas, the crunchy pecans, and the tangy hit from the orange juice creates a mix of textures and flavors that make every bite interesting.

Another reason is the contrast between the warm crumble and the cold vanilla ice cream. When I scoop a serving and add the ice cream, its the best combination that warms you up while still giving you that cool, creamy taste.

Finally, the whole recipe feels comforting and homey. Baking it in an iron skillet reminds me of my familys old recipes, and it just makes me feel nostalgic and happy when I eat it.

Ingredients

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Bananas add natural sweetness and fiber; they help keep the texture soft.
Old fashioned oats contribute a hearty crunch and essential carbohydrates.
Chopped pecans provide healthy fats, protein, and a delicious nutty note.
Brown sugar sweetens the dish with a rich, molasses flavor even if its not super healthy.
Melted butter offers a smooth base that unifies all the crumble ingredients.
Fresh orange juice brings tanginess and vitamin C, perfectly complementing the sweetness.
Vanilla ice cream is a creamy delight that counterbalances the warm crumble.
Together these ingredients create a dish bursting with flavor and textural surprises.
This dessert combines simple, wholesome ingredients with indulgence for a perfect finish.

Ingredient Quantities

3 ripe bananas, sliced

1 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

Vanilla ice cream for serving

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your iron skillet lightly.

2. Slice the bananas and arrange them evenly in the skillet.

3. In a bowl, mix together the old fashioned oats, chopped pecans, and packed brown sugar.

4. In another small bowl, stir the melted unsalted butter with the fresh orange juice until well combined.

5. Pour the butter and orange juice mixture over the bananas in the skillet.

6. Sprinkle the oats, pecans, and brown sugar mixture over top making sure its evenly spread out.

7. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes until the topping starts to look golden and bubbly.

8. Take the skillet out of the oven and let it cool a little before serving.

9. Scoop a generous serving onto a plate and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

10. Dig in and enjoy your homemade banana crumble!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Iron skillet
3. Knife and cutting board (for slicing the bananas)
4. Two mixing bowls (one for the oats, pecans and brown sugar, another for the melted butter and orange juice)
5. Measuring cups
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Ice cream scoop
8. Plate

FAQ

Which bananas work best for this recipe?

Use ripe bananas cause they are sweeter and mash up nicely does not require extra sweetener.

Can I substitute the pecans with another type of nut?

Yep, you can swap them with walnuts or almonds if you dont have pecans but the flavor might slightly change.

Is it necessary to combine the melted butter with the orange juice?

Yes, mix them together first to get an even spread of flavor across the crumble topping.

How long will the Banana Crumble last in the fridge?

The dessert should be good for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat lightly for best results.

Can I make a dairy free version of this crumble?

Sure, just substitute the butter with coconut oil and serve it with your favorite non-dairy ice cream.

Banana Crumble Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have ripe bananas, try using plantains but note that they have a slightly different flavor.
If old fashioned oats are out, quick oats can be used though the texture might be a bit softer.
When you’re short on pecans, walnuts or almonds work pretty well as crunchy alternatives.
If you ran out of unsalted butter, swapping it 1:1 with margarine or coconut oil is totally fine.
For the fresh orange juice, you can substitute with lemon juice mixed with a little water for that tangy kick.

Pro Tips

1. Try using extra ripe bananas so they’re super sweet and mash easily; it really helps bring out the flavor in the crumble
2. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oats mix to give it a little extra kick of warmth and spice
3. Keep an eye on the oven near the end of the baking time so you dont overcook the bananas; you want them to stay moist and not turn into mush
4. For an even tastier finish, serve warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream that starts to melt into the crumble, making it extra gooey and delicious