With just a few simple ingredients, the fresh bananas in this Banana Crisp give a fun twist to a classic dessert. This is one of those delicious recipes that's a sweet, unexpected surprise. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it just as it is.
The warm bananas paired with the crispy oat topping give this sweet treat an amazing flavor and texture. Most crisps are made with apples, berries, or peaches, which is exactly why this banana version is such a fun change.
The first time you make it, you'll be hooked and wondering why you've never thought of it before. The warm banana filling and buttery crumble topping taste so good together, and it's a great way to add a fun new dessert to your rotation.
Be sure to try my Carrot Banana Muffins and this Banana Caramel Tart for two other dessert recipes using bananas.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas - You want ripe bananas that are yellow and sweet but still firm. Skip bananas that are green or so ripe that they're already soft and mushy.
- Brown sugar - For sweetness. I use light brown sugar.
- Cornstarch - Helps with the consistency and texture.
- Pure vanilla extract - For flavor.
- Cinnamon - For flavor.
- Salt - For flavor.
Topping
- Old-fashioned rolled oats - Gives the topping a chewy texture.
- Flour - Helps with the texture of the topping.
- Salted butter - This needs to be very soft to use.
- Sugar - For sweetness.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Banana Crisp
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a baking dish.
Step One: Add the sliced bananas to the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Mix the rest of the filling ingredients in a small bowl.
Step Two: Sprinkle over the sliced bananas. Mix gently so you don't squish the banana chunks.
Step Three: Add the butter, all-purpose flour, and sugar for the topping to a bowl. Stir until the softened butter is evenly mixed in.
Step Four: Add the rolled oats. Mix until well combined.
Step Five: Pour the topping over the bananas. Spread it evenly.
Step Six: Put the pan in the oven and bake until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
Top Tip
When slicing the bananas, keep the slices fairly thick, so they hold their shape as they bake. If they're sliced too thin, they can become mushy.
Substitutions
- Vegan butter - You could use vegan butter here or any other type of butter to help with the crumble topping.
- Dark brown sugar - You can use light or dark.
Variations
- Seasonings - Add a little nutmeg along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of warm spice.
- Coconut sugar - Could be used instead of brown sugar.
- Maple syrup - You can also use this for adding sweetness.
- Nuts - Adding chopped pecans to the topping is a great choice.
- Chocolate chips - Turn it into a chocolate banana mixture by adding chocolate chips.
See these Strawberry Banana Cupcakes for another delicious banana dessert.
Equipment
All you need to make this full recipe is an 8x8 baking dish, a spoon for stirring, and a measuring cup.
Storage
Let the banana crisp cool to room temperature before storing. Cover the baking dish or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy within 1-2 days. Reheat individual servings and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Common Questions
Softened butter is much easier to mix evenly with the flour and sugar. Cold butter won't incorporate as easily and can leave larger pockets of butter throughout the topping.
The flavor of green bananas just isn't there. Not only are they hard to peel, but they really do have a bitter taste. As bananas continue to ripen, they get a sweetness to them that is so yummy. If you try to use them when they aren't ripe, the dish just won't have the same flavor outcome.
You can! It's so simple to turn this into a berry crisp by adding fresh strawberries or blueberries. Any type of fruit really would work in this, which is all part of the fun in mixing and matching. Make this recipe using the bananas first, and then branch out and try something new. Each time you make it could be a new fun flavor.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
📖 Recipe
Banana Crisp
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs ripe bananas peeled and sliced ½ inch thick
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch salt
Topping
- 1.5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup flour
- 4 tablespoon salted butter very soft
- 3 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Grease an 8x8 baking dish.
- Add the bananas to the baking dish.
- Combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the bananas. Mix in very gently.
- Mix the topping ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Top the bananas with the oat topping.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is browned.
Nutrition
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