Name: Banana Crumble with Toasted Pecans and Orange Cinnamon Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup old fashioned oats; 1/4 cup flour; 4 Tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes; 3/4 cup pecans, toasted; 2 Tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup light or brown sugar; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 6 medium bananas, cut into chunks about 1 inch long; Vanilla ice cream or whipped topping, for serving

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If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try the Banana Crumble with Toasted Pecans and Orange Cinnamon Sauce Recipe. This delightful treat brings together tender banana chunks enveloped in a luscious orange cinnamon sauce, all topped with a satisfyingly crunchy crumble studded with toasted pecans. Every bite delivers a perfect dance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors with a hint of cozy spice that’s hard to resist. Whether for a cozy family night or a special occasion, this dessert never fails to impress and comfort at the same time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cast iron pan filled with many thick, short slices of peeled banana, arranged in a scattered way inside the pan. The bananas are light yellow with a soft texture visible on each slice, and the pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this Banana Crumble with Toasted Pecans and Orange Cinnamon Sauce Recipe shine, all you need are a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work in harmony to deliver maximum flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role: creamy butter enriches both filling and topping, pecans add crunch and warmth, and the orange juice brightens the whole dish with citrusy zest. Ready to gather everything? Here’s what you’ll need:

Light or dark brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes perfectly in both the topping and filling.
Old fashioned oats: Adds a hearty chew and rustic texture to the crumble.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps bind the crumble ingredients.
Cold butter, cut into cubes: Ensures a crumbly, tender topping when mixed.
Pecans, toasted: Brings a rich, nutty crunch that elevates the crumble’s flavor.
Butter (for filling): Creates a silky base for the sauce and coats the bananas with richness.
Orange juice: Offers bright citrus notes that balance the bananas’ sweetness.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy aroma that pairs beautifully with banana and orange.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors making the dessert more vibrant.
Bananas, cut into chunks: The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and softness.
Vanilla ice cream or whipped topping: The ideal finishing touch to contrast the warm crumble with cool creaminess.

How to Make Banana Crumble with Toasted Pecans and Orange Cinnamon Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Craft the Perfect Topping

Begin by combining the brown sugar, oats, and flour in a medium bowl. Use your fingers to gently work in the cold butter cubes until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This tactile step is crucial as the cold butter creates that signature crumble texture after baking. Then fold in the toasted pecans to evenly distribute their crunchy goodness. Pop this mixture into the fridge to keep it cold and ready for later.

Step 2: Create the Luscious Filling

Using a 10-inch cast iron or oven-safe skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar and dissolve it completely, forming a shiny caramel-like base. Next, sprinkle in cinnamon and salt, allowing those cozy flavors to bloom together. Pour in the orange juice carefully—it will bubble up and sizzle with excitement! Cook until the sauce thickens just a touch and your kitchen smells like a dream.

Step 3: Add Bananas and Assemble

Gently toss the banana chunks into the skillet, coating them with your aromatic sauce. Spread the bananas out evenly, then sprinkle the chilled pecan crumble topping over the fruit. The contrast between the soft, warm bananas and the crunchy topping is what makes this recipe truly special.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the skillet in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. Let the crumble cool for about 10 minutes in the pan to allow the flavors to settle before serving. This resting stage also helps the sauce thicken slightly, giving you perfect drips with each spoonful.

How to Serve Banana Crumble with Toasted Pecans and Orange Cinnamon Sauce Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with small golden brown dumplings covered in a thick, sticky brown syrup with visible bits of nuts mixed in. On the left side of the bowl, a scoop of creamy, light beige ice cream sits partially melted, blending slightly with the syrup around it. A silver spoon rests in the bowl, submerged partly in the syrup near the dumplings, and a woman’s hand is seen holding the spoon. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded blue and white striped cloth underneath it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing complements this banana crumble better than a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold creaminess melts softly into the warm crumble, balancing the bright orange cinnamon sauce and toasted pecans with dreamy richness. For a little extra flair, sprinkle a few chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top.

Side Dishes

While this dessert shines on its own, pairing it with a simple cup of coffee or a fruity herbal tea can elevate your experience. A refreshing side of fresh berries or a small salad of greens tossed in a light vinaigrette can create a delightful sweet-and-savory meal balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your serving game by spooning the crumble into individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. You can also present it family-style in the cast iron skillet itself, inviting everyone to dig in straight from the oven for a warm, communal vibe. To impress guests, serve with a thin orange peel zest spiraled on top for a burst of color and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers an unexpected delight. Simply reheat gently before serving.

Freezing

This Banana Crumble with Toasted Pecans and Orange Cinnamon Sauce Recipe freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly in a warm oven.

Reheating

The best way to reheat the crumble is in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping crisps back up. Microwaving can soften the crumble too much, so the oven method preserves that contrasting crunch beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes and will still provide a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Just toast them lightly to enhance their aroma before adding to the crumble.

What if I don’t have orange juice on hand?

If fresh orange juice isn’t available, you can use store-bought juice or try a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice combined with a bit of brown sugar to mimic the citrusy brightness.

Can this dessert be made vegan?

Yes, simply swap butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan ice cream or whipped topping. The banana crumble will still stay wonderfully flavorful and comforting.

Is this dessert suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can indulge in the Banana Crumble with Toasted Pecans and Orange Cinnamon Sauce Recipe safely.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor and texture, choose bananas that are ripe but not overly mushy. They should be firm enough to hold their shape when chunked, providing a balance of softness and bite after baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the warm comfort and complex flavors packed into the Banana Crumble with Toasted Pecans and Orange Cinnamon Sauce Recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that invites you to slow down, savor, and share with the people you love. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a household favorite—trust me, it’s that good.

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Banana Crumble with Toasted Pecans and Orange Cinnamon Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need