When a bunch of bananas turns spotty on the counter, this easy banana cobbler is a cozy change from the usual loaf of banana bread. Sliced ripe bananas bake into a soft, caramel-sweet filling layered with a buttery brown sugar and pecan crumble, so every scoop is gooey underneath and crunchy on top. A splash of Angostura bitters is the secret ingredient that gives this banana crumble its rich, warm depth, and a little pumpkin pie spice makes it taste like fall. It all comes together in one pie plate, which makes it one of the easiest banana dessert recipes for beginners and busy families alike. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it disappear.

Why this is the best banana cobbler recipe
It's a simple recipe made with everyday ingredients. This easy banana cobbler uses ripe bananas, brown sugar, butter, pecans, and warm spices to create a delicious homemade dessert. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you might already have everything you need.
It's quick and easy to prepare. You only need about 5 minutes of prep time before this banana crumble goes into the oven. There's no complicated dough to make or pie crust to roll out, and everything bakes together in one pie plate for easy cleanup.
The combination of textures is amazing. The bananas become soft, sweet, and gooey as they bake, while the buttery brown sugar and pecan crumble turns golden and crunchy. Every bite has the perfect balance of tender fruit, warm spices, and a crisp topping.

It's a delicious way to use ripe bananas. If you're tired of making banana bread every time your bananas start turning brown, this easy banana dessert is a wonderful alternative. It's perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you're craving something sweet and comforting. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat!
What you'll need to make the best Banana Cobbler with Pecan Crumble Topping
Equipment

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all measurements and nutritional information.
Ingredients
For the crumble crust
- Fresh bread crumbs see note below
- Brown sugar firmly packed
- Granulated white sugar
- Pecans chopped
- Pumpkin pie spice or plain cinnamon
- Vanilla bean paste
- Butter melted, divided
For the gooey banana filling
- Bananas peeled and sliced
- Angostura bitters
- Brown sugar packed
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla bean paste
For serving
- Vanilla ice cream optional
How to make easy Banana Cobbler with Pecan Crumble Topping
- Stir breadcrumbs, sugars, pecans, spices, 4 tablespoons butter, and vanilla bean paste with a fork in a large bowl

to make a crumb.
- Grease pie plate with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.

- Stir together the sliced bananas, bitters, brown sugar, spice, cornstarch, and vanilla bean paste in a medium bowl.


- Arrange half of banana mixture in the pie plate.

- Sprinkle half of the crumb over the bananas.

- Repeat, making another layer of bananas and another layer of crumb.
- Bake for 40 minutes, until slightly browned.


Substitutions & variations
You can substitute chopped walnuts for the pecans in this banana cobbler recipe. Walnuts have a slightly different flavor, but they still give the crumble topping a delicious crunch. If you need a nut-free dessert, simply leave out the pecans. The topping won't be quite as crunchy, but it will still taste great.
If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, you can use ground cinnamon instead. Cinnamon gives the banana filling a warm, comforting flavor without the additional spices. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger if you want a little extra spice.
Vanilla extract works well in place of vanilla bean paste. Use the same amount called for in the recipe. Vanilla bean paste gives the dessert a slightly richer vanilla flavor, but regular vanilla extract is a convenient substitute that most people already have in their kitchens.

Angostura bitters give this banana crumble a unique, rich flavor, but you can leave them out if you don't have any. The dessert will still be delicious with the combination of bananas, brown sugar, and warm spices. You could also add a little orange zest to the filling for a different flavor.
For a chocolate banana cobbler, sprinkle a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips between the layers of bananas and crumble topping. Chocolate and bananas are a delicious combination, and the melted chocolate makes the filling even more decadent. You could also add shredded coconut to the pecan crumble for a tropical twist.
This banana cobbler is especially delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream, but you can also top it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For an extra-indulgent dessert, try a scoop of butter pecan ice cream to complement the crunchy pecan topping.

Storing leftover banana cobbler
Store leftovers in the fridge: Cover the pie plate tightly or move leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat before serving: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or reheat the dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through, to soften the filling and re-crisp the topping.
Freezing is not recommended: Baked bananas turn mushy and watery after thawing, so this dessert is best enjoyed within a few days.

Check out more delicious Banana recipes
- Banana Protein Pancakes
- Peach Banana Smoothie
- Banana Upside Down Cake
- Frozen Chocolate Covered Banana Popsicles
- Microwave Campfire Banana Boats Sundaes
- Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Quick & Easy Homemade Chocolate Banana Cream Pie
- Bananas Foster Pancakes






















Ayana says
That looks lovely and sounds delicious; i would like to make this Banana Crumble for my family this week. thanks for sharing the recipe!
nicolehttp://boilingdebates.com/ says
This is sound delicious and awesome..I like to try it! Thank you for sharing the delicious recipe..
Amy Renea @ A Nest for All Seasons says
This sounds AMAZING@! Pinning it!
Maverick says
I am going to make this banana crumble this weekend..It looks very delicious I'm craving on it..Thanks a lot for sharing the recipe i will share this to my freind..
Anonymous says
Thank you for sharing this recipe