Name: Bananas Foster Crisp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, sliced; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup dark rum (optional); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

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Bananas Foster Crisp a warm, comforting dessert that combines caramelized bananas with a crispy oat topping, perfect for serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This Bananas Foster Crisp delivers rich flavors of buttery caramel, cinnamon, and a hint of rum, making it an irresistible treat especially on cozy evenings.

Ingredients

4 ripe bananas, sliced

¼ cup unsalted butter

½ cup brown sugar, packed

¼ cup dark rum (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

½ cup all-purpose flour

⅓ cup brown sugar, packed

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and becomes bubbly.

Add the sliced bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

Carefully stir in the rum (if using), vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Let cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and transfer the banana mixture to a baking dish.

In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the bananas.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

Serve warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time takes me roughly 10 minutes, and cooking requires about 30 minutes, so the total time is around 40 minutes — perfect for an easy yet impressive dessert.

Variations

I sometimes like to swap the dark rum for bourbon or skip the alcohol altogether, especially when serving kids. Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat topping gives it a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. For a healthier twist, I use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and add shredded coconut to the topping. To make it extra indulgent, I drizzle caramel sauce over the crisp just before serving.

Storage/reheating

I store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the topping is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the topping can get soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert vegan?

Yes, I replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar to keep it vegan-friendly. Just make sure your vanilla extract is vegan as well.

What can I use instead of rum?

If I want to avoid alcohol, I skip the rum or substitute it with a splash of vanilla extract or orange juice for a different but still delicious flavor.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! I prepare the banana mixture and topping separately, then assemble it just before baking. You can also fully assemble and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

How ripe should the bananas be?

I prefer using very ripe bananas because they’re sweeter and soften nicely during cooking, adding more natural sweetness and flavor.

Can I freeze Bananas Foster Crisp?

Yes, I freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven to restore the crisp topping.

Conclusion

This Bananas Foster Crisp is one of my go-to desserts when I want something quick but impressive. The combination of warm, caramelized bananas and crunchy oat topping creates a cozy treat that’s perfect year-round. I love serving it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the sweetness with creaminess. Whether for family dinners or casual get-togethers, it never fails to impress and satisfy.

Recipe:

Bananas Foster Crisp

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A warm, comforting dessert combining caramelized bananas with a crispy oat topping, flavored with buttery caramel, cinnamon, and a hint of rum, perfect served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and becomes bubbly.
Add the sliced bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Carefully stir in the rum (if using), vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Let cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and transfer the banana mixture to a baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the bananas.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Serve warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.