Banana, Caramel & Crumble Parfait 🍌 (Easy, Layered & Decadent)

Introduction

If you crave a dessert that’s indulgent yet approachable, the Banana, Caramel & Crumble Parfait delivers sweet, crunchy, and creamy layers in every bite. Inspired by classic European layered desserts, this parfait balances ripe bananas, rich caramel, and buttery crumble for a visually stunning and crowd-pleasing treat.

Perfect for dinner parties, brunch, or a sweet snack, this recipe is versatile and can be made ahead of time.

Ingredients

For the Crumble

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and diced

For the Caramel Sauce

¾ cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream, warmed
Pinch of salt (optional, for salted caramel)

For the Parfait Layers

3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
1 ½ cups whipped cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
Optional: chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Crumble: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes

⏱️ Can be prepared ahead and layered before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crumble

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Spread on a baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes until golden, stirring halfway.
Let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar, stirring constantly until amber.
Carefully add butter (mixture will bubble).
Slowly add warmed cream while whisking.
Simmer 1 minute, remove from heat, and stir in a pinch of salt if desired.
Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Parfaits

In glasses or jars, layer:
- 2–3 tbsp crumble
- 1–2 slices of banana
- 1–2 tbsp caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
Repeat layers until glass is full. Top with crumble, banana slices, nuts, and extra caramel drizzle.

✨ Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for better flavor melding.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving – 6 servings)

Calories: ~350
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g

Balanced for indulgence while still including fruit and oats.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with hot coffee or tea
Garnish with chocolate shavings
Serve in small jars for parties or meal prep
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence

Flavor Variations

Use salted caramel for extra depth
Replace bananas with roasted apples or pears
Add cinnamon or nutmeg to whipped cream
Swap oats in crumble with chopped nuts for crunch

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking caramel (can burn quickly)
Using overripe bananas (becomes mushy)
Layering while caramel is too hot (melts whipped cream)
Not letting crumble cool (can make it soggy)

Storage Tips

Store assembled parfaits in fridge up to 24 hours
Keep crumble separate if making in advance to maintain crunch
Caramel can be stored in airtight container up to 1 week