Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an evenly baked cobbler that turns out just right.

Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in ½ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and if you choose, 2 tablespoons of optional rum for an extra layer of flavor.

Add 3-4 sliced ripe bananas to the skillet and cook gently for about 2-3 minutes, just until they are caramelized and beautifully golden brown.

Combine in a separate bowl: 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup rolled oats, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Cut in 6 tablespoons of cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Layer the caramelized banana mixture in a baking dish, then generously sprinkle the crumble over the top to create a deliciously textured layer.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the bananas are bubbling joyfully. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the crumble.

Cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect sweet indulgence.