Name: Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 ripe bananas, sliced; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

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If you’re looking for a deeply comforting dessert that channels both cozy, old-fashioned flavors and show-stopping charm, look no further than Southern Banana Cobbler. With layers of golden, buttery batter and sweet bananas caramelized in brown sugar and cinnamon, this cobbler is as warm and inviting as a Southern kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. It’s one of those recipes that draws everyone to the table, filling the air with irresistible aromas and the promise of second helpings. Whether served bubbling from the oven or crowned with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream, this is a treat that makes any gathering extra special.

Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Southern Banana Cobbler lies in its simplicity—each ingredient adds a layer of flavor or texture that makes the dish unforgettable. From ripe bananas to luscious vanilla, here’s what you’ll need to whip up this irresistible classic:

Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Gives the cobbler a rich, golden base and adds unbeatable flavor.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the backbone of the batter, making the cobbler soft and tender.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Brings sweetness to the batter and helps create that delicious, caramelized crust.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the batter puff up and envelop the bananas.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
Whole milk (1 cup): Mixes with the dry ingredients to form a pourable, creamy batter.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the entire cobbler with a warm, fragrant note.
Ripe bananas (4, sliced): The star of the show! Use bananas that are sweet and spotty but not mushy.
Brown sugar (½ cup): Helps create beautifully caramelized bananas as the dessert bakes.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds cozy, classic warmth that plays perfectly with the banana flavor.
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving, optional): The ultimate finishing touch for a true Southern experience.

How to Make Southern Banana Cobbler

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives the cobbler the even heat it needs to bake up with a golden, bubbling top and perfectly cooked bananas. While the oven comes to temperature, melt your unsalted butter and pour it right into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This slick, buttery layer is key for that classic Southern Banana Cobbler crust.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth—no lumps, please! This simple batter will rise beautifully in the oven, creating fluffy layers that cradle the bananas in every bite.

Step 3: Pour the Batter (Don’t Stir!)

Pour the silky batter evenly over the melted butter in your dish. The trick here is to resist the urge to stir; just pour and let the batter and butter do their own thing. This hands-off method is what gives Southern Banana Cobbler its iconic marbled, golden top with pockets of buttery richness.

Step 4: Sweeten the Bananas

In another bowl, combine your sliced bananas with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Gently toss until all the banana slices are deliciously coated. This quick step ensures every bite of banana gets a boost of caramel-like sweetness and a whisper of spice.

Step 5: Add the Bananas (Again, Don’t Stir!)

Spoon the banana mixture evenly across the top of the batter. Still, don’t stir! As the cobbler bakes, the bananas will nestle into the batter and the sugars will bubble up around the edges, making a dreamy, gooey filling.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, the edges are beautifully bubbling, and your kitchen smells like absolute heaven. Give the cobbler about 10 minutes to cool—this quick rest helps everything set for easy, scoopable servings.

How to Serve Southern Banana Cobbler

Garnishes

No Southern Banana Cobbler is complete without a little something extra. Classic choices like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream add a cool contrast to the warm cobbler. For a little crunch, think chopped pecans or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. Let your sweet tooth guide you!

Side Dishes

This cobbler shines on its own, but you can round out your dessert table with a fresh fruit salad, a mug of coffee, or even a pitcher of sweet tea. Light bites like these make a lovely match for the rich, decadent flavors of Southern Banana Cobbler.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try baking the cobbler in individual ramekins for easy serving. Or, offer a sundae bar: let guests top their cobbler with nuts, fresh berries, caramel, or even chocolate sauce. You can also cut the cobbler into squares and serve on a platter for a rustic, buffet-style dessert. Southern Banana Cobbler is all about comfort, so feel free to get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Southern Banana Cobbler? Lucky you! Simply let it cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just long enough to savor little moments of comfort all week.

Freezing

This cobbler freezes surprisingly well. Once completely cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. You can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, scoop a portion into a microwave-safe bowl and warm for 30–45 seconds, or until heated through. For a crispier top, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Don’t forget to add fresh ice cream or whipped cream for that fresh-from-the-oven magic!

FAQs

Can I use bananas that are very ripe or even overripe?

Absolutely! Riper bananas will yield a sweeter, softer filling—just make sure they aren’t totally mushy, as you still want some texture in your Southern Banana Cobbler.

Can I add other fruits to the cobbler?

Yes, feel free to mix in sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a fun twist. Just keep the banana as the star to maintain the cobbler’s signature Southern charm.

What if I don’t have whole milk?

Any milk you have on hand will do, though whole milk adds the richest flavor and creamiest texture. For a dairy-free option, oat milk works beautifully as well.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

To make a gluten-free Southern Banana Cobbler, simply substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The results are still scrumptious and comforting.

How can I prevent the cobbler from becoming soggy?

Use bananas that are ripe but not overly soft, and avoid overcrowding them. Also, don’t stir the batter with the bananas—this allows the cobbler topping to bake up light and fluffy with just the right amount of caramelized gooeyness underneath.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a homemade Southern Banana Cobbler with friends and family. Its classic flavors and irresistible texture are pure comfort on a plate. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this delectable Southern Banana Cobbler. A perfect blend of ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a sweet buttery crust makes this dessert a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Batter:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Banana Layer:

4 ripe bananas, sliced
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Serving:

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish without stirring.
Assemble the Cobbler: In a separate bowl, toss banana slices with brown sugar and cinnamon. Spoon the banana mixture over the batter without stirring.
Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream.