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Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

4.8 from 145 reviews

This Southern Banana Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert featuring ripe bananas in a sweet, gooey filling topped with a tender, slightly tangy cobbler crust. Baked until golden brown, it offers a delightful combination of soft caramelized bananas and a buttery crust, perfect when served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Filling

  • 6 ripe bananas, sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Cobbler Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
  • 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping

  • Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bananas: Slice the bananas about 1/4 inch thick, preferring a slight diagonal cut for better presentation.
  2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced bananas with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, water, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, being careful not to mash the bananas.
  3. Let it Sit: Let the banana mixture rest for 15-20 minutes to allow sugars to dissolve and juices to release, forming a syrupy liquid at the bottom.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
  5. Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk, melted and slightly cooled butter, and vanilla extract.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, leaving some lumps to avoid overmixing.
  7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even baking and a nicely browned topping.
  8. Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the banana filling evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  9. Pour the Topping: Gently pour the cobbler topping over the banana filling, distributing it as evenly as possible.
  10. Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional): If desired, sprinkle turbinado sugar on top for extra sparkle and crunch.
  11. Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  12. Cool Slightly: Let the cobbler cool for 15-20 minutes to thicken the filling and avoid burns.
  13. Serve: Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness and flavor.
  • Be careful not to overmix the cobbler topping to prevent toughness.
  • Adjust the sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a less sweet cobbler.
  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling or topping for extra texture and flavor.
  • You can assemble the cobbler ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking; add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave in short intervals until warm.

Keywords: banana cobbler, southern dessert, baked banana dessert, cobbler recipe, easy banana cobbler, banana dessert with biscuit topping