Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

Introduction

Southern Banana Cobbler is a delightful dessert that brings together ripe bananas and a tender, biscuit-like topping. Easy to make and bursting with warm spices, it’s perfect for a cozy family gathering or a sweet treat any day of the week.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the bananas about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Step 2: 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 a pinch of salt.
3. Step 3: Let the banana mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to develop flavor.
4. Step 4: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk the cold buttermilk, melted and slightly cooled butter, and vanilla extract together.
6. Step 6: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the topping tender.
7. Step 7: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Step 8: Pour the banana filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Step 9: Gently pour the cobbler topping over the banana mixture.
10. Step 10: If desired, sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar for extra crunch.
11. Step 11: 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. Step 12: Remove from oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.
13. Step 13: Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half the buttermilk with sour cream.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a pleasing crunch.
• Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid a mushy filling.
• Try swapping cinnamon and nutmeg for cardamom for a unique twist.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or reheat the entire cobbler in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. This cobbler is best enjoyed fresh but holds up well when stored properly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Frozen bananas can work if thawed and drained well to remove excess moisture, but fresh ripe bananas will give the best texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make this cobbler dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to mimic acidity. Use a dairy-free butter alternative as well.

Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 288 reviews

This Southern Banana Cobbler is a comforting dessert featuring tender ripe bananas tossed with warm spices and a buttery sugar mixture, topped with a light, fluffy cobbler batter baked to golden perfection. Served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, it’s a nostalgic treat that combines fruity sweetness with a tender cake-like crust.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 cold buttermilk
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bananas: Slice the ripe bananas about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking and a tender texture in the filling.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced bananas with granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, water, lemon juice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to combine and infuse the fruits with warm flavors.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the banana mixture to rest for 15-20 minutes so the sugars dissolve and the flavors begin to meld, softening the bananas slightly.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to prepare the cobbler topping base.
5. Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together cold buttermilk, melted and slightly cooled butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the topping light and tender.
7. Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cobbler.
8. Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the banana filling evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out as the base layer.
9. Pour the Topping: Gently pour the cobbler batter over the banana filling, covering evenly but without mixing them together.
10. Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional): Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top of the cobbler for a crunchy, caramelized finish if desired.
11. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the cobbler topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
12. Cool Slightly: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes to set and make serving easier.
13. Serve: Serve the warm cobbler topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a classic Southern dessert experience.

Notes

• Use ripe but firm bananas to prevent the filling from becoming too mushy.
• Letting the banana mixture sit allows flavors to meld and the sugar to fully dissolve.
• Do not overmix the cobbler topping batter to maintain a tender crumb.
• For a dairy-free variation, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice and use vegan butter.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: banana cobbler, southern dessert, baked banana dessert, comfort food, cobbler recipe