Print

Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

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 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

Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/southern-banana-cobbler-recipe/