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Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

4.7 from 133 reviews

This Southern Banana Cobbler is a warm and comforting dessert featuring ripe bananas baked beneath a golden, tender cobbler topping. Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, the sweet banana filling is perfectly complemented by a lightly spiced, buttery crust. Served best warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, it’s an easy-to-make Southern classic ideal for any occasion.

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

To Finish

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bananas: Slice the bananas into approximately 1/4 inch thick pieces 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, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful banana mixture.
  3. Let it Sit: Allow the banana mixture to sit for about 15-20 minutes so the sugars dissolve and the flavors meld together, also softening the bananas slightly.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to prepare the cobbler topping dry base.
  5. Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk, melted and cooled butter, and vanilla extract to create the wet component for the topping.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix to keep the topping tender and fluffy.
  7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time the cobbler is ready to bake.
  8. Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the banana mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer of filling.
  9. Pour the Topping: Gently pour or drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping over the banana filling, covering the surface as evenly as possible.
  10. Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional): For extra crunch and sweetness, sprinkle the top of the cobbler with turbinado sugar before baking.
  11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  12. Cool Slightly: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes to allow it to set and make serving easier.
  13. Serve: Serve the cobbler warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious finishing touch.

Notes

  • You can substitute regular sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor and lower glycemic index.
  • Make sure the butter for the topping is cooled slightly after melting to avoid cooking the batter prematurely.
  • If you prefer a thicker filling, reduce the water slightly or add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the banana mixture.
  • Leftover cobbler can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
  • For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.

Keywords: banana cobbler, Southern dessert, baked banana dessert, cobbler recipe, easy dessert, comfort food