Hey y'all! If you're looking for the ultimate comfort dessert that's bursting with sweet banana flavor and crowned with a dreamy, golden crust, this Southern Banana Cobbler is just what you need. It's the perfect treat for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight craving. With its gooey filling and irresistible, fluffy topping, every bite feels like a warm Southern hug. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Southern Banana Cobbler
- Sweet bananas and buttery crust come together for a rich, old-fashioned flavor.
- Super easy to put together with pantry staples—no special skills required!
- Perfect dessert for potlucks, holidays, or just a comforting weeknight treat.
- Crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
- Customizable with fun add-ins and toppings.
Southern Banana Cobbler Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) 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 packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
How to Make Southern Banana Cobbler: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the melted butter into a 9x13-inch baking dish, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
Step 2: Mix The Cobbler Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth and combined without overmixing.
Step 3: Add Bananas and Sugar Mix
Layer your banana slices evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the bananas.
Step 4: Pour the Batter & Bake
Gently pour the batter over the bananas and sugar mixture—don't stir; let the batter sit on top. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let the cobbler cool for at least 10-15 minutes so the filling sets up. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes for the Perfect Southern Banana Cobbler
- Use bananas that are just ripe—overripe bananas will be too mushy (read more about picking ripe bananas from EatRight.org).
- Don't mix the batter into the banana layer; letting it sit on top ensures a fluffy, golden topping.
- For a crunchier topping, sprinkle coarse sugar over the batter before baking.
Southern Banana Cobbler Variations
- Berry Banana Cobbler: Substitute half the bananas for fresh blueberries or strawberries for a mixed-fruit treat.
- Nutty Banana Cobbler: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the banana layer before baking.
- Spiced Banana Cobbler: Add ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg and a pinch of ginger to the cinnamon sugar for a warm spice twist.
Required Equipment for Southern Banana Cobbler
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (medium & small)
- Whisk
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storing Southern Banana Cobbler: Shelf Life Guidelines
Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended as the bananas may take on a mushy texture.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions for Banana Cobbler
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream—the contrast of cold and warm is heavenly!
- Pair with a mug of Southern sweet tea or strong black coffee (see this sweet tea guide).
- Add some fresh berries on top for a tart contrast to the sweet banana filling.
Pro Tips for the Best Southern Banana Cobbler
- For the best texture, use room temperature milk and avoid over-mixing the batter (learn more about batter mixing from King Arthur Baking).
- If you like extra sauce, add an extra banana and slightly more brown sugar to increase the gooeyness.
- Letting the cobbler rest for about 10 minutes after baking allows the filling to thicken for perfect slicing and serving.
FAQ: Southern Banana Cobbler
- Can I make Southern Banana Cobbler in advance? Yes! You can prep ingredients in advance and assemble just before baking, or bake up to a day ahead and reheat gently.
- Can I use frozen bananas? It's best to use fresh bananas for optimal texture, as frozen bananas tend to become mushy.
- How do I prevent the cobbler from being soggy? Use bananas that are ripe but not overripe and avoid stirring the batter into the banana layer so the topping stays fluffy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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3Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until a smooth batter forms.
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4Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the sliced bananas over the batter.
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5Bake for 40 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden brown and the center is set. Let cool slightly before serving.
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6Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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