Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

Introduction

Southern Banana Cobbler is a delightful dessert that combines tender bananas with a soft, cakey topping. This easy-to-make cobbler brings warm, comforting flavors perfect for any occasion. Serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat.

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 and set aside.
2. Step 2: 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.
3. Step 3: Allow the banana mixture to sit for 15 to 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Step 4: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk cold buttermilk, melted and slightly cooled butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
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, spreading it evenly.
9. Step 9: Gently pour the cobbler topping batter over the banana filling, covering it as evenly as possible.
10. Step 10: If desired, sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top for extra crunch and sweetness.
11. Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or 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 the oven and let the cobbler cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
13. Step 13: Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use ripe but firm bananas to maintain texture during baking.
• For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk for buttermilk and add a splash of bourbon or rum to the banana mixture.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch.
• Swap out the cinnamon and nutmeg for pumpkin pie spice in fall for a seasonal twist.

Storage

Store any leftover banana cobbler covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. This cobbler tastes best when served fresh but remains delicious after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the banana mixture and topping separately and assemble just before baking. This helps keep the topping from becoming soggy. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

To make a buttermilk substitute, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.

Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 75 reviews

Southern Banana Cobbler is a comforting and delicious dessert featuring ripe bananas baked under a tender, slightly sweet cobbler topping. This classic Southern treat combines the rich flavors of banana, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a moist buttermilk biscuit-like crust, perfect when served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• 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 buttermilk, cold
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

For Serving

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bananas: Slice the ripe bananas into approximately 1/4 inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking and proper texture in the cobbler.
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 filling.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the banana mixture to rest for 15-20 minutes to let the sugars dissolve and the flavors meld together.
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 dry base of the cobbler topping.
5. Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk the cold buttermilk, melted and slightly cooled butter, and vanilla extract until mixed thoroughly.
6. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender cobbler texture.
7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cobbler evenly.
8. Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the banana filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
9. Pour the Topping: Gently pour and spread the cobbler batter over the banana filling, covering it as much as possible.
10. Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional): Sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top of the cobbler for a crunchy and sweet crust.
11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or 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: Remove the cobbler from the oven and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes to set and to avoid burning when served.
13. Serve: Serve warm topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Notes

• Allowing the banana mixture to sit helps to enhance the flavors and soften the bananas slightly.
• Do not overmix the cobbler batter to ensure a tender and flaky topping.
• The turbinado sugar sprinkle adds a nice texture contrast but can be omitted if you prefer a less crunchy top.
• This cobbler is best served warm but can be reheated gently before serving.
• Using ripe bananas is essential for natural sweetness and rich flavor.

Keywords: Banana Cobbler, Southern Dessert, Banana Dessert, Cobbler Recipe, Buttermilk Cobbler, Easy Banana Cobbler