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Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

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.

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
  • 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