Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe
Southern Banana Cobbler is a comforting and delicious dessert featuring ripe bananas mixed with warm spices and covered with a tender, buttery cobbler topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a classic Southern treat.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
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
Finishing
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Prepare the Bananas: Slice the bananas into approximately 1/4 inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture in the cobbler.
- 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 until well combined.
- Let it Sit: Allow the banana mixture to rest for 15-20 minutes. This lets the flavors meld and the bananas release some juice, enhancing the filling’s taste and moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the cobbler topping.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk, melted and slightly cooled butter, and vanilla extract, preparing the wet ingredients for the cobbler batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the topping light and tender.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking the cobbler.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the banana filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Pour the Topping: Gently pour the cobbler topping batter over the banana filling, spreading it carefully to cover the filling completely.
- Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional): If desired, sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top for added crunch and sweetness.
- 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 just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes. This helps the filling set slightly for easier serving.
- Serve: Serve the cobbler warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a classic Southern indulgence.
Notes
- Make sure the bananas are ripe but not overly mushy to retain texture when baked.
- Letting the banana mixture sit allows the flavors to blend and juices to rise, intensifying the filling’s taste.
- Do not overmix the cobbler batter to keep it light and tender.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- The cobbler can be served with whipped cream or ice cream to add creaminess.
Keywords: banana cobbler, southern dessert, baked banana dessert, cobbler recipe, easy banana cobbler