Print

Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

4.7 from 72 reviews

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.

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

Finishing

  • 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 pleasant 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 until well combined.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking the cobbler.
  8. Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the banana filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
  9. Pour the Topping: Gently pour the cobbler topping batter over the banana filling, spreading it carefully to cover the filling completely.
  10. Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional): If desired, sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top for added crunch and sweetness.
  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 just a few moist crumbs.
  12. 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.
  13. 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