The Best Southern Banana Cobbler Dessert Recipe

Introduction

This Southern Banana Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert that combines sweet, ripe bananas with a tender, cinnamon-spiced cobbler topping. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Optional toppings: vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chopped pecans or walnuts, caramel drizzle

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced bananas, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently until bananas are well coated. Set aside to allow the sugar to slightly dissolve.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, milk, sugar, and optional nutmeg until just combined. Do not overmix—some small lumps are okay.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Do not stir once it’s in the pan. Spoon the banana mixture over the batter, distributing it evenly without mixing. The batter will rise around the bananas during baking to create the cobbler texture.
5. Step 5: Place the dish on the center oven rack and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. The center should be set and spring back lightly when touched.
6. Step 6: Let the cobbler rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set while keeping it warm and gooey.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the cobbler before baking.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic Southern touch.
• If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can substitute 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving to enhance sweetness and richness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm. The cobbler’s texture may soften slightly after refrigeration but remains delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this cobbler?

Yes, overripe bananas work well and add extra sweetness and flavor to the filling.

What type of baking dish should I use?

A 9×9 inch (or similar size) casserole dish works best to ensure even baking and the right cobbler thickness.

The Best Southern Banana Cobbler Dessert Recipe

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4.7 from 116 reviews

This southern banana cobbler is a deliciously warm and gooey dessert featuring ripe bananas baked under a lightly spiced, golden cobbler batter. The combination of bananas, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a comforting classic Southern treat that’s perfect served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent finish.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 5 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Cobbler Batter

• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Caramel drizzle

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Prepare the banana filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced bananas, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently to coat the bananas evenly, then set aside to let the sugar begin to dissolve, which enhances the filling’s sweetness and texture.
3. Mix the cobbler batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, whole milk, sugar, and optional nutmeg until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light, slightly lumpy batter that will rise beautifully while baking.
4. Assemble the cobbler: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it without stirring. Spoon the banana mixture evenly over the top without mixing into the batter. This layering allows the batter to puff up around the bananas during baking, creating the classic cobbler texture.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the center of the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown, the edges are bubbly, and the center is set with a slight bounce when touched.
6. Cool and serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the filling thicken while keeping it warm and gooey. Serve warm with your choice of optional toppings such as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, nuts, or caramel drizzle.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender cobbler crust.
• Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Letting the cobbler cool slightly before serving helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
• Optional nutmeg adds warm spice but can be omitted if preferred.
• Top with ice cream or nuts for added texture and flavor contrast.

Keywords: banana cobbler, southern dessert, baked banana dessert, comfort food, easy cobbler recipe