The Best Southern Banana Cobbler Dessert Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
