Southern Banana Cobbler (Printable Version)
Caramelized bananas under a golden buttery cobbler crust—a warm Southern comfort dessert.
# Ingredient List:
→ Filling
01 - 4 ripe bananas, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
09 - Pinch of kosher salt
→ Cobbler Topping
10 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
11 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/2 cup whole milk
15 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Optional Garnish
17 - Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring gently, until the bananas soften and the mixture becomes thick and syrupy. Remove from heat and spread the filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the topping tender.
04 - Spoon the batter in generous dollops over the banana filling. Use a spatula to gently spread it, leaving some gaps exposed for a rustic, golden finish as it bakes.
05 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean.
06 - Allow the cobbler to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls while still warm and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The caramelized banana filling tastes like banana pudding grew up and put on a fancy coat.
- It uses pantry staples and takes almost no effort, which means dessert is always within reach.
- The buttery cobbler topping gets those crisp, golden edges that make everyone fight over the corner pieces.
02 -
- Do not walk away from the bananas in the skillet because they go from caramelized to burnt in what feels like two seconds.
- Resist the urge to spread the batter completely flat because those uneven peaks and valleys are where the best texture lives.
03 -
- Toss the sliced bananas in lemon juice before cooking to preserve their bright color and add a subtle tang.
- Use a light hand when mixing the batter because lumps are your friend and lead to a more tender cobbler crust.