Southern Banana Cobbler: Easy Dessert Recipe

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Few desserts capture the heart of Southern baking quite like a warm, homemade Southern Banana Cobbler. Rich, buttery, and filled with sweet ripe bananas, this comforting dessert blends the familiar flavors of banana bread with the irresistible texture of a classic fruit cobbler. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, banana cobbler is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table.

This easy dessert recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, holidays, or when you need a simple yet impressive sweet treat. Using pantry staples and ripe bananas, this cobbler delivers bakery-style results without complicated steps. Topped with a golden, fluffy crust and served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, it’s a dessert that never fails to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients you likely already have at home
• Perfect way to use overripe bananas
• Soft, sweet banana filling with a fluffy cobbler topping
• Ideal for gatherings, holidays, and Sunday dinners
• Can be prepared ahead of time
• Pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped topping

This recipe combines the comfort of traditional Southern desserts with a modern, easy-to-follow method that anyone can master.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Bananas – Ripe bananas are the star of this recipe, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and deep banana flavor that intensifies as the cobbler bakes.
• Sugars – A blend of granulated sugar and brown sugar adds depth and richness, with brown sugar contributing subtle caramel notes that perfectly complement the bananas.
• Butter – Melted unsalted butter is used in both the filling and topping, adding richness and ensuring a tender, moist texture throughout the cobbler.
• Lemon Juice – A small amount brightens the banana filling and balances the sweetness without overpowering the flavor.
• Spices – Ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the banana flavor and give the dessert a warm, classic Southern aroma.
• Flour and Leavening – All-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda create a light, fluffy cobbler topping that rises beautifully during baking.
• Buttermilk – Cold buttermilk adds tanginess and helps produce a soft, tender topping with excellent structure.

Tips and Tricks

• Use bananas that are fully ripe with brown spots for the best flavor
• Do not overmix the cobbler topping; stir just until combined
• Let the banana mixture rest so the flavors blend properly
• Place the baking dish on a sheet pan to prevent spills
• Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving for easier slicing

Variations and Customizations

1. Nutty Banana Cobbler
   Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping or filling for added crunch.
2. Caramel Banana Cobbler
   Drizzle caramel sauce over the banana layer before adding the topping.
3. Spiced Banana Cobbler
   Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper spice profile.
4. Dairy-Free Option
   Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk with a splash of vinegar as a buttermilk substitute.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination
• Pair with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon
• Enjoy with hot coffee or sweet tea for a true Southern-style dessert experience

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave in short intervals
• Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready

Popular Questions

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using.

How ripe should bananas be?
Very ripe bananas provide the best sweetness and flavor.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce sugar slightly if your bananas are extremely sweet.

Can this be frozen?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be frozen and reheated if needed.

Southern Banana Cobbler: Easy Dessert Recipe

A classic Southern-style banana cobbler made with ripe bananas and a tender, buttery topping. Warm, comforting, and perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 large ripe bananas, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt (for topping)
• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled (for topping)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for topping)
• to taste turbinado sugar (optional topping)

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowls
• whisk
• spatula

Method

 

1. Slice bananas and place in a large bowl. Add sugars, melted butter, water, lemon juice, vanilla, spices, and salt. Gently toss and let rest for 15–20 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
5. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
6. Pour banana mixture into the prepared baking dish. Gently pour topping batter over the bananas and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.
7. Bake for 35–45 minutes until golden and set.
8. Cool for 15–20 minutes before serving with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Always use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness
• Avoid overmixing to keep the topping light and tender
• Sweetness can be adjusted based on personal preference
• Nuts can be added for extra texture
• Cobbler reheats well and tastes even better the next day

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