Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe
Introduction
Southern Banana Cobbler is a comforting and sweet dessert that showcases ripe bananas under a golden, tender cobbler topping. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, offering a delicious twist on classic fruit cobblers.

Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the bananas into about 1/4 inch thick pieces.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced bananas with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, melted butter, water, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Let this mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk the cold buttermilk with the melted and slightly cooled butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the topping light and tender.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 7: Pour the banana filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Step 8: Gently pour the cobbler topping over the banana filling and, if you like, sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top for added crunch and sweetness.
- Step 9: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
- Step 10: Remove from the oven and let the cobbler cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Step 11: Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, substitute the buttermilk with plain yogurt or sour cream.
- Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for added texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet cobbler, reduce the sugar slightly in the banana mixture.
- Use fresh lemon juice to prevent the bananas from browning and enhance the overall brightness of the filling.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or gently warm in an oven preheated to 325°F (165°C) for about 10 minutes. The topping may soften, but the flavors will remain delicious.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
It’s best to use ripe, fresh bananas for the ideal texture and flavor. If you do use frozen bananas, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cobbler.
Can I make this cobbler gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free as well.
PrintSouthern Banana Cobbler Recipe
This Southern Banana Cobbler is a delightful dessert featuring ripe bananas tossed in a warm spiced sugar mixture, topped with a tender, buttery cobbler crust. Baked to golden perfection and served warm, it is perfect with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a comforting, nostalgic sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
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
- Prepare the Bananas: Slice the bananas into approximately 1/4 inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture in the filling.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced bananas with granulated sugar, light brown sugar, melted butter, water, lemon juice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This mixture builds the flavorful, spiced base of the cobbler.
- Let it Sit: Allow the banana mixture to rest for 15-20 minutes so the sugars can dissolve and the flavors meld, helping to create a juicy filling during baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This forms the dry base for the cobbler topping.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together cold buttermilk, melted (but slightly cooled) unsalted butter, and vanilla extract to create the wet component of the topping.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the topping tender and fluffy.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to reach temperature to ensure proper baking.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the prepared banana filling evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish to form the cobbler base.
- Pour the Topping: Carefully pour the cobbler topping mixture over the banana filling, letting it spread naturally.
- Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional): If desired, sprinkle turbinado sugar over the topping to add a crunchy, caramelized texture after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes to set before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a classic, comforting dessert experience.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the cobbler batter to keep the topping light and crumbly.
- Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving to let it set and avoid burning your mouth with hot filling.
- Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice if buttermilk is unavailable.
- Turbinado sugar enhances texture and appearance but is optional.
Keywords: banana cobbler, southern dessert, banana dessert, baked cobbler, spiced banana dessert

