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Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

4.4 from 54 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Prepare the Bananas: Slice the bananas into approximately 1/4 inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture in the filling.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to reach temperature to ensure proper baking.
  8. Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the prepared banana filling evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish to form the cobbler base.
  9. Pour the Topping: Carefully pour the cobbler topping mixture over the banana filling, letting it spread naturally.
  10. Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional): If desired, sprinkle turbinado sugar over the topping to add a crunchy, caramelized texture after baking.
  11. 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.
  12. Cool Slightly: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes to set before serving.
  13. 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