Growing up in a Southern kitchen, my grandmother always had a way of transforming the simplest ingredients into something magical. One of my favorite memories is the warm, sweet aroma that would fill the house whenever she made her signature Southern Banana Cobbler. It wasn’t flashy, but it was the kind of dessert that hugged your soul. Sticky-sweet bananas, golden buttery crust, and that rustic charm only Southern recipes can truly deliver — this cobbler is a must-have for any comfort food lover.
If you’ve never had banana cobbler before, imagine a cross between banana pudding and a fruit crisp. It’s rich, buttery, gooey, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re hosting a summer potluck or just craving something nostalgic and indulgent, this recipe will become a staple.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 6 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Cobbler Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
Optional Topping:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Crushed vanilla wafers or chopped pecans
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions
1. Prep the Bananas
- Slice the bananas and gently toss them with lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and a pinch of salt.
- Gently fold the sugar mixture into the bananas. Add vanilla extract and let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the batter.
2. Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Do not overmix.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir just until incorporated.
3. Assemble the Cobbler
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
- Pour the batter into the dish. Spoon the banana mixture evenly over the top — do not stir! This gives you those golden, gooey banana pockets.
4. Bake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
5. Serve
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or pecans adds extra Southern flair!
Tips & Variations
- Riper bananas = sweeter cobbler. Choose bananas with brown specks for maximum flavor.
- Want crunch? Add a handful of chopped pecans or crushed vanilla wafers to the batter.
- Make it boozy. Add a splash of bourbon or banana liqueur for an adult twist.
- Gluten-free version? Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Why You’ll Love Southern Banana Cobbler
This dessert is easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and budget-friendly. It uses pantry staples and transforms everyday fruit into something extraordinary. Unlike banana bread or pudding, this cobbler celebrates the banana’s natural flavor while adding buttery crispness on top.
