I remember the first time I tasted my Aunt Clara’s banana cobbler. It was a summer afternoon, the air thick with humidity, and the sweet scent of bananas and cinnamon wafted from her kitchen window. That warm, gooey, comforting dessert was pure magic.
It wasn’t just the taste; it was the feeling of being loved, of being home. Aunt Clara always made sure everyone had a generous scoop, topped with a melting cloud of vanilla ice cream. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day, and it’s a memory I cherish. I found an old handwritten recipe card in her things recently and it inspired me to make my own version and share it with all of you. For another delicious dessert, check out this recipe for coconut snowball cake.
Why you’ll love this Southern Banana Cobbler
- This Southern banana cobbler is incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
- The warm banana filling is perfectly balanced with a sweet, biscuit-like topping.
- It’s a comforting and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
- You can easily customize this Southern banana cobbler with different spices or nuts.
- The recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Leftovers are just as delicious and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Ingredients
- 6 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Southern banana cobbler makes every moment feel indulgent. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine sliced bananas, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat. Pour banana mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4
Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be very cold for the best texture.
Step 5
Stir in milk until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 6
Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the banana mixture, leaving some space in between. This allows the banana filling to bubble up and around the topping.
Step 7
Brush the topping with melted butter. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crispy texture.
Step 8
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the banana filling is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Step 9
Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm cobbler and the cold ice cream is heavenly!
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
For a richer flavor in your southern banana cobbler, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the banana filling. The molasses in the brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like note that complements the bananas perfectly.
You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Simply fold them into the dough before dropping it onto the banana filling.
Another fun variation is to add a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the topping for a tropical twist. This adds a lovely texture and a subtle coconut flavor that pairs well with banana.
Pairings
Southern banana cobbler is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but you could also try it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
For a more sophisticated pairing, consider serving it with a glass of dessert grape juice or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The warmth of the cobbler and the richness of the banana filling create a perfect balance with these beverages.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could also serve it with a side of fresh berries or a simple fruit salad. The acidity of the fruit will help to cut through the sweetness of the cobbler, making for a refreshing and balanced meal.
Serving ideas
For an elegant presentation, serve the southern banana cobbler in individual ramekins. This allows each person to have their own perfectly portioned serving.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh mint leaves to add a touch of color and freshness. Looking for other great recipes? Fork Haven offers a fantastic creamy banana pepper chicken dip recipe that might be just what you need for your next gathering. Check it out here.
If you’re serving a crowd, you can bake the cobbler in a large baking dish and let everyone serve themselves. This is a great option for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover southern banana cobbler can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also enjoy it cold, straight from the refrigerator.
If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the cobbler for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Make-ahead
You can prepare the banana filling for the southern banana cobbler up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake the cobbler.
You can also prepare the topping ahead of time. Mix the dry ingredients and cut in the butter, then store the mixture in the refrigerator until you’re ready to add the milk and bake. Make sure the butter is cold for the best results.
For a super quick dessert, assemble the entire cobbler and store it, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before baking. This is a great option if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a homemade dessert.
Common mistakes when making Southern Banana Cobbler
- Overmixing the topping: Overmixing the dough will result in a tough, dense topping. Stir in the milk until just combined; a few lumps are okay.
- Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas won’t have the same sweetness or flavor. Use ripe bananas that are soft and slightly speckled.
- Not greasing the baking dish: If you forget to grease the baking dish, the cobbler will stick and be difficult to remove. Make sure to grease it thoroughly before adding the banana filling.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Baking at too high or too low of a temperature can affect the texture and color of the cobbler. Make sure your oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C).
- Adding too much liquid: Adding too much liquid to the banana filling can make the cobbler soggy. Stick to the recipe’s measurements for the best results.
Final notes
This Southern banana cobbler is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and I’m so happy to share it with you.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Add your favorite spices, nuts, or fruits to create a unique twist on this classic dessert.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a little bit of happiness. I promise, this Southern banana cobbler will become a new family favorite!
Loved this Southern Banana Cobbler? Try these next
- Coconut snowball cake
- Banana split fluff salad
- Creamy garlic baby potatoes
- Easy oreo dump cake recipe
- Easy peach cobbler
Southern Banana Cobbler
Warm, comforting Southern Banana Cobbler with a sweet banana filling and a golden, biscuit-like topping. A classic dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced bananas, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat. Pour banana mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the banana mixture, leaving some space in between. Brush the topping with melted butter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the banana filling is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the banana filling. Store leftover cobbler in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg