Description
This easy Southern banana cobbler features gooey, caramelized bananas beneath a golden, buttery crust. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4–5 ripe bananas (about 2 cups sliced)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or 2% or almond milk, 180ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
- 1–2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (optional, for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Peel and slice 4-5 ripe bananas (about 2 cups), preferably into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place in a mixing bowl.
- Add 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional), and a pinch of salt to the bananas. Toss gently to coat and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter and pour it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Do not stir.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add 3/4 cup milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until just smooth; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir.
- Spoon the banana mixture evenly over the batter. Do not stir.
- Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons turbinado sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon over the top, if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the crust comes out clean. The filling should be bubbling around the edges. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Let the cobbler cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
For best flavor, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. The recipe is easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and plant-based milk and butter. Add nuts, chocolate chips, or swap in other fruits for variations. Let the cobbler rest before serving for easier scooping and a thicker filling. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; flavors improve overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of cobbler (about 1 serving)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: banana cobbler, southern dessert, easy cobbler, banana dessert, comfort food, potluck dessert, egg-free, crowd-pleaser, homemade cobbler, fruit cobbler