Southern Banana Cobbler! A Comforting Classic with Old-Fashioned Charm

There’s something deeply nostalgic about a warm Southern Banana Cobbler bubbling away in the oven. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like home simple, soulful, and made to be shared. In the South, cobblers aren’t just desserts; they’re traditions passed down through generations, often baked without a recipe card, guided instead by memory and instinct. This banana cobbler is a lesser-known cousin to peach and blackberry cobbler, but once you taste its rich, caramelized banana filling and buttery crust, it quickly earns a permanent place at the table.

This recipe leans into old-fashioned Southern techniques while keeping things approachable for modern home cooks. Ripe bananas melt into a custardy filling, warm spices add depth, and a golden batter bakes up around the fruit to create that signature cobbler texture somewhere between cake and pudding. Whether you’re serving it after Sunday dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this Southern Banana Cobbler delivers pure comfort in every spoonful.

Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

This Southern Banana Cobbler comes together with pantry staples and ripe bananas. The magic happens in the oven, where the batter rises through the fruit to form a soft, golden topping with crisp edges.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~320 per serving

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup whole milk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in a 9×9-inch baking dish and set it in the oven to melt.
2. In a bowl, toss the sliced bananas with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly stir in the milk until smooth.
4. Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven once the butter is melted.
5. Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter do not stir.
6. Spoon the banana mixture evenly over the batter, again without stirring.
7. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and almond or oat milk.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar by ¼ cup or use coconut sugar.

Chef’s Pro Tips

• Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor.
• Do not stir the layers this creates the cobbler’s signature texture.
• For extra richness, add a tablespoon of bourbon to the banana mixture.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

You can assemble the banana mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Store baked cobbler covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish at 300°F until heated through.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Soggy center: Bake a few extra minutes until fully set.
• Too sweet: Balance with a pinch of salt or serve with unsweetened whipped cream.
• Dry topping: Measure flour accurately and avoid overbaking.

Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Serve Southern Banana Cobbler warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with Cozy & Nourishing Rosemary Roasted Garlic Bean Soup (Easy One-Pot Recipe)

Southern Banana Cobbler

This Southern Banana Cobbler is warm, buttery, and baked until golden with caramelized bananas and cozy spices—perfect with vanilla ice cream.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Cooling Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Banana Filling

• 4 ripe bananas sliced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cobbler Batter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick; melted in the baking dish
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk

Equipment

• 9×9 inch baking dish
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups & Spoons

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Add the butter to a 9×9-inch baking dish and place it in the oven until melted.
2. In a bowl, toss the sliced bananas with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and whisk until the batter is smooth.
4. Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter—do not stir.
5. Spoon the banana mixture evenly over the batter. Do not stir; the batter will rise around the fruit as it bakes.
6. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cobbler is bubbling around the edges.
7. Cool for 10 minutes before serving warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor. Avoid stirring the layers—this is what creates the classic cobbler texture. Optional: add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the banana mixture for a deeper caramel note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

Is Southern Banana Cobbler the same as banana pudding?

No, cobbler is baked with a batter topping, while pudding is custard-based.

Can I add nuts?

Chopped pecans or walnuts are a delicious addition.

What pan works best?

A ceramic or glass baking dish ensures even baking.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! use a 9×13-inch dish and add 5–10 minutes to baking time.

Conclusion

This Southern Banana Cobbler is proof that humble ingredients can create unforgettable desserts. Rich, warm, and steeped in Southern tradition, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. If you loved this cobbler, explore more comforting classics and make sure to share this recipe with someone who appreciates a taste of the South.

Learn more about bananas and their nutritional benefits from the USDA.