Southern Banana Cobbler: A Warm, Buttery Banana Dessert You’ll Crave Again and Again

If you’re looking for an easy, comforting dessert that makes your whole house smell amazing, this Southern Banana Cobbler is your answer. With layers of ripe bananas, buttery batter, and a hint of cinnamon, this old-fashioned dessert is golden, gooey, and irresistibly delicious.

Whether you’re serving it at a Sunday dinner, holiday gathering, or simply want something sweet after a long day, this recipe brings the charm of Southern kitchens straight to your table. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and BIG flavor.

Why This Banana Cobbler is So Loved

• Simple pantry ingredients
• No need for eggs or complicated steps
• Golden crust on top, soft bananas underneath
• Perfect with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• A creative way to use overripe bananas

This cobbler is more than just dessert—it’s comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional but delicious)
• Brown sugar, for sprinkling on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven & Melt the Butter

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the stick of butter in a 9×13 inch baking dish and put it in the oven.
• Let the butter melt fully, then remove the dish carefully.

2. Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Then add:

• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Pro Tip: Don’t overmix—just combine until smooth.

3. Pour the Batter Over the Butter

• Pour the batter directly over the melted butter in the baking dish.
• Do NOT stir—this is key to achieving that crispy, golden cobbler crust.

4. Add Bananas and Toppings

• Evenly scatter the sliced bananas across the top of the batter.
• Sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon for warmth and brown sugar for caramelized sweetness.

5. Bake

• Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling slightly around the edges.
• For a deeper golden crust, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Serving Ideas

Serve this banana cobbler:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Topped with freshly whipped cream
• Drizzled with caramel sauce or maple syrup
• Alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea

It’s the kind of dessert that begs to be shared—but don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers.

Tips for Success

• Use overripe bananas – The darker the peel, the sweeter the banana.
• Don’t mix the layers – Pour the batter over butter and add bananas on top without stirring.
• Try flavored sugars – Vanilla sugar or cinnamon sugar add another layer of depth.
• Make it ahead – It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Info (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320
• Carbs: 48g
• Fat: 12g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 3g

Based on 8 servings.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just thaw and drain the excess moisture before slicing and using.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and vegan butter. The texture may vary slightly, but it’s still delicious.

Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely. Blueberries, sliced strawberries, or chopped peaches pair wonderfully with banana.

Can I make it in a smaller dish?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Look for the same golden top and bubbling edges.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Banana Cobbler is more than a recipe—it’s a warm hug in dessert form. It’s rustic, rich in banana flavor, and unbelievably easy. If you’re tired of banana bread, this is the fresh twist you’ve been looking for. Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie