Southern Banana Cobbler – A Comforting Classic Dessert
If you’re a fan of cozy Southern desserts that combine the richness of baked fruit with a golden, buttery topping, then this Southern Banana Cobbler is a must-try. Perfect for using up ripe bananas, this easy and indulgent cobbler delivers warm, nostalgic flavors that pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re preparing it for a weekend gathering or just want a comforting sweet treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make with pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Banana Cobbler
- Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
- Incredible Flavor – Sweet bananas meet nutty oats and pecans for a perfect balance.
- Warm & Gooey Texture – Crispy topping with soft, baked bananas underneath.
- Perfect for Entertaining – Serves 8 and looks stunning when served warm with ice cream.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Streusel Topping:
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed) – Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- ½ cup self-rising flour – Helps the topping stay light and crisp.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – For richness and that signature Southern taste.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats – Adds heartiness and texture.
- ½ cup chopped pecans – Toasty and nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with banana.
For the Banana Filling:
- 1 cup self-rising flour – Acts as a base to absorb the fruit juices and rise during baking.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the banana filling.
- 1 cup milk – Adds moisture and creates a pudding-like texture.
- 2 tsp banana extract (optional) – Enhances the natural banana flavor.
- ½ cup melted butter – Adds depth and golden richness.
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced – The star of the dish, offering creamy sweetness.
Instructions – Step-by-Step
1. Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish or a 9×9-inch square pan.
2. Make the Topping
- In a medium bowl, use a fork or pastry cutter to blend together brown sugar, self-rising flour, and softened butter until it forms a crumbly mixture.
- Stir in the oats and chopped pecans, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Set aside. This will be your golden, crunchy topping.
3. Prepare the Filling
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Mix in the melted butter and banana extract (if using).
- Pour this batter into the greased baking dish. Do not stir once it’s in the dish.
4. Add the Bananas
- Slice the ripe bananas and distribute them evenly over the top of the batter. The batter will rise around the fruit as it bakes.
5. Add the Topping
- Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the bananas. Don’t press it down—just let it rest on top.
6. Bake
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and set.
- The edges will caramelize beautifully, while the center remains soft and luscious.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm, directly from the oven.
- Add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.
- For extra flair, sprinkle cinnamon or caramel sauce over the top.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for about 30 seconds or bake in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to restore the crisp topping.
Tips for Perfect Cobbler
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the cobbler.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Customize it: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the topping for extra warmth.
- Go nut-free: Simply omit pecans for a nut-free version.
Nutritional Info (per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 29g
- Fiber: 3g