Name: Southern banana cobbler
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 6 ripe bananas, sliced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 cup granulated sugar, divided; ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¾ cup whole milk; Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving

Hey y'all! Ready to bring a comforting dose of Southern tradition to your kitchen? This Southern banana cobbler is a gooey, golden-topped dessert loaded with sweet banana slices and rich, buttery goodness—the perfect way to impress family and friends at gatherings, or to sweeten up an ordinary weeknight. It's soul-warming, nostalgic, and surprisingly easy. Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

Irresistibly Comforting: Brings together caramelized bananas and a tender, biscuit-like crust, delivering pure homemade comfort.
Easy to Make: Simple, straightforward steps using pantry staples.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you're craving a sweet Southern treat.
Versatile: Easily adaptable—switch up fruits or serve with your favorite toppings.
Quick Prep: Only 15 minutes of prep time, so dessert is never far away!

Ingredients

6 ripe bananas, sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¾ cup whole milk
Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Bananas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss the sliced bananas with lemon juice and ¼ cup of the granulated sugar; set aside to macerate.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ¾ cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Stir in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk until a smooth batter forms (do not overmix).

Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Pour the batter evenly into the dish.

Spoon the banana mixture (with juices) evenly over the batter. Do not mix—let the batter surround the bananas as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden brown on top and bubbling at the edges. A toothpick in the center should come out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cobbler cool for at least 10 minutes. Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Use perfectly ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture—overripe bananas may be too mushy.
Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and keep the topping tender.
For easy cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper.

Variations

Banana-Berry Cobbler: Add 1 cup of fresh blueberries to the banana mixture for fruity contrast.
Nutty Banana Cobbler: Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the bananas before baking.
Spiced Banana Cobbler: Add a pinch of nutmeg and swap half the sugar for dark brown sugar for a deeper, spicy aroma.

Required Equipment

9x13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

Storage Instructions

Let your Southern banana cobbler cool completely, then cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Delicious warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or southern sweet tea.

Pro Tips

Let the banana mixture macerate for at least 10 minutes to draw out the natural juices and enhance the flavor.
Bake until the top is deep golden and bubbling—undercooking may result in a gummy center.
Let the cobbler rest after baking so the filling sets—a must for clean serving slices!

FAQ

Can I use frozen bananas?

It's best to use fresh bananas for optimal texture; frozen bananas may release too much moisture, making the cobbler soggy.
Can I make this ahead?

Yes! Prepare and bake the cobbler, then reheat before serving. It tastes just as delicious the next day.
Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely—blueberries, strawberries, or even peaches pair wonderfully with bananas in this recipe.