Southern Banana Cobbler

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 15, 2025

Featured in: Desserts

Nothing captures the warmth and comfort of the South like a freshly baked Southern Banana Cobbler. This delightful dessert combines the natural sweetness and creaminess of ripe bananas with a buttery, cinnamon-infused batter that bakes into a golden, tender crust. Served warm, it’s an inviting treat that fills the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.

Perfect for beginners and busy home cooks alike, this cobbler offers nostalgic flavors with a simple, fuss-free process. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together, its sweet softness and cozy spice blend will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses ripe bananas for a naturally sweet, rich flavor and moist texture.
Simple ingredients combined into a buttery, cinnamon-spiced batter that bakes perfectly every time.
Ideal for beginners with easy steps and minimal prep, but produces impressive results.
Served warm, it offers comforting, nostalgic Southern-style charm in every bite.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the batter while balancing moisture from bananas and butter.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp top crust when baked.
Brown sugar, packed: Brings caramel-like depth and moisture to the batter for rich flavor complexity.
Unsalted butter, melted: Gives a luscious, buttery richness and moisture that enhances the batter’s texture.
Baking powder: Leavens the batter for a light, fluffy cobbler base with gentle rise.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the cobbler.
Milk: Hydrates dry ingredients and keeps the batter smooth and moist during baking.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that complements the bananas and spices beautifully.
Ripe bananas, sliced: The star ingredient; they bring sweetness, creaminess, and signature banana flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Provides warm spice notes that marry perfectly with bananas.
Nutmeg (optional): Adds subtle earthy warmth enhancing the cobbler’s cozy autumnal flavor.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature before baking. This helps the cobbler bake evenly and develop a golden crust.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these first ensures even distribution of leavening and sweetness, which is crucial for balanced taste and texture.
Add Wet Ingredients and Stir: Pour melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined to form a smooth batter—overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, so mix gently but thoroughly.
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cobbler from sticking and to promote an evenly golden bottom crust.
Pour Batter and Arrange Bananas: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared dish. Arrange sliced bananas in a single layer on top, allowing their juices to infuse the batter as it bakes, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
Add Cinnamon and Nutmeg Topping: Mix ground cinnamon and optional nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over the bananas. These spices create a warm, inviting aroma and add depth to each bite.
Bake until Golden Brown: Bake the cobbler for 45-50 minutes until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step ensures the batter is fully cooked and the edges are crisp.
Cool and Serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. This resting period lets the flavors meld and makes serving easier and safer.

You Must Know

This cobbler tastes best served warm and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Using overripe bananas enhances sweetness and banana aroma, making the dessert more flavorful.
Adding chopped pecans or walnuts before baking boosts texture and adds a nutty crunch.
Doubles easily—just use a larger baking dish for parties or potlucks.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore warmth and softness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm cobbler on its own or topped with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for a decadent touch. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

Professional Tips

For best results, use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and creaminess.
Do not overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients combine to keep the cobbler tender and soft.
Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even browning and heat distribution.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this cobbler?: Yes, frozen bananas can be used but thaw and drain excess moisture before slicing to avoid a watery batter.
How can I make this recipe vegan?: Substitute milk with a plant-based alternative and use vegan butter or coconut oil to keep the richness.
Can I prepare this cobbler ahead of time?: You can assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking to save time on busy days.
What is the best way to slice bananas for this dish?: Slice bananas into about 1/4 inch thick rounds for even baking and a nice distribution over the batter.
Can I add other fruits to this cobbler?: Yes, mixing in berries or chopped apples works well; just adjust sugar slightly to balance flavors.
How do I know when the cobbler is fully baked?: The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean without wet batter.