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Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

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4.1 from 47 reviews

Aunt Bessie’s Southern Banana Cobbler is a warm, gooey dessert featuring caramelized ripe bananas topped with a tender cobbler batter and a buttery pecan streusel. This comforting, classic Southern recipe blends sweet banana flavor with a crisp, crumbly topping, making it a family-favorite treat perfect for cozy gatherings.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Banana Base:

  • 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced (brown spots but firm)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt

For the Cobbler Topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping:

  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup self-rising flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure beautifully crisp and golden edges.
  2. Caramelize Bananas. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced ripe bananas, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently to coat bananas and develop a deep caramelized flavor without turning mushy.
  3. Prepare Cobbler Batter. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, combine melted 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup whole milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined to keep the batter tender.
  4. Assemble Banana Base and Batter. Spread the warm caramelized bananas evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cobbler batter evenly over the top, allowing it to spread and bubble in the oven naturally.
  5. Make Streusel Topping. In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup self-rising flour, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in 1/4 cup cold cubed butter with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  6. Top and Bake. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the cobbler batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  7. Cool and Serve. Allow the cobbler to cool for at least 10 minutes after baking to let the gooey sauce set perfectly before serving.

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas with brown spots but still firm for the best flavor and texture.
  • Butter the baking dish generously to achieve crisp, golden edges similar to Grandma’s favorite ceramic dish.
  • Do not overcook the bananas during caramelizing; 3-4 minutes is enough to develop flavor without turning mushy.
  • Stir the batter gently and just until combined to keep the cobbler light and tender.
  • Cold butter in the streusel topping is key to achieving a crumbly texture.
  • Letting the cobbler rest before serving helps thicken the sauce and improves texture.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Southern

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/southern-banana-cobbler-recipe/