Southern Banana Cobbler is the kind of dessert that instantly feels like home. Warm, buttery, and filled with sweet, ripe bananas, this comforting classic delivers everything you want from an old-fashioned Southern dessert. With a soft, cake-like base and a golden, caramelized banana topping, every spoonful is rich, cozy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or a quiet night in, this easy banana cobbler recipe comes together quickly and always earns rave reviews.

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Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ripe bananas, sliced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions for Southern Banana Cobbler

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully heat.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Pour in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until a smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared dish.
Arrange the banana slices evenly over the batter.
Combine cinnamon and nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over the bananas.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cobbler rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Pro Tips

Use very ripe bananas for deeper flavor and natural sweetness
Allow the cobbler to cool slightly so the filling sets properly
For extra richness, brush the top lightly with melted butter after baking
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor

Why This Recipe Works

Simple pantry ingredients
Beginner-friendly baking method
Perfect balance of soft cake and tender fruit
Comforting Southern flavors everyone loves
Ideal for gatherings, holidays, or weeknight desserts

Substitutions & Variations

Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter
Gluten-free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts before baking
Extra indulgent: Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cobbler

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead:
Prepare the batter and slice bananas up to 6 hours in advance. Assemble just before baking.

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Storage:

Room temperature: Up to 24 hours, loosely covered
Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Up to 1 month, tightly wrapped

Reheating:

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Microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds
Oven reheat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil

Serving Ideas for Southern Banana Cobbler

Serve with vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing
Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon
Top with caramel sauce and toasted pecans
Garnish with fresh berries for a bright contrast

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: ~300
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 28g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw completely and drain excess liquid before using.

How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with brown spots provide the best flavor.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you may reduce each sugar by 2–3 tablespoons without affecting texture.

Does this cobbler need refrigeration?
Only if storing longer than 24 hours.

Southern Banana Cobbler is a timeless dessert that brings warmth, comfort, and rich banana flavor to the table. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whether served plain or dressed up with ice cream, this cobbler delivers classic Southern charm in every bite.