Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile Delight: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this cobbler brings a touch of Southern hospitality to your table.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Utilizing simple pantry staples and ripe bananas, it's an economical choice that doesn't compromise on taste.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, both novice and experienced bakers can whip up this dessert with ease.
- Customizable Flavors: Personalize your cobbler by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Its classic flavor profile is sure to satisfy a wide range of palates, making it a hit at any event.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Prepare the Bananas: Peel and slice the bananas into ¼-inch rounds. Arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional spices until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble the Cobbler: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, forming a batter. Pour this batter over the sliced bananas in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.
- Preparation Time: Around 15 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes.
- Total Time: About 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Tropical Twist: Mix in shredded coconut or a splash of rum extract to infuse a tropical essence.
- Berry Blend: Add fresh or frozen berries such as blueberries or strawberries for a fruity combination.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary preferences.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Once cooled, cover the cobbler tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cooled cobbler in aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this cobbler?
Yes, overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal as they provide enhanced sweetness and flavor.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar content?
Certainly, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference or substitute with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
Can I prepare this cobbler in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the cobbler ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
What if I don't have vanilla extract?
If vanilla extract is unavailable, you can omit it or replace it with an equal amount of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this cobbler dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or coconut milk.
What type of flour works best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is recommended, but self-rising flour can be used by omitting the baking powder and salt.
Can I add spices to the batter?
Absolutely, incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice can enhance the flavor of the cobbler.
Is it necessary to mash the bananas?
Slicing the bananas provides a pleasant texture, but mashing them can create a smoother filling if preferred.
Southern Banana Cobbler
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this Southern Banana Cobbler. Featuring ripe bananas, a golden, tender topping, and a rich, buttery flavor, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Quick and easy to make with simple pantry staples, this cobbler will be a hit at any table!
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Prepare the Bananas: Slice bananas into ¼-inch rounds and arrange them evenly in the baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble the Cobbler: Stir wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Pour batter over the bananas.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cobbler cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Microwave individual servings for 30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
