Looking for a dessert that combines sweetness, warmth, and pure comfort? Look no further than Southern Banana Cobbler! This delightful treat brings together gooey bananas and a crumbly topping that’s simply irresistible. I remember the first time I made this dish—it filled the house with such a heavenly aroma that my family couldn’t wait to dig in! With its creamy texture and flavorful notes of cinnamon, it’s a dessert that truly stands out. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a sweet weekend treat. If you love desserts as much as I do, you’ll want to check out this cozy recipe and maybe even explore other delicious options on the blog!
What is Southern Banana Cobbler?
What’s in a name, you ask? Southern Banana Cobbler is more than just a catchy phrase; it’s a nostalgic dish full of homey flavors. But really, why is it called a “cobbler”? It’s probably because, just like a good cobbler fixes your shoes, this dessert fixes your sweet tooth! With a delightful mix of bananas and a crumbly topping, it’s as if the South gave us a warm hug. They say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, this cobbler is no exception. So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of this comforting dish right now?
Why You’ll Love This Banana Cobbler
Southern Banana Cobbler is a winner with its creamy filling, buttery topping, and delightful sweetness! The main highlight is undoubtedly those ripe bananas, which become soft and luscious when baked. Not only is this dessert easy on the wallet—it costs far less than a restaurant dessert—but it also allows you to create something fantastic at home. And let’s not forget about toppings! Whether you go for whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, each bite is heavenly. If you’ve enjoyed my Simple Moist Carrot Cake, you’ll absolutely love this cobbler, too! It’s time to gather your ingredients and dive into this deliciousness!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Southern Banana Cobbler is all about simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of baking time, you’ll have a delicious dessert that everyone will love. It’s creamy, with a satisfying crunch on top, and can be made in about 15 minutes of prep time before baking for 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or butter crackers (like Ritz)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the banana filling: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Gently stir in the sliced bananas, ensuring they are evenly coated with the mixture. Pour this delicious banana filling into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the cobbler topping: In another bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers or butter crackers, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and moist.
- Assemble: Evenly sprinkle the topping mixture over the banana filling in the baking dish, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. For the ultimate experience, top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your warm and gooey Southern Banana Cobbler!
What to Serve Southern Banana Cobbler With
This delicious banana cobbler pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a more balanced meal, you might want to pair it with a simple fresh fruit salad or a warm cup of coffee for an afternoon treat. Don’t forget that a glass of iced tea also complements this Southern delight!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cobbler
- Ingredient substitutions: If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute it with evaporated milk and a bit of sugar.
- Timing: Keep an eye on the cobbler as it bakes; you want a golden brown top.
- Avoid sogginess: Make sure to allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavor and texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your leftover Southern Banana Cobbler, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s in an airtight container and it can last up to two months. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or place them in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. This will help maintain that yummy, gooey consistency!
FAQs
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the topping and the banana filling separately in advance. Just combine and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Is it okay to use frozen bananas?
Frozen bananas can work, but fresh bananas will give the best flavor and texture!
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a wonderful crunch to your cobbler.
Conclusion
In the world of desserts, Southern Banana Cobbler holds a special place as a warm, inviting comfort food. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a go-to recipe for any occasion. You won’t just treat yourself; you’ll create lasting memories with your loved ones. So, gather those bananas, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy this delightful dessert!

Southern Banana Cobbler
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x9-inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
Banana Filling
- 4 pieces ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cobbler Topping
- 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or butter crackers (like Ritz)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Gently stir in sliced bananas and pour into prepared dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed wafers/crackers, brown sugar, flour, and baking powder. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping mixture evenly over banana filling.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.