Southern Banana Cobbler – A Warm, Comforting Dessert Loaded with Flavor 🍌🥧✨

If you’re a fan of classic Southern desserts, you’re going to fall in love with this Southern Banana Cobbler. Packed with sweet bananas, a soft and creamy filling, and topped with a crunchy, buttery streusel made from oats and pecans, this cobbler brings all the cozy vibes to your dessert table. It’s simple to make, filled with comforting flavors, and guaranteed to be a hit whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, Sunday supper, or just indulging on a quiet evening at home.

Best served warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this banana cobbler is your next go-to comfort dessert that tastes like home. ❤️🍌

Ingredients

For the Topping:

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup chopped pecans

For the Filling:

1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons banana extract (optional, for extra banana flavor)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
4 ripe bananas, sliced

How to Make Southern Banana Cobbler

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart (or 9×9-inch) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, use a fork to mix the brown sugar, flour, and softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the oats and chopped pecans. Set aside.
Make the Filling: In another bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, sugar, and milk until just combined. Stir in the melted butter and banana extract if using.
Assemble the Cobbler: Pour the filling mixture into the prepared baking dish. Layer the sliced bananas evenly on top of the filling.
Add the Topping: Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the banana layer.
Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Serve: Enjoy warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a few extra banana slices if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Best served warm, straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on top.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch.
Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra decadent dessert.
Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the streusel for extra warmth and spice.

What Chefs Say About This Recipe

Gordon Ramsay – “Comfort food at its finest—simple ingredients coming together for a warm, satisfying dessert.”

Ina Garten – “The banana flavor shines beautifully, and the streusel adds the perfect crunch. Delightful!”

Jamie Oliver – “A creative twist on traditional cobbler—bananas make it extra special!”

Martha Stewart – “A Southern classic with a modern touch. The oats and pecans add lovely texture.”

Bobby Flay – “Sweet, buttery, nutty perfection—this cobbler checks all the boxes for a great dessert.”

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, but old-fashioned oats provide a better texture. Quick oats may make the topping a bit softer.

2. Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the streusel and filling separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

3. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes! Substitute self-rising gluten-free flour and add 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder if your flour mix doesn’t contain it.

4. What if I don’t have banana extract?

It’s optional—the ripe bananas already give plenty of flavor! The extract simply enhances the banana taste.

5. Can I add cinnamon or nutmeg?

Absolutely! A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg pairs beautifully with the bananas and adds extra warmth to the dish.

6. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes. Store cooled cobbler in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.

8. Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Yes! Walnuts or almonds also work well in the streusel topping.

9. Can I add other fruits?

Sure! Try adding sliced strawberries or blueberries along with the bananas for a fruity twist.

10. Does this recipe work with plant-based milk?

Yes! Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well as substitutes for regular milk.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: ~380 kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Sugar: 28g
Fat: 18g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 200mg
Saturated Fat: 8g

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze the fully baked cobbler (after cooling) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

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Conclusion

Sweet, buttery, and packed with ripe bananas, this Southern Banana Cobbler brings comfort food to the next level. With its rich, gooey filling and crunchy oat-pecan topping, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply treating yourself, this cobbler is easy to make and impossible to resist. Don’t forget the scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the ultimate finishing touch! 🍌🥧❤️