Can I use less sugar?

Yes — reduce both sugars by 25% if you prefer a less sweet Banana Dessert .

Can I make this gluten-free?

Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; texture may vary slightly.

What if my bananas are too soft?

Use slightly less ripe bananas or reduce bake time; overly mushy bananas can make filling runny.

Can I assemble ahead?

Yes — assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add a few minutes to bake time.

Is this a good Ripe Banana Recipe?

Absolutely — it’s one of the best ways to rescue and celebrate ripened bananas.

Top Pick For Banana Dessert Recipes - Ultimate Southern Banana Cobbler

Name: Ultimate Southern Banana Cobbler — Top Pick For Banana Dessert Recipes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: 6 very ripe bananas, sliced into ¼-inch rounds; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup melted unsalted butter; ¼ cup water; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; A small pinch of salt; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1¼ cups granulated sugar; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup cold buttermilk; 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (slightly cooled); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Turbinado sugar for sprinkling (optional); Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Description

This banana cobbler brings all the warm, nostalgic flavors you crave: soft caramelized bananas, a buttery, tender topping, and just the right touch of spice. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream for the dreamiest dessert moment.

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Filling

6 very ripe bananas, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup melted unsalted butter
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
A small pinch of salt

Cobbler Topping

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1¼ cups granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup cold buttermilk
6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (slightly cooled)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Turbinado sugar for sprinkling (optional)

For Serving

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

1. Prep the Banana Filling

Slice the bananas and place them in a large bowl. Add both sugars, melted butter, water, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Gently toss everything together, then set the mixture aside for 15–20 minutes so the flavors blend and the juices develop.

2. Mix the Cobbler Batter

In another bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate small bowl, stir the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix just until no dry streaks remain—avoid overmixing to keep the topping tender.

3. Assemble the Cobbler

Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread the banana mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Pour the batter over the fruit, letting it settle naturally. If you like a slightly crunchy finish, sprinkle the top generously with turbinado sugar.

4. Bake

Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean or with soft crumbs attached.

5. Cool & Serve

Let the cobbler rest for at least 15–20 minutes so the filling thickens. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.

Notes

Make sure your bananas are ripe for the best sweetness and flavor.
Mix the topping lightly—overmixing leads to a dense texture.
Sweetness can be increased or reduced to suit your taste.
Chopped pecans or walnuts add great crunch.
You can assemble the cobbler a day ahead and chill before baking.
Leftovers reheat beautifully at 350°F (175°C) or in short microwave bursts.