If you’ve been longing for a delightful dessert that combines the comforting taste of bananas with the satisfying crunch of a cobbler, look no further than this Banana Cobbler. It’s a beautifully layered treat that promises to be a hit at your next gathering or simply as a cozy evening indulgence at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The blend of bananas, brown sugar, and oats creates a taste sensation you won’t forget.
- A Textural Delight: The soft, buttery filling pairs perfectly with the crunchy topping for a delightful contrast.
- Simple Ingredients: With items likely already in your pantry, this Banana Cobbler is both accessible and delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this scrumptious Banana Cobbler, you only need a few simple ingredients packed with flavor. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and crunch that this dessert is known for.
- Light Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the topping.
- Self-Rising Flour: This is essential for achieving a tender crumb in both the topping and filling.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps to bind and add a luscious taste to the topping.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Oats provide that familiar, inviting texture that makes any cobbler irresistible.
- Chopped Pecans: Adds a pleasant nuttiness and additional crunch to the cobbler’s topping.
- Ripe Bananas: The star of the dish, ripe bananas offer a naturally sweet and creamy flavor.
Variations
This Banana Cobbler is wonderfully versatile, and adapting it to your tastes or dietary needs is as easy as pie! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients and flavors.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the self-rising flour with a gluten-free alternative for a gluten-free treat.
- Nut-Free: If you’re avoiding nuts, simply leave out the pecans, and it will still taste amazing.
- Chocolatey Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the streusel for a delightful chocolate-banana combination.
How to Make Banana Cobbler
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel
Start by preheating your oven to 375F degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and butter using a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Then, stir in the oats and pecans. This will form your delicious streusel topping, which you can set aside for later.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, sugar, and milk just until blended. Then whisk in the melted butter. Pour this smooth batter into your prepared baking dish, arranging the banana slices on top in an even layer.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Gently sprinkle the streusel evenly over your base and banana slices. Pop the baking dish into the oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until your Banana Cobbler is golden and delicious. Let the cobbler cool slightly before digging in!
Pro Tips for Making Banana Cobbler
- Banana Ripeness: Ensure your bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor impact.
- Streusel Consistency: Mix the topping until it resembles small crumbs for a delightfully crunchy finish.
- Even Baking: Rotate your baking dish halfway through the time for even cooking and browning.
- Flavor Boost: A dash of banana extract in the filling can take the banana flavor up a notch.
How to Serve Banana Cobbler
Garnishes
Top your Banana Cobbler with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon can add a warm touch, enhancing the comforting flavors of the cobbler.
Side Dishes
This Banana Cobbler pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a light citrus sorbet, offering a refreshing contrast to the cobbler’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Banana Cobbler in elegant ramekins for individual portions, or scoop it out family-style, directly from the baking dish onto vibrant, colorful plates for that rustic, homey touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Your Banana Cobbler can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap your cobbler in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to two months, making it a convenient make-ahead dessert.
Reheating
To enjoy your Banana Cobbler warm, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. If you’re short on time, a few seconds in the microwave will do the trick too!
FAQs
-
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that the texture will be softer and less chewy compared to using old-fashioned oats.
-
What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
You can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. For every cup of self-rising flour needed, use one cup of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
-
Is the banana extract necessary?
No, the banana extract is optional. It enhances the banana flavor but the cobbler will still be delightful without it, relying on the natural sweetness of the bananas.
-
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Adding fruits like berries or sliced apples can introduce new flavors, turning your cobbler into a delightful fruit medley.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Cobbler is such a heartwarming treat, combining the nostalgia of a classic dessert with the delightful twist of ripe bananas. Whether you make it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, it’s sure to bring joy to everyone who takes a bite. Give it a try and let this scrumptious cobbler warm up your heart and home!
Print
Banana Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting Banana Cobbler featuring a sweet banana filling topped with a crunchy streusel made from oats, pecans, and brown sugar. Perfect as a warm dessert, served with ice cream or fresh banana slices.
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 to room temperature
- 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)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F and prepare a 2-quart or 9×9-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Make the streusel: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, self-rising flour, and softened butter. Use a fork to stir until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the oats and chopped pecans, then set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, sugar, and milk until just blended. Whisk in the melted butter. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the bananas: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the filling layer.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the prepared streusel evenly over the banana layer.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the cobbler is golden brown and the filling is no longer jiggly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and extra banana slices if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chopped walnuts for pecans if preferred.
- If you don’t have self-rising flour, use all-purpose flour plus 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt for each cup.
- Banana extract adds extra flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a more natural banana taste.
- For a richer topping, chill the streusel before adding to the cobbler.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
