Easy Banana Cobbler

Easy Banana Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a buttery, biscuit-like topping. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for banana lovers and makes use of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this banana cobbler is perfect for a weeknight treat, a family dessert, or any time you’re craving a cozy, indulgent dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Banana Cobbler is the ultimate comfort food dessert that combines the soft, sweet flavor of bananas with a crisp, golden topping. The bananas become caramelized and tender during baking, while the cobbler topping adds a perfect balance of texture. It’s quick to prepare, requires just a few simple ingredients, and can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. It’s an easy and delicious way to use up ripe bananas, and the whole family will love it!

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas, sliced

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Banana Filling:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Prepare the Bananas: Peel and slice the bananas into about 1/2-inch thick slices. Spread them evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. Top with Brown Sugar: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the sliced bananas to enhance their sweetness as they bake.

Make the Cobbler Topping:

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Stir to combine.

5. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Assemble the Cobbler:

6. Add the Topping: Spoon the batter over the bananas in the baking dish. The batter may not completely cover the bananas, and that’s okay! It will spread out as it bakes and create a golden, biscuit-like topping.

Bake:

7. Bake the Cobbler: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.

Serve:

8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgent dessert.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 30-35 minutes

• Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the top before baking for added texture and flavor.

• Use Brown Butter: For a richer flavor, substitute the melted butter with brown butter for a nutty, caramelized taste.

• Coconut Cobbler: Add shredded coconut to the topping mixture for a tropical twist.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for extra warmth and spice.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover banana cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh, ripe bananas for this recipe, as frozen bananas can become too mushy and watery during baking. If you only have frozen bananas, thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cobbler gluten-free.

Can I add other fruits to the cobbler?

Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like berries, apples, or pears with the bananas for a mixed-fruit cobbler. Just make sure the total amount of fruit doesn’t overwhelm the batter.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cobbler up to a day in advance. After assembling, cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use a different topping for the cobbler?

Yes! You can swap the traditional biscuit-like topping for a crumbly streusel topping made from butter, sugar, flour, and oats for an extra crunchy finish.

Conclusion

Easy Banana Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re using up ripe bananas or just craving something sweet. With its soft, caramelized bananas and golden, biscuit-like topping, this cobbler is both delicious and satisfying. It’s simple to make and customizable to suit your taste, whether you prefer to add nuts, spices, or other fruits. Try it today for a quick and delightful dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite!