I was staring at a bunch of overripe bananas on my counter last month, debating between banana bread or just tossing them. Then I remembered this cobbler recipe my mother-in-law mentioned years ago. I’m so glad I tried it instead of my usual banana bread routine.
It’s everything you love about cobbler but with sweet, caramelized bananas and a crunchy oat topping. You probably already have most of these ingredients sitting in your pantry. And those spotted bananas? This is exactly what they’re made for.
What Is Banana Cobbler?
It’s like regular fruit cobbler but with tender, caramelized bananas instead of berries. The bottom is cake-like, the bananas get all soft and sweet, and the streusel topping with oats and pecans gives you that perfect crunch.
It’s comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy. Perfect for weeknight dessert or when company comes over.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Four reasons this works every time: it’s easy, uses ingredients you have, tastes amazing, and makes your kitchen smell incredible while it bakes.
No fancy techniques needed. Just mix, layer, and bake. People will think you spent way more time on it than you did.
Recipe Tips for Success
Use ripe bananas with just a few brown spots. Too ripe and they’ll turn mushy.
Mix the streusel with a fork to keep it chunky. Don’t use a spoon or you’ll get paste.
The cobbler base looks thin when you pour it in. That’s normal—it thickens as it bakes.
Let it cool 15 minutes before serving. It needs time to set up properly.
What You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with ingredients you likely have on hand.
For the streusel, you’ll use brown sugar for that molasses-y sweetness, softened butter that mixes easily, and old-fashioned oats that hold their shape. Quick oats get mushy, so stick with old-fashioned.
The cobbler base uses self-rising flour to make it foolproof. If you only have all-purpose, add 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt per cup.
Banana extract is optional but really makes the flavor pop if you can find it.
How to Make Southern Banana Cobbler
1. Get ready
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 2-quart or 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Make the streusel
Use a fork to mix brown sugar, flour, and softened butter until crumbly. Stir in oats and pecans. Set aside.
3. Mix the base
Whisk together flour, sugar, and milk until smooth. Add melted butter and whisk again. Pour into your baking dish.
4. Add bananas
Slice bananas into ¼-inch rounds. Layer them evenly over the batter.
5. Top and bake
Sprinkle streusel mixture over bananas. Bake 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set.
6. Cool and serve
Let cool 15 minutes before serving. Perfect with vanilla ice cream.
What Goes in Southern Banana Cobbler
For the Streusel Topping:
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup self-rising flour
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats
½ cup chopped pecans
For the Cobbler Filling:
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons banana extract (optional)
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
4 ripe bananas, sliced
Serving Ideas
This is great warm with vanilla ice cream or at room temperature with morning coffee. You can drizzle caramel sauce over it or add extra banana slices when you serve.
We’ve tried it both ways and loved it either way.
Can I Make Changes?
Different nuts?
Walnuts work great instead of pecans. You can skip nuts completely if you prefer.
More banana flavor?
Use the full 2 teaspoons of banana extract if you’re a banana lover.
Other fruit?
Try sliced apples or pears. Add a little cinnamon to the streusel.
Make ahead?
Assemble everything and refrigerate before baking. Add 10 minutes to baking time if going in cold.
Proper Storage
Cover with foil and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Eat it cold or warm individual servings in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Honestly, if there are leftovers. This goes fast in our house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas?
Fresh is better, but thaw completely and drain extra liquid first if using frozen.
What if my bananas are too ripe?
They’ll still work, just be gentle when slicing. Expect them to break down more during baking.
How do I know when it’s done?
Top should be golden brown and the cobbler should feel set when you gently shake the dish.
Can I double this?
Use a 9×13-inch dish and add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
This banana cobbler is one of those recipes that just works. Simple ingredients, amazing taste, and it uses up those spotted bananas perfectly.
