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Southern banana cobbler in 9x13-inch baking dish with dump-and-bake magic batter of 1 cup self-rising flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup whole milk whisked smooth poured over half cup melted unsalted butter never stirred, 4-5 overripe almost-black bananas sliced rounds tossed half cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla pinch salt layered evenly over unbaked batter - baked 350°F 35-40 minutes golden batter magically rises up around caramelized bananas, rested 10 minutes served warm vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Southern Banana Cobbler

A deeply golden Southern-style cobbler made with ripe banana slices laid over a poured butter batter that rises around the fruit as it bakes, finished with a caramelizing brown sugar and cinnamon topping. Ready in 45 minutes from pantry staples only.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 322
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar for batter
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 to 4 ripe bananas, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar for topping
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for topping
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • pinch of ground cardamom optional

Equipment

  • 9x13 Baking Dish or 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in baking dish in oven for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove carefully.
  2. Whisk flour, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
  3. Pour batter over melted butter. Do not stir.
  4. Arrange banana slices in an even layer over the batter. Do not mix.
  5. Mix brown sugar, remaining granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Sprinkle evenly over bananas.
  6. Bake 38 to 42 minutes until deep golden and set. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Never stir the batter once it's in the pan - the layering creates the cobbler texture.
  • Use deeply speckled, very ripe bananas for the best caramelized flavor.
  • The sugar topping is essential - it caramelizes the banana layer during baking.
  • Cover with foil and bake 8 to 10 more minutes if the center is still loose at 42 minutes.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for best results.