Description
This banana-forward cobbler delivers all the cozy charm of a classic baked sweet with the bold, caramel-style notes of Bananas Foster. Think soft, syrup-coated banana slices infused with warm spices and a touch of rum, tucked beneath a tender, golden topping that bakes up beautifully crisp on the outside and fluffy within. Each spoonful blends buttery richness with comforting sweetness, creating a dessert that feels indulgent yet homey at the same time.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Layer:
- 4 fully ripe bananas, cut into rounds
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional but adds depth)
- Small pinch of salt
Cobbler Crust:
- 1½ cups plain flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons chilled butter, diced
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Instructions
- Start with the Banana Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and gently sauté the banana slices until they soften and begin to brown slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Stir well and continue cooking until everything turns glossy and thick. If using rum, pour it in and let it simmer briefly so the alcohol cooks off. Once fragrant and syrupy, spread the mixture evenly into your prepared dish.
- Prepare the Topping
- In a bowl, blend the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and work it into the dry ingredients until the texture looks like rough crumbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla, stirring just enough to bring the dough together. It should hold its shape but still feel slightly tacky.
- Drop spoonfuls of this dough over the banana layer, covering most of the surface but allowing a few spots of fruit to peek through for a rustic look.
- Baking Time
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the crust turns golden and a tester inserted into the topping comes out clean. Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving so the filling settles into a thick, spoonable consistency.
Notes
- Choose bananas that are heavily speckled for deeper flavor and natural sweetness.
- Mix the topping gently — overworking it can create a heavy, tough crust.
- Serve warm for the best texture and aroma.
- Want to prep ahead? Cook the banana layer earlier and refrigerate it, then assemble and bake when needed.
- For a gluten-free version, swap in a gluten-free flour blend and confirm your leavening agent is safe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g