Southern Banana Cobbler

🍌 Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe

🧺 Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 4–5 ripe bananas (firm but spotted)

• 1/4 cup (half stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to balance sweetness)

For the Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for the pan)

🥣 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour 1/4 cup melted butter into a 9×9 or 8×8 baking dish and place it in the oven while it preheats (about 5 minutes) to heat the butter.

2. Prepare the bananas:

   • Slice bananas into 1/2-inch rounds.

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the banana slices with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, melted butter, and vanilla. Gently toss to coat evenly. Set aside.

3. Make the batter:

   • In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

   • Stir in the milk and vanilla until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it’s slightly lumpy.

4. Assemble the cobbler:

   • Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven.

   • Pour the batter directly into the pan over the melted butter—do not stir.

   • Spoon the banana mixture evenly over the top. The batter will rise around the fruit as it bakes.

5. Bake:

   • Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cobbler portion comes out clean.

   • Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

🍨 Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream

• Whipped cream

• Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch