If you’re a banana dessert lover, get ready to swoon—this Banana Cobbler is pure southern comfort in a single dish! Imagine a warm, jammy banana filling bubbling up beneath a golden oat-pecan crumble, every bite infused with that fabulous banana flavor. Whether you serve it for a family gathering or just need a cozy weeknight treat, this easy Banana Cobbler will instantly win the hearts (and taste buds) of everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort: This is Banana Cobbler just like grandma would make—warm, buttery, and deeply satisfying.
- Irresistibly Easy: With simple steps and everyday pantry staples, even beginner bakers can create magic on the first try.
- Banana Bliss: That rich, caramelized banana flavor pops in every bite, especially when you add the optional banana extract.
- Crunchy Crumble Topping: The oat-pecan streusel turns perfectly golden and adds a crave-worthy, nutty finish you’ll keep dreaming about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this Banana Cobbler is that every ingredient really shows up—bananas bring natural sweetness, the oat-pecan topping adds crunch, and just a handful of pantry basics combine for total comfort. Nothing fussy, yet every element makes a difference.
- Ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They add an intense banana flavor and melt beautifully into the filling.
- Self-rising flour: Provides lift and structure for both the filling and topping. If you only have all-purpose, you can make your own (see note below).
- Light brown sugar: Brings rich, caramel sweetness to the streusel topping.
- Old-fashioned oats: For that classic, hearty crumble texture and toasty flavor.
- Chopped pecans: They add a wonderful nutty crunch and pair perfectly with bananas.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for the streusel, melted for the filling, the butter ensures an ultra-moist and golden cobbler.
- Sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough to highlight the natural banana flavor.
- Milk: Adds moisture and a tender bite to the batter layer under the bananas.
- Banana extract (optional): For that over-the-top banana punch. If you’re a superfan, don’t skip it!
Variations
The beauty of Banana Cobbler? It’s as flexible as you need it to be! Don’t hesitate to play with the ingredients or adjust the recipe for your dietary needs, flavor cravings, or whatever extras you have on hand.
- Go Nut-Free: Skip the pecans or swap for sunflower seeds to keep the topping crunchy without any tree nuts.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats—your cobbler will still be irresistibly tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the banana layer for a slightly decadent, choco-banana twist.
- Try Coconut: Add a handful of shredded coconut to the topping for a tropical flair that pairs so well with bananas.
How to Make Banana Cobbler
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—that way, your cobbler bakes evenly and develops a glorious golden crust. Lightly grease a 2-quart (or 9×9-inch) baking dish with nonstick spray to make serving a breeze (no sticky mess left behind!).
Step 2: Mix the Oat-Pecan Topping
In a medium bowl, mash together the brown sugar, self-rising flour, and softened butter with a fork until you’ve got a crumbly, sandy texture. Gently fold in the oats and chopped pecans—now the streusel is ready! Set it aside while you prep the filling.
Step 3: Create the Banana Cobbler Filling
Whisk flour, granulated sugar, and milk in a separate bowl just until blended (don’t overmix!). Whisk in the melted butter and banana extract for extra flavor, then pour the batter right into your prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Add the Bananas
Layer your banana slices evenly over the batter. Don’t worry if they overlap a little—once baked, they’ll turn soft, sweet, and silky under the crumbly topping.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Crumble the oat-pecan streusel over the bananas, ensuring every inch has a little bit of that golden crunch. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is deep golden-brown and the filling is bubbling. Let your Banana Cobbler cool a few minutes (if you can wait!) before scooping—that filling will be hot.
Pro Tips for Making Banana Cobbler
- The Power of Ripe Bananas: Use bananas that are spotty and heavily ripened—they mash down during baking for perfect gooey sweetness and add unbeatable banana flavor.
- Crumble Sensation: For the best oat-pecan topping, use butter that’s very soft but not melted; it helps everything clump together for those irresistible crunchy bites.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Let the cobbler cool for at least 10 minutes before serving—this allows the filling to thicken and makes the flavors shine.
- DIY Self-Rising Flour: Out of self-rising? For each cup, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
How to Serve Banana Cobbler
Garnishes
This Banana Cobbler positively begs for a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the contrast between melty cream and warm cobbler is unbeatable! Try fresh banana slices, a handful of chopped pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a presentation worthy of a bakery window.
Side Dishes
Since Banana Cobbler is already rich and sweet, keep your sides simple. Fresh berries or a tart fruit salad make a refreshing companion, or pair it with strong black coffee or cold milk to balance every gooey bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, serve Banana Cobbler in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own golden-topped treat. If you’re feeling playful, layer warm cobbler, ice cream, and whipped cream in small jars for easy, eye-catching desserts. Don’t forget a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for that extra bakery flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your leftover Banana Cobbler tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The oats in the topping will soften a bit, but the flavors actually deepen as it sits—making tomorrow’s treat even better!
Freezing
For longer storage, Banana Cobbler holds up surprisingly well in the freezer. Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and note that the topping texture will be slightly softer after freezing.
Reheating
To bring back the warmth and that freshly-baked aroma, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–40 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 325°F oven until bubbly. If the topping loses crunch, a minute under the broiler can help restore that golden crispness!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen bananas in Banana Cobbler?
Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid first—frozen bananas may be softer, but they work beautifully for that signature gooey filling.
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What’s the best way to prevent a soggy cobbler topping?
Always bake until the topping is golden and crisp, and don’t cover the cobbler as it cools—this keeps the oat-pecan layer crunchy and delicious.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. You may need to add a few more minutes of baking time—just look for that golden topping and bubbling edges.
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Is banana extract necessary for Banana Cobbler?
Nope! It amplifies banana flavor but you’ll still get a wonderfully fruity, rich result using just ripe bananas. Go ahead and skip it if you don’t have any on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re itching for a dessert that feels homey, special, and bursting with banana goodness, this Banana Cobbler is absolutely the one to try. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine—let me know how you serve yours!
PrintBanana Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
Description
A delightful and comforting banana cobbler with a crunchy oat and pecan topping. This easy dessert is perfect for any occasion and is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the topping:
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the filling:
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons banana extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 2-quart (or 9×9-inch) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Make the streusel: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and butter until crumbly. Stir in oats and pecans. Set aside.
- Prepare the filling: Whisk together flour, sugar, and milk until blended. Whisk in melted butter. Pour into the baking dish.
- Layer the bananas: Arrange sliced bananas over the filling.
- Add the streusel: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the bananas.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream and additional banana slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 378 kcal
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 248mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 31mg