A warm, comforting dessert where ripe bananas are gently kissed with brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla, then baked into a buttery cobbler batter that rises around the fruit to form a golden crust. Topped with fresh banana slices, whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, this treat blends the sweetness of banana pudding with the cozy feel of a cobbler.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of sliced bananas and sweet sugar-spice mixture makes for an indulgently soft, creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
The cobbler batter that bakes around the bananas creates a crisp, golden crust with a tender interior—giving you texture contrast in every spoonful.
It’s simple to pull together: basic pantry ingredients and ripe bananas come together quickly for a show-stopping dessert.
You can easily serve it warm with toppings (whipped cream, caramel) to make it feel extra decadent — perfect for guests or a cozy evening treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Filling:

5 to 6 ripe bananas (yellow with light speckles, not mushy)
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
2 tbsp melted butter
1–2 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning and adds a gentle tang)

Cobbler Batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 cup milk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Garnish:

Fresh banana slices
Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Peel the bananas and slice them into ½-inch coins. In a bowl, gently toss the banana slices with the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), melted butter and lemon juice. Set this banana mixture aside.
In a 9×9-inch (or similar size) baking dish, pour the ½ cup melted butter, spreading it to coat the bottom.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in the milk until you have a smooth batter. Pour this batter evenly over the melted butter in the dish — do not stir.
Gently spoon the banana mixture evenly over the batter. The idea is the batter will rise around the bananas as it bakes, forming a golden crust around them.
Bake for about 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set (no jiggly spots in the center).
Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes—this helps it firm up so it’s easier to scoop.
To serve: scoop into bowls or plates and top each portion with fresh banana slices, a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You may optionally sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or crushed vanilla wafer cookies for extra flair.

Servings and timing

Serves: Approximately 8 servings.
Prep time: ~15 minutes.
Bake time: 40–45 minutes.
Total time: ~55–60 minutes (including resting time).

Variations

Banana-Nut Cobbler: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the banana mixture for added crunch.
Chocolate-Banana: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter or banana layer before baking.
Tropical Twist: Replace some of the milk with coconut milk, add shredded coconut to the batter or bananas, and swap lemon juice for lime juice.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
Dairy-free: Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Cover the baking dish or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4–5 days.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for about 10–15 minutes until warm and topping is crisp. If using a microwave, heat individual servings in short intervals, but note the crust may soften.
Make-ahead tip: You can prepare up to the point of pouring batter and banana mixture, cover and refrigerate for up to a day, then bake when ready.

FAQs

What type of bananas should I use?

Use bananas that are yellow with light speckles (ripe but not mushy). Over-ripe bananas with heavy brown spots may become too soft and turn mushy when baked. Properly ripe bananas give sweetness and structure.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes—but thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using. Frozen bananas tend to release more liquid, which can make the cobbler extra soft or soggy.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce sugar slightly, but be aware that sugar contributes both sweetness and texture (especially the crust). If you reduce granulated sugar or brown sugar significantly, the dessert may be less sweet and the crust might not develop as well.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter; simply reduce any added salt in the batter by about ¼ tsp. The flavor will still be rich and buttery.

Can I use a different sized baking dish?

Yes—if you use a larger dish, the cobbler will be thinner and may bake a little faster; if you use a smaller dish, it will be thicker and may need a few extra minutes to bake through. Adjust bake time accordingly and watch for golden crust and set center.

Is the batter supposed to be stirred after pouring over the melted butter?

No—don’t stir. The technique of pouring the batter over melted butter without stirring allows the butter to rise up around the batter, creating the characteristic golden crust edges of a cobbler.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through. Note that the banana texture will soften further in the freeze/thaw process.

What toppings pair well with this dessert?

Whipped cream, caramel sauce, fresh banana slices are perfect. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, chopped toasted pecans, or even crushed vanilla wafers for extra crunch.

Can I make this for breakfast instead of dessert?

Yes—while it’s rich and sweet, it can work as a decadent brunch dish (think warm banana bread meets cobbler). You might serve smaller portions, skip heavy toppings, or pair with fresh berries to lighten it up.

Conclusion

This Banana Pudding Cobbler is a delightful fusion of beloved banana-based dessert flavors and classic cobbler structure. With its sweet banana filling, buttery crust and flexible toppings, it brings comforting indulgence in every bite. Whether you serve it warm as dessert or even for a special brunch, it’s sure to become a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

Banana Pudding Cobbler