Name: Bananas Foster Cobbler
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Bananas Foster Filling:; 5–6 ripe bananas, sliced into thick rounds; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 2–3 tablespoons dark or spiced rum or 1 teaspoon rum extract; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Cobbler Topping:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup milk; ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter; Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon (in batter or sprinkled on top)

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This Bananas Foster Cobbler is a delightful twist on the classic New Orleans dessert. Sweet caramelized bananas are baked beneath a soft, golden cobbler topping for a warm, comforting treat. It’s perfect for serving at family gatherings or as a special dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this Bananas Foster Cobbler because it’s simple to make yet tastes like something straight out of a fancy restaurant. The combination of tender, buttery bananas and the golden cobbler crust creates the perfect contrast in texture and flavor. You can enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent finish.

Ingredients

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

Bananas Foster Filling:

5–6 ripe (not mushy) bananas, sliced into thick rounds
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
2–3 tablespoons dark or spiced rum or 1 teaspoon rum extract (for non-alcoholic version)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Cobbler Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the batter or sprinkled on top

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is thick and bubbly.
Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
Stir in the rum (or rum extract) and let it cook for 1 minute.
Gently fold in the sliced bananas and coat them in the sauce—avoid overcooking so the bananas hold their shape.
Pour the banana mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in the milk until smooth, then slowly mix in the melted butter.
Pour the batter evenly over the bananas without stirring.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for added crunch.
Coconut Twist: Add 1/4 cup shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor.
Spiced Version: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cloves or allspice.
Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before adding the batter.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds until heated through. The cobbler can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be for this cobbler?

Use bananas that are ripe with a few brown spots but not overly soft or mushy.

Can I make this cobbler without alcohol?

Yes, simply replace the rum with 1 teaspoon of rum extract or omit it entirely.

Can I use plant-based milk instead of dairy?

Absolutely—almond, oat, or soy milk will work just fine in the cobbler topping.

What kind of baking dish works best?

A 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish ensures even baking and a perfect golden crust.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and batter separately a few hours ahead, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp, with bubbling edges from the banana filling.

Can I substitute another fruit?

Yes! You can use sliced peaches, apples, or pineapple for a fruity variation.

Should I serve it hot or cold?

It’s best served warm, fresh from the oven, with ice cream or whipped cream.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Why didn’t my topping rise properly?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing the batter.

Conclusion

Bananas Foster Cobbler is a warm, gooey, and comforting dessert that combines the best of classic Bananas Foster and traditional cobbler. With its buttery caramelized bananas and soft, golden topping, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion—especially when served with a scoop of ice cream.