Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, this Southern Banana Cobbler is exactly the cozy treat to make. The recipe highlights the simple pleasure of ripe bananas baked into a golden, tender batter that absorbs sweet buttery goodness, creating an irresistibly moist cobbler that feels like a hug from an old friend. To get everything just right, you’ll want to make sure you always grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, which ensures that glorious golden crust releases easily and bakes evenly every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Southern Banana Cobbler calls for straightforward ingredients that are easy to find but vital for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s adding sweetness, creating a soft crumb, or infusing that buttery comfort you crave.

• 4–5 ripe bananas sliced: The star of the show, bananas bring natural sweetness and creamy softness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the right touch of sweetness that caramelizes during baking.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure to the cobbler’s tender crumb.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the batter rise slightly for a light texture.
• ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• 1 cup milk: Moistens the dry ingredients for a smooth, pourable batter.
• ½ cup unsalted butter melted: Adds richness and deep, buttery flavor to the cobbler.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note that elevates the whole dish.
• Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg for sprinkling: These spices lend a cozy, fragrant kick you’ll love.

How to Make Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Get things started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is important because it ensures the cobbler will bake evenly and develop that inviting, golden crust. Coming back to a hot oven means your cobbler bakes perfectly from the moment it goes in.

Step 2: Grease the Baking Dish

Before you mix your ingredients, grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Trust me, this simple step is a game changer — it prevents sticking and helps the cobbler come out with a beautiful, easy-to-serve crust. Whether you’re using butter for flavor or cooking spray for convenience, don’t skip it.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and if you like, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. Stir these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed so every bite has balanced flavor and a consistent texture.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Gradually whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. This mixture is where moisture and richness come together, priming your cobbler to be soft and flavorful.

Step 5: Fold in the Bananas

Gently fold your sliced bananas into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed but still mostly intact. These banana chunks will create bursts of sweetness and texture throughout the cobbler.

Step 6: Bake the Cobbler

Pour your batter into the dish you already greased—remember, you need to grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray so that nothing sticks! Place it carefully in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Once your cobbler is baked to perfection, let it cool for around 10 minutes. This pause lets the flavors mingle and the texture set, making each spoonful a balanced delight. Serve it warm for maximum comfort.

How to Serve Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray

Garnishes

Enhance your Southern Banana Cobbler by topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans. These add layers of texture and flavor that make each serving irresistible. And remember, the reason the cobbler lifts cleanly and looks so pretty as you serve is because you took the time to grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Side Dishes

Pair this warm cobbler with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy glass of milk for a classic Southern experience. It also complements a light, fresh salad if you’re serving it as part of a brunch or dessert buffet.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, consider serving the cobbler in individual ramekins — just make sure you grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray for the main batch. You can also lightly dust the top with powdered sugar or cinnamon for a simple but elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your cobbler tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep it moist and flavorful, ready for a second helping that tastes just as comforting as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked batter in the greased 9×9 inch baking dish by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and foil, then bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, bake first, cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cobbler in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Microwaving works too but can make the crust a bit softer, which some find just as lovely!

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, brown sugar can add a lovely caramel-like depth to your cobbler, enhancing its Southern charm. Just use the same amount and expect a slightly richer flavor.

Is it necessary to grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray every time?

Absolutely! This step is crucial to prevent sticking and help your cobbler come out with a beautiful crust that serves cleanly, enhancing both texture and appearance.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even some chocolate chips make great additions that bring extra texture and flavor, turning your cobbler into a unique treat.

What can I substitute for milk if I’m dairy-free?

You can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk for a dairy-free version. The texture might vary slightly but your cobbler will still taste wonderful.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe for maximum sweetness and soft texture—look for plenty of brown spots on the peel for the best flavor impact.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Banana Cobbler recipe is one of those timeless dishes that always feels like a warm kitchen welcome. Don’t forget to grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure perfect results every time. I truly hope you try making it soon because once you do, the fragrant, tender comfort of this cobbler will quickly become a favorite in your home too!

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