Description
Ever wondered what would happen if you turned ripe bananas into a cozy, golden dessert? This Banana Cobbler is your answer! Imagine sweet, tender bananas baked under a buttery, crunchy streusel topping, with a soft, cake-like base that’s pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Topping
- Light Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds sweet, caramel-like flavor to the streusel.
- Self-Rising Flour (1/2 cup): Helps the topping stay light and crisp.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, 1 stick, softened): Creates a rich, crumbly texture.
- Old-Fashioned Oats (1 cup, uncooked): Adds chewiness and a hearty crunch.
- Chopped Pecans (1/2 cup): Brings nutty flavor and extra texture.
For the Filling
- Self-Rising Flour (1 cup): Forms the soft, cake-like base.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling and balances the bananas.
- Milk (1 cup): Keeps the filling moist and tender.
- Banana Extract (2 teaspoons, optional): Boosts the banana flavor for extra punch.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, 1 stick, melted): Adds richness to the filling.
- Ripe Bananas (4, sliced): The star ingredient, adding sweet, fruity goodness.
Substitutions and Variations
- Self-Rising Flour: Make your own by mixing 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Butter: Swap for vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Milk: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Brown Sugar: Replace with coconut sugar or granulated sugar for a different sweetness.
- Pecans: Swap for walnuts, almonds, or skip for a nut-free version.
- Banana Extract: Omit if you don’t have it, or use vanilla extract for a milder flavor.
- Bananas: Try adding a handful of blueberries or strawberries for a mixed fruit cobbler.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray a 2-quart (or 9×9-inch) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Tip: A square or rectangular dish works best to spread the filling evenly.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup self-rising flour, and 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter.
- Stir with a fork until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add 1 cup old-fashioned oats and 1/2 cup chopped pecans, stirring to combine. Set aside.
Tip: Don’t overmix the streusel—it should stay crumbly, not dough-like.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In another medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup self-rising flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk until just blended.
- Whisk in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and 2 teaspoons banana extract (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Tip: Whisk gently to avoid lumps, but don’t overmix to keep the filling light.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
- Slice 4 ripe bananas and layer them evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the banana layer.
Tip: Arrange banana slices in a single layer for even baking and flavor distribution.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is set (no longer jiggly).
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes.
Tip: Check at 40 minutes—if the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for the last 5–10 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and extra banana slices for garnish.
- Dig in and enjoy!
Tip: A warm cobbler with melting ice cream is the ultimate treat!