I first discovered Easy Banana Cobbler Recipe on a road trip through the American South, where comfort food reigns supreme and every dessert feels like a warm hug.

In states like Georgia and Alabama, cobblers are a beloved part of Southern hospitality, rustic, sweet, and made to share.

While peach and berry cobblers are local icons, this banana version brings a tropical twist that still feels deeply Southern.

The combination of ripe bananas, buttery streusel, and golden crust captures the essence of home-style American baking, simple, soulful, and unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing dessert. Choosing the right ones will make a big difference.

For the Streusel Topping:

¾ cup packed light brown sugar – This adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the crunchy topping.
½ cup self-rising flour – Self-rising flour helps create a light texture in the streusel. If you don’t have it, you can make your own by mixing ½ cup of all-purpose flour with ¾ teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt.
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it can be easily mixed into a crumbly texture.
1 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats – These provide a wonderful chewy texture and nutty flavor to the topping.
½ cup chopped pecans – For a satisfying crunch and rich, buttery flavor. You can toast them beforehand for even more depth.

For the Cobbler Filling:

1 cup self-rising flour – This creates the cake-like batter that bakes up around the bananas.
1 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness in the base batter.
1 cup milk – Whole milk will give you the richest result, but any milk will do.
2 teaspoons banana extract (optional) – This boosts the banana flavor, giving it an extra punch.
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted – Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the cobbler base.
4 ripe bananas, sliced – The riper, the better! Bananas with lots of brown spots are sweeter and have a more intense flavor, which is perfect for this recipe.

Note: This recipe makes about 8 servings.

Variations

One of the best things about this cobbler is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy or just aren’t a fan of pecans, you can simply leave them out of the streusel topping. The cobbler will still be delicious.
Add Chocolate: For a decadent twist, sprinkle a half-cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the bananas before adding the streusel topping. Banana and chocolate are a classic combination for a reason!
Different Spices: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a quarter-teaspoon of nutmeg to the filling or the streusel for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the banana beautifully.
Dairy-Free Alternative: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes

Equipment You Need

2-quart (or 9×9-inch) baking dish: This is the perfect size for the cobbler, allowing it to cook evenly.
Mixing bowls: You’ll need one for the streusel topping and another for the cobbler filling.
Whisk and fork: A fork works perfectly for cutting the butter into the streusel, and a whisk will help you create a smooth batter for the filling.
Measuring cups and spoons: For ensuring all your ingredient amounts are just right for a perfect bake.

How to Make Easy Banana Cobbler?

This recipe comes together in a few simple stages, from making the crumbly topping to layering it all in the dish. It’s a straightforward process that yields a truly impressive dessert.

Prepare the Streusel Topping

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 2-quart or 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine the packed light brown sugar and self-rising flour. Add the softened butter and use a fork to cut it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Finally, stir in the old-fashioned oats and chopped pecans. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the filling.

Mix the Cobbler Filling

In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour and granulated sugar. Pour in the milk and optional banana extract, and whisk just until the ingredients are blended. Be careful not to overmix. Then, gently whisk in the melted butter until it’s just combined. Pour this smooth batter into the prepared baking dish.

Assemble and Bake the Cobbler

Layer the sliced bananas evenly over the top of the batter in the baking dish. Next, take your prepared streusel topping and crumble it evenly over the layer of bananas, making sure to cover them completely. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cobbler is done when the topping is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.

A Sweet Taste of the American South

Banana cobbler is a comforting dessert that perfectly captures the heart of Southern United States cuisine, especially in states like Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. Known for their rich culinary traditions, these regions celebrate cobblers as a symbol of warmth, family, and hospitality. While peach and berry versions are classics, this banana twist brings a tropical flair to traditional Southern baking — blending the region’s love for home-cooked comfort with a fresh, fruity sweetness that feels both nostalgic and unique.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Having made this a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks that take this banana cobbler from great to absolutely perfect.

I can’t stress this enough: use very ripe bananas. The ones with lots of brown and black spots that you might think are past their prime are actually perfect. They are much sweeter and have a more concentrated banana flavor, which really shines in the finished cobbler.
When I make the streusel, I sometimes use my fingertips to rub the butter into the flour and sugar mixture. I find this gives me more control and helps create a perfectly crumbly texture.
Let the cobbler rest for about 10-15 minutes after you take it out of the oven. This allows it to set up a bit, making it easier to scoop and serve while still being wonderfully warm.
If you only have salted butter on hand, don’t worry! I’ve used it in a pinch, and the cobbler still turns out delicious. The hint of salt can actually enhance the sweetness.

How to Serve Easy Banana Cobbler?

If you ever visit the Southern United States, especially places like Georgia or Tennessee, you’ll likely find cobblers served at family gatherings, diners, or cozy cafés. Traditionally enjoyed warm, banana cobbler is best paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Whether you’re dining under the shade of a magnolia tree or cozying up indoors, each bite offers a taste of authentic Southern comfort that tells a story of sweetness, warmth, and togetherness.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this banana cobbler.

Calories: 581 kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 78g
Fat: 29g

Make Ahead and Storage

This cobbler is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still a wonderful treat.

Storing: Once the cobbler has cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can leave it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the baked and cooled cobbler. Wrap the dish securely in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. To reheat the entire cobbler, place it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this easy banana cobbler. Here are just a few:

A Creative Way to Use Ripe Bananas: It’s a fantastic and delicious alternative to the usual banana bread, transforming overripe bananas into a warm, comforting dessert.
Incredibly Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible even for beginner bakers. You can have it ready for the oven in about 20 minutes.
The Perfect Combination of Textures: You get the soft, cake-like batter, the gooey baked bananas, and the crunchy, buttery oat and pecan streusel all in one bite. It’s a truly satisfying dessert experience.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet, familiar taste of banana combined with a buttery, brown sugar topping is a guaranteed hit with family and friends. It’s the ultimate comfort food dessert.