Banana Foster Cobbler

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Updated on Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:48:50 GMT
Golden banana foster cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and fresh banana slices pin it
Golden banana foster cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and fresh banana slices | lonerecipes.com

I discovered this incredible Banana Foster Cobbler recipe during a trip to New Orleans, where I fell in love with the classic banana foster dessert. I knew I had to recreate those amazing flavors in a form that would be perfect for feeding a crowd. This cobbler captures all the magic of banana foster - the caramelized bananas, the rich butter and brown sugar flavors, even a hint of rum - but in a comforting, homestyle cobbler format. The process starts with creating that gorgeous caramelized banana base, where the fruit becomes tender and infused with brown sugar and spices. Then you top it with a tender, biscuit-like cobbler topping that bakes to golden perfection. What makes this special is how the flavors meld together during baking - the banana juices bubble up into the cobbler topping while the top gets beautifully crisp. When you serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, the contrast of temperatures and textures creates pure dessert magic. It's become my go-to recipe when I want to impress guests or create something special for family gatherings.

Why I love this recipe

What I absolutely love about this Banana Foster Cobbler is how it takes a fancy restaurant dessert and makes it completely accessible for home cooks. There's something so satisfying about watching those bananas transform in the pan, going from ordinary fruit to this gorgeous, caramelized masterpiece. The aroma that fills your kitchen is intoxicating - brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and that hint of rum create this warm, inviting scent that has everyone asking what's cooking. I love how forgiving this recipe is too; even if your cobbler topping isn't perfectly even or if you caramelize the bananas a bit more than intended, it still turns out absolutely delicious. The combination of textures is what really gets me - that tender, juicy banana layer contrasted with the slightly crisp, cake-like topping, all brought together with cold, creamy ice cream. It's comfort food that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight treat. Plus, it's a great way to use up those super-ripe bananas that are just perfect for caramelizing. Every time I make it, I'm reminded why Southern desserts have such a special place in American cuisine.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Ripe bananas: slice into rounds for caramelizing
  • All-purpose flour: forms the base of the cobbler topping
  • Brown sugar: creates caramel flavor and sweetens the topping
  • Unsalted butter: melt for caramelizing bananas
  • Heavy cream: makes the cobbler topping rich and tender
  • Dark rum: adds authentic banana foster flavor

Let's Make These Together

Prepare your workspace
Preheat the oven and gather all ingredients. Make sure your bananas are nice and ripe for the best caramelization.
Create the banana foster base
Melt butter in a large skillet and add brown sugar. Once bubbling, add bananas with cinnamon and rum, cooking until beautifully caramelized.
Mix the cobbler topping
Combine dry ingredients in a bowl, then add cream and vanilla. Mix just until combined - don't worry about lumps.
Assemble and bake
Transfer caramelized bananas to baking dish, top with cobbler batter, and bake until golden brown and cooked through.
Recipe picture pin it
Indulgent banana foster cobbler served hot with cold vanilla ice cream and caramelized banana topping | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I'll never forget the first time I made this cobbler for a family reunion down in Georgia. My great-aunt had shared her banana foster technique, and I decided to combine it with my grandmother's cobbler recipe. The kitchen smelled like heaven as the bananas caramelized, filling the house with notes of brown sugar and cinnamon. When I pulled it from the oven, that golden top was perfectly crisp while the banana layer underneath bubbled with sweet perfection. Everyone thought I'd spent hours on it, but honestly, once you get the hang of caramelizing the bananas properly, the rest practically makes itself. Now it's become my signature dessert, and I love how it brings that restaurant-quality banana foster experience right to the home kitchen. The secret is really in not rushing the caramelization process - let those bananas get gorgeously golden.

Perfect Pairings

This Banana Foster Cobbler pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For adults, try it with a small glass of bourbon or dark rum to complement the caramel flavors. It's also wonderful alongside toasted pecans or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. During the holidays, serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream infused with a touch of vanilla and cinnamon.

Warm Southern banana cobbler dessert with melting ice cream and glossy caramel drizzle pin it
Warm Southern banana cobbler dessert with melting ice cream and glossy caramel drizzle | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the cobbler up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

→ What if I don't have dark rum?

You can substitute with vanilla extract, bourbon, or simply omit the alcohol. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

→ How do I know when the bananas are properly caramelized?

The bananas should be golden brown and tender, and the sugar mixture should be bubbling and thick, about 5-7 minutes of cooking.

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Fresh bananas work best for caramelizing. Frozen bananas will release too much water and won't caramelize properly.

→ How should I store leftover cobbler?

Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven.

Conclusion

This Banana Foster Cobbler brings together the best of Southern hospitality and French-inspired flavors. The caramelized bananas create a luscious base while the tender cobbler topping provides the perfect textural contrast. Served warm with vanilla ice cream, it's a dessert that transforms any ordinary evening into a special occasion. The aroma alone will have your family gathering in the kitchen, and the first bite delivers pure comfort food bliss.

Banana Foster Cobbler

Decadent Southern banana cobbler with caramelized bananas, buttery cake topping, vanilla ice cream and rich caramel sauce.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: chris

Category: desserts

Difficulty: intermediate

Cuisine: Southern United States

Yield: 8 Servings (8 balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Contains Dairy

Ingredients

016 large ripe bananas, sliced
021½ cups all-purpose flour
03¾ cup packed brown sugar
04½ cup unsalted butter
05¾ cup heavy cream
062 teaspoons vanilla extract
071 teaspoon ground cinnamon
082 teaspoons baking powder
09½ teaspoon salt
102 tablespoons dark rum

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add ½ cup brown sugar and cook until melted and bubbling. Add sliced bananas, cinnamon, and rum. Cook for 5-7 minutes until bananas are caramelized and tender.

Step 03

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined to form a thick batter.

Step 04

Transfer the caramelized bananas to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler batter over the bananas, covering most of the surface.

Step 05

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cobbler topping comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 06

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Garnish with fresh banana slices if desired.

Notes

  1. Use very ripe bananas for the best caramelization and sweetest flavor
  2. Don't overmix the cobbler batter - lumps are perfectly fine and will create a tender topping
  3. The cobbler can be made a day ahead and reheated in the oven before serving
  4. For extra richness, substitute half the heavy cream with buttermilk
  5. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (flour)
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream)
  • May contain alcohol (rum)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 6 g

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