Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and nostalgic: Combines the flavors of a traditional cobbler with the tropical sweetness of bananas.
- Easy to make: Requires minimal prep time with straightforward ingredients.
- Perfect for sharing: This large-batch dessert is great for gatherings or potlucks.
- Creamy and crunchy texture: The combination of cream cheese and walnuts offers a satisfying contrast.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different nuts or a drizzle of caramel.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 bananas, very ripe, sliced
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray.
- Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, white sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Carefully pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the sliced bananas and chopped walnuts on top of the batter.
- Warm the cream cheese in the microwave until soft, then mix in the egg, brown sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the batter, leaving some pockets visible.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cobbler is golden brown and set in the center.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Calories per Serving: 335
Variations
- Nut-free: Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit altogether.
- Tropical twist: Add shredded coconut for extra flavor.
- Drizzle it up: Top with caramel or chocolate sauce before serving.
- Spiced version: Enhance with nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon.
- Berry blend: Add fresh blueberries or strawberries with the bananas for added fruitiness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to retain crispness.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just thaw and drain the bananas before use to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and bake the cobbler, then reheat before serving.
3. What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Mascarpone or Greek yogurt can work as substitutes, though the flavor will vary slightly.
4. Can I use a different fruit?
Certainly! Apples, peaches, or pears can work well as alternatives.
5. What if I don’t have walnuts?
You can use pecans, almonds, or even omit the nuts entirely.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix in place of the flour.
7. Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, almond or oat milk can replace regular milk in this recipe.
8. Can I freeze the cobbler?
Yes, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
9. What’s the best way to serve this cobbler?
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
10. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar by about 25%, but the cobbler may be less sweet.
Conclusion
Delightful Bananas Foster Cobbler is a dessert that brings joy with every bite. From its creamy, caramelized bananas to its crisp, golden topping, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for a late-night treat, it’s a delicious way to celebrate the comfort of home baking.