Name: Bananas Foster Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, melted; 2 cups milk; 8 ounces cream cheese; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 cups flour; 1 cup white sugar; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 4 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for cream cheese mixture); 4 bananas, very ripe, sliced; 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

There is something irresistibly comforting about a warm, fruit-filled cobbler that just feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate. The Bananas Foster Cobbler Recipe takes that warm comfort up a notch by blending the luscious, caramelized flavors of bananas foster with a tender, cinnamon-kissed cobbler crust loaded with crunchy walnuts and pockets of creamy, dreamy cheesecake. This is the kind of dessert that can brighten a weeknight, shine at a potluck, or become your go-to when you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top-down view of various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are ten items in total: a block of cream cheese wrapped loosely in wax paper near the top left, a whole white egg placed above a small glass container of vanilla extract at the top right, and a measuring cup filled with milk beside the egg. Below, there are two small white bowls, one containing white powder spices, including cinnamon, and the other filled with light brown sugar. A larger glass bowl holds melted butter with a yellow, slightly bubbly texture next to a smaller bowl with white flour. Below these, a medium glass bowl has white granulated sugar, while a similar bowl holds chopped walnuts with rough, uneven pieces. Lastly, near the bottom, a bigger glass bowl is filled with thick banana slices layered smoothly, creating a cream pale yellow color. The clean, simple look is balanced with clear, different textures and natural colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first joyful step toward creating a delightful Bananas Foster Cobbler Recipe. Each element plays a vital role: the bananas bring softness and natural sweetness, the spices add warmth, the cream cheese introduces richness, and the walnuts deliver a satisfying crunch. All together, they build layers of flavor and texture that keep every bite exciting.

1/2 cup butter melted: This forms a buttery base for the cobbler and helps create a golden crust.
2 cups milk: Moistens the dry ingredients, making the batter tender and light.
2 cups flour: The backbone of the cobbler dough, providing structure.
1 cup white sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the banana’s natural sugars.
1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Brings caramel undertones essential to mimic classic bananas foster.
4 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cobbler rises nicely, keeping it fluffy.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements bananas beautifully.
4 very ripe bananas, sliced: The star ingredient that delivers natural sweetness and creamy texture.
1 cup walnuts, chopped: Adds crunchy texture and a nutty dimension to the cobbler.
8 ounces cream cheese: Creates luscious pockets of richness that contrast the fruity filling.
1 large egg: Binds the cream cheese mixture for those melting, creamy bites.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer with subtle caramel notes.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds depth and enhances the overall sweetness.

How to Make Bananas Foster Cobbler Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then take a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously spray it with baking spray to prevent sticking. Once ready, pour the melted butter evenly across the bottom. The melted butter is what makes the bottom crust beautifully golden and rich – don’t skip this crucial step!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Milk

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, white sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the milk and stir gently until the mixture is smooth but slightly thick. This batter will form the cobbler’s soft and fluffy base, perfectly spiced to enhance the bananas.

Step 3: Layer the Batter and Bananas

Carefully pour the batter over the melted butter in your prepared baking dish. Resist the urge to mix it together; this separation between butter and batter helps the crust become irresistibly tender and crisp. Then distribute the sliced bananas and chopped walnuts evenly over the top. These add soft, fruity sweetness and a satisfying crunch to every forkful.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Pockets

Microwave the cream cheese in short bursts until it’s warm and easy to stir. Whisk in the egg, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. These little pockets of cheesecake dotted over the cobbler batter provide creamy richness that balances the sweet and spicy notes perfectly.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the banana and batter layers in small pockets. Then slide your dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and bubbling with sweet, inviting aromas. This is the moment when your Bananas Foster Cobbler Recipe transforms into a warm, fragrant delight that calls for a spoon.

How to Serve Bananas Foster Cobbler Recipe

A close-up of a single serving of a moist, light brown cake slice on a white plate, with a soft, crumbly texture. On top of the cake, there are two thin slices of pale yellow banana and a generous amount of chunky light brown walnuts, some baked into the cake and some resting on top. The cake appears to have a slightly moist interior with pieces of banana visible, giving it a soft, dense look. The white plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream is an absolute dream alongside this cobbler—its cool creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm spices and bananas. You can also sprinkle a pinch of toasted cinnamon or some extra chopped walnuts on top for a little crunch and a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This cobbler is a standalone superstar, but if you’re serving it for a special occasion, consider a rich cup of coffee or a smooth dessert wine. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with those drinks, turning dessert time into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Bananas Foster Cobbler Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars—perfect for portion control and a charming look. Alternatively, add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top before serving to really echo that classic bananas foster flavor everyone adores.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the cobbler tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by wrapping individual portions in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cobbler keeps well for about 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have dessert ready to go.

Reheating

Reheat your cobbler in a 350-degree oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy on top. Avoid the microwave if you can, as the oven helps maintain that delightful cobbler texture.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work beautifully in this recipe and offer their own unique flavor and crunch. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.

What kind of bananas should I use for the best flavor?

Very ripe bananas are best because they’re naturally sweeter and softer, which perfectly melds into the cobbler, giving it that classic bananas foster richness.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. Try dairy-free cream cheese for the cheesecake pockets to keep it luscious.

Can I prepare it without the cream cheese topping?

While the cheesecake pockets add delicious creaminess, you can omit them if you prefer a simpler cobbler. It will still be flavorful and delicious without it.

How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. Inserting a toothpick in the cobbler batter should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm embrace and offers layers of exciting textures and flavors, the Bananas Foster Cobbler Recipe is your perfect match. It’s approachable, deeply satisfying, and a wonderful way to share a taste of comfort with friends and family. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become a beloved classic in your kitchen rotation.