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To make Southern Banana Pudding Cobbler, gather these key ingredients: - 4 ripe bananas, sliced into rounds - 1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla pudding mix - 2 cups whole milk - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers, plus additional for garnish - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon white vinegar) - Whipped cream, for serving These ingredients create the base for a warm, creamy dessert that is hard to resist. The bananas provide natural sweetness, while the vanilla wafers add crunch. You can switch things up with these optional ingredients: - ½ cup chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for extra warmth - 1 cup chocolate chips for a sweet twist - Fresh berries for a fruity touch These additions can enhance the flavor and texture of your cobbler. Feel free to get creative and mix in your favorites. For this recipe, you'll need a few key tools: - 9x13 inch baking dish - Mixing bowls (medium and large) - Whisk for mixing - Rubber spatula for folding ingredients - Measuring cups and spoons Having the right tools makes the baking process smoother. You'll find it easier to mix, layer, and bake your cobbler to perfection. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a well-baked cobbler. While the oven heats up, grab a medium bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and whole milk. Add the pure vanilla extract too. Follow the package instructions until it is smooth and creamy. Set this aside so it can thicken while you prepare the rest of the dish. Now, take a large mixing bowl. Combine the crushed vanilla wafers, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in it. Use a whisk to blend these dry ingredients well. This step is important for a consistent batter. Next, pour in your melted butter and buttermilk. If you don't have buttermilk, mix milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar. Stir gently until everything combines into a smooth batter. Make sure not to overmix, as this can affect the texture. Get a 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it with butter or cooking spray. Pour the batter into the dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Next, layer the sliced bananas on top of the batter. Make sure to distribute them well for the best flavor. After that, spoon the prepared pudding over the bananas, covering them completely. Lastly, sprinkle extra crushed vanilla wafers on top for a nice crunch. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. You will know it's ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Once done, let the cobbler cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream for a delightful finish! To get a creamy pudding, follow these steps. First, mix the vanilla pudding with whole milk and pure vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Let it sit for a few minutes. This allows it to thicken properly. If you want it thicker, add a bit more pudding mix. Using cold milk helps too. It makes the pudding set better. Avoiding mistakes makes a big difference. Make sure you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. Don’t skip greasing the baking dish. It helps the cobbler come out easily. Be careful when mixing. Overmixing can make the batter tough. Stir just until combined, and you’ll have a soft, fluffy cobbler. Serving matters for the perfect treat. Serve the cobbler warm for the best taste. Add a generous scoop of whipped cream on top. You can also drizzle extra pudding on the side. For a nice touch, garnish with whole vanilla wafers or fresh banana slices. This adds color and makes the dish look fancy. Enjoying it this way makes every bite special! Pro Tips Use Ripe Bananas: Make sure your bananas are well-ripened for the best flavor and sweetness in the cobbler. Chill the Pudding: Allow the pudding to chill slightly before adding it to the cobbler for a creamier texture. Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cobbler light and fluffy. Serve Warm: This cobbler is best enjoyed warm with whipped cream, enhancing the flavors and textures. {{image_4}} You can switch up the basic flavors. Here are some fun ideas: - Chocolate: Use chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla. This adds a rich taste. - Peanut Butter: Stir in a half cup of peanut butter into the batter. It gives a nice nutty flavor. - Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the pudding layer. This gives a tropical twist. These flavors can make your cobbler unique and fun. Toppings can change the whole dish. Here are some crunchy options: - Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a nutty crunch. - Granola: Sprinkle granola over the pudding layer for a hearty texture. - Toasted Coconut: Toast coconut flakes and use them as a topping. It adds flavor and a nice crunch. These toppings can enhance the cobbler’s texture and taste. You can easily make this cobbler gluten-free. Here’s how: - Use gluten-free flour: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. It works just as well. - Check the wafers: Make sure your vanilla wafers are gluten-free. Many brands offer this option now. By using these substitutes, everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert! To keep your Southern Banana Pudding Cobbler fresh, store it in an airtight container. This prevents air and moisture from ruining the flavor. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To reheat your cobbler, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cobbler in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check if it’s warm throughout. You can also microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or it may get soggy. If you want to freeze your cobbler, let it cool completely first. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This method helps preserve taste and texture. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use other types of bananas. You can try plantains if they are ripe enough. They offer a unique flavor and texture. Keep in mind that the taste may change a bit. Regular ripe bananas work best for sweetness. To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the whole milk for almond or oat milk. You can also use dairy-free pudding mix. Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with vinegar. This keeps the flavors rich without dairy. The best way to serve this dessert is warm. Scoop portions into bowls. Top each serving with whipped cream. You can also drizzle extra pudding on the side. Garnish with whole vanilla wafers for crunch. Fresh banana slices add a nice touch too. Southern Banana Pudding Cobbler blends sweet flavors with easy steps. We discussed key ingredients, baking tools, and how to create a perfect dessert. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and offered variations for more fun. Storing leftovers and reheating methods can keep treats fresh longer. Enjoy making this cobbler and share it with others. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you! Happy baking!

Southern Banana Pudding Cobbler

A delightful dessert combining layers of ripe bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and a buttery cobbler base, topped with crunchy vanilla wafers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine Southern
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 whole ripe bananas, sliced into rounds
  • 1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers, plus additional for garnish
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon white vinegar)
  • 1 serving whipped cream, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat.
  • Prepare the Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix with the whole milk and vanilla extract according to the package instructions until smooth and creamy. Set aside to thicken.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended.
  • Create the Batter: Pour in the melted butter and buttermilk (or the milk-and-vinegar mixture) into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until all the ingredients are combined into a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Assemble the Base: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the batter into the dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  • Layer the Bananas: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the batter, ensuring they are well distributed.
  • Add the Pudding Layer: Spoon the prepared vanilla pudding over the bananas, making sure to cover them entirely.
  • Top with Wafers: Generously sprinkle additional crushed vanilla wafers on top of the pudding layer to add a delightful crunch.
  • Bake the Cobbler: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cobbler is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Cool and Serve: Let the cobbler cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a perfect finish.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream for a perfect finish.
Keyword banana, cobbler, dessert, pudding