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Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that’s both warm and delightful? This Savory Banana Pudding Cobbler mixes sweet bananas with creamy pudding and a buttery crust. It’s an easy recipe that will impress your friends and family. In just a few simple steps, you’ll create a comforting treat that is perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the ingredients and begin this tasty journey!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of ripe bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and warm spices creates a delightful taste that is both comforting and indulgent.
- Easy to Make: This cobbler comes together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Perfectly Warm and Cozy: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, warm and gooey, which is ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, like whipped cream or fresh fruit, to elevate this dessert to your personal taste.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you need for the savory banana pudding cobbler:
– 4 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
– 2 cups milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
– 1 cup self-rising flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon nutmeg
– Whipped cream for serving (optional)
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that creamy texture and rich flavor. The ripe bananas bring a natural sweetness that pairs well with the vanilla pudding. The instant pudding mix thickens quickly and adds a smooth layer.
Self-rising flour helps the cobbler rise, giving it a light, fluffy texture. Butter adds richness, while buttermilk gives a slight tang. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the flavor profiles, adding warmth.
You can serve this dish warm and top it with whipped cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy gathering these ingredients and preparing to make this delightful dessert!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish
– First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Making the Pudding Mixture
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of milk.
– Mix until it is smooth and thick. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and set this aside.
Preparing the Cobbler Batter
– In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed vanilla wafers, 1 cup of self-rising flour, and ½ cup of granulated sugar.
– Add ½ cup of melted butter, 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. Mix until just combined; the batter will be slightly lumpy.
Assembling the Dessert
– Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
– Slice the 4 ripe bananas and layer them over the batter, distributing them evenly.
– Spoon the prepared vanilla pudding mixture over the bananas, ensuring it covers them evenly.
Baking the Cobbler
– Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
– Check for doneness by inserting a knife. It should come out clean when the cobbler is done.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get a great texture in your banana pudding cobbler, avoid overmixing. When you mix the batter, stir just until the ingredients blend. Lumpy batter is fine. Overmixing makes the cobbler tough.
Even baking is key. Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F. Use a 9×13 inch baking dish. This size helps the cobbler bake evenly. Keep an eye on it while it cooks. You want golden brown tops and a clean knife when poked.
Enhancing Flavor
Using fresh ingredients is a must. Ripe bananas bring sweetness and moisture. They add great flavor too. Fresh milk and good vanilla extract make a big difference.
Consider adding spices for more flavor. Cinnamon and nutmeg work well in this recipe. They add warmth and depth. You can also try a splash of almond extract. This twist gives a nice change to the taste.
Presentation Techniques
For serving, top the cobbler with whipped cream. It adds creaminess and looks great. You can also sprinkle some crushed vanilla wafers on top. This adds a nice crunch and color.
Garnish with banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon. These small touches make your dessert stand out. A beautiful presentation makes every bite more special.
Pro Tips
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cobbler will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best taste.
- Let It Cool: Allowing the cobbler to cool slightly before serving helps it set up better, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like ginger or allspice to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pudding and batter in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving for a fresh dessert.

Variations
Alternative Fruit Options
You can swap out the bananas for other fruits in this recipe. Try using ripe peaches, juicy strawberries, or tart apples. Berries like blueberries or raspberries also work well. Each fruit gives a unique taste and texture. For seasonal options, use fresh fruits that are in season. This way, your cobbler stays vibrant and flavorful year-round.
Different Flavor Profiles
Want to mix things up? Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. They melt and create pockets of gooey goodness. You can also toss in some shredded coconut or chopped nuts. These add a crunchy texture and rich flavor. Experiment with spices like ginger for a fresh kick or almond extract for a nutty essence.
Healthier Substitutions
If you’re looking for healthier options, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce the sugar by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. These swaps keep the dessert tasty while making it a bit lighter.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your banana pudding cobbler fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. If you don’t have one, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This will help keep the cobbler moist and tasty.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze banana pudding cobbler, but do it before baking. Just prepare the batter and layer it with bananas and pudding. Then, cover the dish with foil and freeze it. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it straight from the freezer. Add extra time to the baking. If you freeze it after baking, let it cool completely first. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your cobbler lasts about 3 to 4 days. Check for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or mold. If you see any, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your cobbler while it’s fresh for the best flavor!
FAQs
Can I use ripe bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can and should use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas have more flavor and natural sweetness. They also mash easily, blending well into the cobbler. This makes your dessert taste rich and delicious. The bananas also add moisture, giving the cobbler a nice texture.
Is it possible to make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dessert ahead. You can mix the pudding and batter in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. You can also layer the bananas and pudding before baking. Just cover the dish well and keep it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to serve. This saves time and makes it easy for gatherings.
How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?
Look for a golden brown top. The edges should pull away from the sides of the dish. You can test it by inserting a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the cobbler is done. Allow it to cool a bit before serving, so it sets nicely.
This dessert combines ripe bananas and creamy pudding for a delightful treat. You learned how to layer ingredients, mix wet and dry elements, and bake to perfection. Remember the tips for perfect texture and rich flavors as you create this cobbler. Feel free to experiment with variations for a unique twist. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, enjoy every bite. Your sweet creation will surely impress friends and family. Keep these storage tips in mind to savor leftovers. Now, get baking and enjoy your delicious cobble
Banana Pudding Cobbler
A delicious dessert combining layers of bananas, vanilla pudding, and a fluffy cobbler topping.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal
- 4 none ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 none Whipped cream for serving (optional)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract and set aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, self-rising flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, buttermilk, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until just combined; the batter will be slightly lumpy.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Slice the bananas and layer them over the batter, distributing them evenly.
Spoon the prepared vanilla pudding mixture over the banana layer, ensuring it covers the fruit evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden brown and a knife comes out clean.
Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Serve warm with whipped cream for an extra treat.
Keyword banana, cobbler, dessert, pudding
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