Southern Banana Pudding Cobbler Simple and Sweet Delight

November 11, 2025March 14, 2025 by Chef Luca

Ingredients

To make Southern Banana Pudding Cobbler, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:

– 4 ripe bananas, sliced

– 1 box vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)

– 2 cups milk

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers, plus extra for topping

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 cup sugar

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– ½ teaspoon salt

– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

– 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)

– Whipped cream for serving

These ingredients work together to create layers of creamy goodness. The ripe bananas add a sweet, fruity taste. The vanilla pudding mix makes it rich and smooth. The crushed vanilla wafers give it a nice crunch.

You can use any milk you have on hand, or buttermilk for a richer flavor. The sugar adds sweetness, while the flour helps bind everything. Baking powder makes it rise, giving it a lovely texture.

Gather all your ingredients before starting. This way, you stay organized and have everything at your fingertips. The right mix of these elements makes your cobbler a true Southern delight.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pudding

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting a nice, even bake. In a medium bowl, take your vanilla pudding mix. Add 2 cups of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth. Set this pudding aside for now.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. You will need 1 cup of crushed vanilla wafers, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well until they are fully blended.

Combine Wet Ingredients and Batter Formation

Now it’s time to add your wet ingredients. Pour in ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Stir everything together until you get a smooth batter.

Layering the Cobbler

Next, grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the batter into the dish, spreading it evenly. On top of the batter, layer 4 ripe bananas, sliced. Make sure to space them out nicely. Then, spoon your prepared vanilla pudding over the bananas. Cover them completely for a rich flavor.

Baking Instructions

Before baking, sprinkle extra crushed vanilla wafers on top. This adds a nice crunch. Place your cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it—when the top is golden, and a toothpick comes out clean, it’s done! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature with whipped cream on top.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Pudding Texture

To get the best pudding, mix it well. Use cold milk and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps it thicken up nicely. If it seems too runny, add a touch more pudding mix. Always taste for sweetness. You want it to be just right.

Achieving the Right Cobbler Consistency

A great cobbler is soft and moist. Make sure to mix your dry ingredients well. This includes flour, sugar, and baking powder. Then, add your melted butter and buttermilk. Mix until it’s smooth but don’t overmix. The batter should be thick, but pourable. Spread it evenly in your baking dish for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Southern Banana Pudding Cobbler warm. Top it with a big dollop of whipped cream. You can also add extra crushed vanilla wafers on top. This adds a nice crunch. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat. Enjoy it with friends or family for a sweet ending to any meal.

Variations

Alternative Fruits to Use

You can change the bananas in this recipe. Try using ripe peaches or berries. They add a nice twist. For a tropical vibe, use sliced mango or pineapple. Each fruit brings its own flavor. Just remember to slice them thin. This helps them cook well.

Different Pudding Flavors

While vanilla pudding shines here, feel free to mix it up. Try chocolate pudding for a rich treat. Or use butterscotch pudding for a sweet twist. You can even go for a strawberry pudding. Each flavor changes the taste, making it fun to explore.

Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free Options

For gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. This keeps the texture nice. You can also use gluten-free vanilla wafers. If you need a dairy-free version, use almond milk instead of regular milk. Coconut milk works well too. It adds a unique taste. These swaps help everyone enjoy this dessert.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Tips

Store your Southern Banana Pudding Cobbler in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can last up to five days. The cold helps maintain the texture of the pudding and keeps the bananas from browning too quickly. If you notice the bananas changing color, cover them with a bit of whipped cream. This adds sweetness and keeps them looking great.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this cobbler if you have leftovers. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer bag. It will stay good for about two months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Avoid refreezing once it has thawed to keep the taste and texture nice.

Reheating Suggestions

To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave. Heat for about 30 seconds, then check if it’s warm. If not, heat again in short bursts. You can also reheat the whole dish in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Add whipped cream on top after reheating for extra creaminess. Enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQs

Can I use other types of bananas?

Yes, you can use different bananas. Look for ripe bananas for the best taste. They should be yellow with some brown spots. You can also use plantains, but they will change the flavor a bit. The sweetness and softness of ripe bananas work best here.

What’s the difference between cobbler and pudding?

Cobbler and pudding are both delicious, but they are different. Cobbler has a cake-like base with fruit on top. It often has a crunchy layer from baked dough or cookies. Pudding, on the other hand, is creamy and smooth. It usually has a custard base. In Southern Banana Pudding Cobbler, you get both textures, which is what makes it special!

How long can Southern Banana Pudding Cobbler be stored?

You can store Southern Banana Pudding Cobbler for up to three days. Keep it in the fridge for the best taste. Cover it with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

This blog post covered all the key steps to make a Southern Banana Pudding Cobbler. We discussed ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and tips for perfecting your dessert. You learned about variations to try, storage options, and answered common questions.

Creating this dessert can be fun and tasty. With ripe bananas and crunchy wafers, you can impress anyone. Enjoy making your cobbler, and remember to share your delicious result