Banana Foster Cobbler

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Banana Filling

1. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is bubbling.
3. Cook the Bananas: Add the sliced bananas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften.
4. Optional Rum Flambé: Carefully pour in the rum and ignite it with a long lighter (be cautious of the flame). Allow the alcohol to burn off while gently swirling the pan. If you prefer not to use rum, you can skip this step.
5. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 2: Make the Cobbler Topping

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk and melted butter until a smooth batter forms.

Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Pour the banana mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Add the Batter: Pour the cobbler batter over the banana filling, gently spreading it with a spatula to cover the bananas.
3. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.

Step 4: Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Let the cobbler cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
2. Add Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For an extra treat, top with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Banana Foster Cobbler

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be in the cobbler.
• Adjust the Rum: If you prefer a stronger rum flavor, add an extra splash of rum to the banana filling. You can also use rum extract for a non-alcoholic option.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the banana filling before adding the batter.

Variations

• Chocolate Banana Foster Cobbler: Add chocolate chips to the banana filling for a delicious chocolate-banana combination.
• Spiced Rum Cobbler: Substitute the dark rum with spiced rum for a different flavor profile.
• Caramel Pecan Cobbler: Stir in caramel sauce and pecans with the banana mixture for a nutty and sweet twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm with Ice Cream: Banana Foster Cobbler is best served warm, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream against the warm cobbler is a perfect combination.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Add an extra layer of decadence by drizzling caramel sauce over the cobbler before serving.
• Pair with Coffee: Serve with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting and indulgent dessert experience.

Conclusion

Banana Foster Cobbler is a delightful dessert that combines the best elements of two classic treats. With its buttery, rum-flavored banana filling and tender cobbler topping, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, it’s a dessert that brings a touch of New Orleans flair and a whole lot of deliciousness.