Delightful Bananas Foster Cobbler

Indulge in the decadent flavors of Bananas Foster with this delightful cobbler recipe! This dessert combines ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy cream cheese topping, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a comforting treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 bananas, very ripe, sliced
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with baking spray.
2. Add melted butter to the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Whisk together milk, flour, white sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
4. Pour flour mixture carefully over the butter in the baking dish.
5. Add the bananas and walnuts to the baking dish.
6. Microwave the cream cheese until warm, then stir in the egg, brown sugar, and vanilla.
7. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter in small pockets.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Calories: 335
• Servings: 16

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Warm or Cold: Serve the Bananas Foster Cobbler warm straight from the oven or chilled, depending on your preference.
2. Top with Ice Cream: Enhance the dessert experience by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
3. Garnish Options: Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon or drizzle with caramel sauce for added decadence.
4. Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk to balance the sweetness.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover cobbler covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: To freeze, tightly wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for quick warming, or in the oven at a low temperature to maintain crispness.
4. Maintaining Freshness: To maintain freshness, store the cream cheese topping separately and add it just before serving.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the Bananas Foster Cobbler at its best, whether freshly baked or saved for later indulgence.

Variations:

Nutty Delight

• Ingredients: Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Topping: Sprinkle the top with a mixture of oats and brown sugar for added texture.

Chocolate Twist

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for a decadent chocolatey twist.
• Garnish: Serve with a scoop of chocolate ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Berry Burst

• Ingredients: Mix in 1 cup of fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries along with the bananas.
• Topping: Top with a crumble made from oats, brown sugar, and butter for a fruity crunch.

Coconut Infusion

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle some on top before baking.
• Flavor: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tropical coconut flavor.

Apple Cinnamon

• Ingredients: Replace bananas with sliced apples and toss them with cinnamon before adding to the dish.
• Topping: Sprinkle with a mixture of oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar for an apple crisp-like topping.

Peach Cobbler

• Ingredients: Use sliced fresh or canned peaches in place of bananas.
• Flavor: Enhance with a pinch of nutmeg in the batter for a warm, comforting flavor.

Citrus Zest

• Ingredients: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter for a bright citrusy flavor.
• Topping: Top with a citrus glaze made from powdered sugar and citrus juice after baking.

Pumpkin Spice

• Ingredients: Mix 1 cup of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the batter.
• Topping: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Nutella Swirl

• Ingredients: Swirl Nutella into the cream cheese mixture before baking for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
• Garnish: Top with chopped hazelnuts and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Gingerbread Cobbler

• Ingredients: Add ground ginger, cloves, and molasses to the batter for a festive gingerbread flavor.
• Topping: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Caramel Apple Cobbler

• Ingredients: Substitute bananas with sliced apples and drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before baking.
• Topping: Top with a streusel made from oats, brown sugar, and butter.

Nut-Free Option

• Ingredients: Omit walnuts and replace them with an equal amount of oats or shredded coconut for texture.
• Flavor: Enhance with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, comforting flavor.

Mango Tango

• Ingredients: Replace bananas with diced mango and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a tropical twist.
• Garnish: Top with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.

Blueberry Bliss

• Ingredients: Mix in 1 cup of fresh blueberries with bananas for a burst of juicy sweetness.
• Topping: Sprinkle with a mixture of oats, brown sugar, and a dash of cinnamon

These variations offer exciting twists on the classic Bananas Foster Cobbler, allowing you to customize the dessert to suit different tastes and occasions. Enjoy experimenting with these flavors to create a delightful treat every time!

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this Bananas Foster Cobbler recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas can be used, but allow them to thaw and drain excess moisture before slicing and adding to the cobbler.

2. Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture.

3. How can I make this cobbler gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

4. Can I omit the walnuts or substitute them with another type of nut?

Yes, you can omit walnuts or substitute them with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts based on your preference or dietary restrictions.

5. Is it necessary to microwave the cream cheese for the topping?

Microwaving the cream cheese makes it easier to mix with the egg and other ingredients. If preferred, you can bring the cream cheese to room temperature instead.

6. How should I store leftovers of Bananas Foster Cobbler?

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

7. Can I prepare the cobbler ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can prepare the cobbler up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

8. Can I use a different fruit instead of bananas in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute bananas with apples, peaches, berries, or even pineapple for a different flavor profile.

9. How can I prevent the cream cheese topping from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the cream cheese mixture and bake the cobbler at the recommended temperature to prevent cracking.

10. Can I freeze Bananas Foster Cobbler?

While not recommended due to the cream cheese topping, you can freeze individual portions tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.