Louisiana’s Iconic Bananas Foster Takes on a New Life in this Delicious Cobbler!

Photo byNaomi Madison

When it comes to the culinary wonders of Louisiana, New Orleans stands tall as a city that knows how to impress with flavor. Among its many iconic dishes, Bananas Foster holds a special place as a rich, caramelized dessert that brings out the best in the state's famed bananas and rum. Now, this beloved dessert is being reimagined in a cobbler that combines the warmth of Southern hospitality with the elegance of New Orleans cuisine: the Bananas Foster Cobbler.

A Celebration of Louisiana's Sweet Legacy
Bananas Foster was created in New Orleans in the 1950s, originally served as a flaming table-side showstopper. The combination of caramelized bananas with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum has become a symbol of the city’s bold flavors. This cobbler takes those same rich ingredients and bakes them into a comforting dessert that is perfect for any gathering. The dish is a testament to Louisiana’s ability to turn simple ingredients into something memorable and magical.

The twist in this Bananas Foster Cobbler comes from the addition of cream cheese, which adds a luscious texture and tang to balance the sweet bananas and sugar. With the added crunch of walnuts and the warmth of cinnamon, every bite of this dessert delivers a harmony of flavors that speaks to the heart of Louisiana's food culture.

Recipe: Louisiana-Inspired Bananas Foster Cobbler

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 very ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the baking dish, evenly spreading it out.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, white sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Once smooth, carefully pour this mixture over the butter in the dish.
4. Layer the banana slices and chopped walnuts over the batter in the baking dish.
5. In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the cream cheese until softened. Stir in the egg, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
6. Spoon the cream cheese mixture in small dollops over the banana and batter, distributing them evenly across the dish.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden brown and the bananas have caramelized.

Serve the Bananas Foster Cobbler warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience.

A Perfect Ending to a Louisiana Meal

This Bananas Foster Cobbler is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience that captures the warmth and rich culinary heritage of Louisiana. Whether you're enjoying it with family or serving it to friends at a gathering, this cobbler brings the spirit of New Orleans into your kitchen. The creamy texture of the cream cheese pockets, the sweet bananas, and the crunch of walnuts make it a dessert worth savoring, one that will remind you of the vibrant flavors of Louisiana with each bite.

Bananas Foster, a classic New Orleans dessert, was originally created at Brennan's Restaurant in the 1950s. It combines bananas sautéed in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then flambéed with rum for a dramatic finish. This dish pays tribute to the city's vibrant culture, making it one of the most famous desserts from the French Quarter.

The Bananas Foster Cobbler you've shared takes inspiration from this iconic dessert, adding a Southern cobbler twist to the original flambéed treat. The rich combination of ripe bananas, walnuts, cream cheese, and a hint of vanilla offers a more rustic but equally flavorful rendition of the New Orleans classic. It's perfect for any occasion when you're craving a warm, comforting dessert with a Louisiana flair.

For more on the history of Bananas Foster, check out resources like Brennan’s official website, which offers insights into the dessert’s origins, and Saveur, which highlights its cultural significance​(New Orleans Tourism)​(Wikipedia)​(Tasting Table)​(Brennan's)​(Saveur).

This cobbler truly embodies Louisiana’s love for decadent, bold flavors, and it’s bound to bring a touch of the French Quarter to your table!