25 Jul recipe: coconut caramel and banana cobbler from Donna Hay

This take on the traditional cobbler from Donna Hay makes a great dessert if you are looking for something different for the family in the cooler weather.

Ingredients

• 400ml can coconut milk, plus extra to serve (optional)
• ½ cup (70g) coconut sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60ml) water
• 1 cup (130g) white spelt flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup (40g) shredded coconut
• ¼ cup (45g) cacao nibs
• ¼ cup (55g) raw caster (superfine) sugar
• 50g cold unsalted butter, chopped
• ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk
• 3 bananas, halved lengthways

Method

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the coconut milk, coconut sugar, vanilla and water in a 28cm ovenproof frying pan over high heat and cook, stirring, for 5–6 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture has just come to the boil. Place 2 tablespoons of the caramel in a small bowl and set aside.

Place the flour, baking powder, coconut, cacao nibs, caster sugar and butter in a medium bowl and rub the mixture together with your fingers to combine. Add the buttermilk and mix until just combined. Spoon the topping over the caramel and top with the bananas. Place the pan on a baking tray and cook for 30 minutes or until bubbling and golden. Drizzle with the reserved caramel and extra coconut milk, if using, and serve immediately.  Serves 6.

For more great Donna Hay recipes see her website.

Suggestion: Try dark brown sugar instead of coconut sugar, and regular caster sugar.