These Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars are the perfect combination of a buttery crust and sweet-tart cherry filling. With layers of crumbly topping and juicy cherries, these bars capture the flavors of a classic Southern cobbler in an easy-to-serve form. Whether for a picnic, dessert, or snack, these cherry cobbler bars are sure to delight!
Ingredients:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
For the Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust and Crumble:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and mix until combined. Reserve 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the crumble topping.
3. Press the Crust:
Press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
4. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the cherry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Crumble the reserved dough over the top of the cherry filling to create a streusel-like topping.
6. Bake the Bars:
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
These bars are delicious served on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!
Tips for Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars:
- Storage:
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. - Customization:
Feel free to substitute cherries with other fruits like blueberries, blackberries, or peaches to create different cobbler flavors. - Crumble Texture:
For an even crispier topping, you can sprinkle a bit of turbinado sugar over the crumble before baking.
FAQs About Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars:
Can I use canned cherry pie filling instead of fresh cherries?
Yes, you can use canned cherry pie filling if you’re short on time. Simply spread the canned filling over the crust and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Once the bars have cooled completely, cut them into squares and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
What other fruits can I use?
These bars are versatile and can be made with a variety of fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry combination.
Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the sweet and tangy flavors of cherries with a buttery, crumbly topping. Perfect for any occasion, these bars capture the essence of a Southern cobbler in a portable and shareable form. Whether served at a family gathering, picnic, or as a simple dessert, they’re sure to become a favorite!
