The Sweet Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars Recipe You’ll Adore

Sweet southern cherry cobbler bars merge classic dessert comfort with portable picnic perfection.

Bakers adore this delightful twist on traditional cobblers that lets you enjoy classic flavors in every handheld slice.

Ripe cherries burst with summery sweetness against a buttery crumbly crust that melts in your mouth.

Crisp edges and soft center create a delectable texture contrast that makes these bars irresistible.

Warm spices whisper hints of nostalgia through each carefully crafted bite.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant treat perfect for gatherings or quiet afternoons.

You’ll want to savor every crumbly, fruity moment of this southern classic.

Why Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars Are Full Of Old-Fashioned Charm

• Capture Seasonal Delight: Celebrate summer's bounty with fresh cherries in a delightful dessert that brings farm-to-table freshness to your kitchen.
• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This versatile recipe works perfectly for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend treats that everyone will adore.
• Master Simplified Baking: No complex techniques required – even novice bakers can create a professional-looking dessert with simple mixing and layering steps.
• Customize with Ease: Swap cherries for other seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable throughout the year.

Everything You Need For Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cobbler bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden color during baking.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cobbler bars.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a tender, flaky texture in the dough.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the recipe.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the dough.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, cohesive mixture.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Contribute depth and complexity to the overall taste.

• Fresh Cherries: The star ingredient that provides a burst of sweet-tart flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps absorb excess moisture from the cherries during baking.

• Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy layer to complement the fruit.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides a sweet, elegant dusting on top of the cooled cobbler bars.

How To Make Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Environment

Warm up the oven to 350°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they form a consistent, even mixture.

Step 3: Create Crumbly Texture

Break cold butter into the flour blend using a pastry cutter or fingertips. Work the butter until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs with small, uneven pieces.

Step 4: Prepare Wet Mixture

• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Blend until the liquid becomes smooth and completely integrated.

Step 5: Form Soft Dough

Gently incorporate wet ingredients into dry mixture. Stir carefully until a soft, slightly tacky dough develops.

Step 6: Create Base Layer

Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring a consistent bottom foundation.

Step 7: Prepare Cherry Coating

Toss fresh cherries with cornstarch, thoroughly coating each fruit to prevent excess liquid during baking.

Step 8: Layer Filling

Scatter cream cheese chunks across the dough base, then distribute cornstarch-coated cherries evenly over the surface.

Step 9: Add Crumble Topping

Break remaining dough into irregular pieces, sprinkling over cherry and cream cheese layer to create a rustic, uneven top.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Slide pan into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top with slightly crisp edges.

Step 11: Cool Completely

Remove from oven and allow cobbler bars to cool in the pan for at least one hour, letting flavors settle.

Step 12: Final Elegant Touch

Just before serving, dust the cooled cobbler bars with powdered sugar for a delightful, sophisticated finish.

Helpful Tips For Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and sugar to maintain the perfect texture and balance of sweetness in your cherry bars.
• Chill Butter Strategically: Keep butter cold and cut into small cubes for flakier, more tender dough that creates a delightful crumbly texture.
• Prevent Cherry Soggy Bottom: Tossing cherries with cornstarch helps absorb excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and well-structured dessert base.
• Adjust Extracts Carefully: Experiment with almond extract quantity to personalize the flavor profile without overwhelming the natural cherry taste.
• Rest and Cool Completely: Allow bars to cool entirely before cutting to help them set properly and achieve clean, beautiful slices.

Yummy Twists On Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars

• Gluten-Free Cherry Cobbler Bars: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour, ensuring a tender, gluten-free alternative that maintains the original's rich texture.
• Low-Sugar Berry Variation: Swap cherries with mixed berries and use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly dessert with reduced calorie content.
• Vegan Fruit Crumble Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and sour cream with cashew cream to create a plant-based version that's equally delicious and creamy.
• Nutty Streusel Topping Option: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the crumble topping for added crunch and a nutty flavor profile that complements the fruity base.

Best Pairings For Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Cherry Cream Cheese Cobbler Bar Pairings
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Riesling or Pinot Grigio to complement the dessert's sweet-tart cherry notes, cutting through the rich cream cheese with its bright, acidic profile.
• Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop creamy vanilla ice cream next to the warm cobbler bars, creating a luxurious temperature and flavor contrast that enhances the dessert's buttery texture.
• Match with Herbal Tea: Brew a light chamomile or lavender tea to balance the richness, providing a delicate aromatic counterpoint that softens the dessert's intense sweetness.

How To Store Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars The Right Way

• Store leftover cherry cobbler bars in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Warm gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore the crisp texture and warm flavor.
• Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight.

Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars Questions Answered

• What ingredients provide the unique flavor in this recipe?

The sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract combine to create a rich, complex taste that enhances the cherry and cream cheese filling.

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely before tossing with cornstarch to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know when the cobbler bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown top and slightly crisp edges. The baking time is typically 40-45 minutes, but ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the color and texture.

• What's the purpose of coating cherries with cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps absorb excess moisture from the cherries, preventing a soggy bottom and ensuring a more stable, well-set filling in the cobbler bars.

Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5-10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern cherry cobbler bars blend nostalgic comfort with summer’s most delightful fruit. Buttery crumble layers and rich cherry filling create a delectable dessert that celebrates classic Southern baking traditions you’ll savor down to the last crumbly bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

main ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups fresh cherries

dairy & binding:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cream cheese

baking & seasoning:

• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Cut cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Whisk eggs, sour cream, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
6. Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a consistent base layer.
7. Toss fresh cherries with cornstarch to ensure even coating and prevent excess moisture during baking.
8. Dot cream cheese in small chunks across the dough base, then distribute the cornstarch-coated cherries evenly over the surface.
9. Crumble the remaining dough over the cherry and cream cheese layer, creating a rustic, uneven topping.
10. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour.
12. Dust the cooled cobbler bars with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your bars.
• Freeze butter briefly before cutting into the flour mixture to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
• Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to prevent overworking the dough, which can make bars tough and dense.
• Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance, checking for golden-brown edges and set center.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 293
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 139 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg