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