Indulge yourself in the delightful world of easy baking with our Easy Juicy Cherry Cobbler Bars. These cobbler bars are the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors, crafted with simplicity and convenience in mind. As you take that first bite, the juicy cherries burst with flavor while the crumbly crust offers just the right amount of texture. Cobblers are traditionally a classic dessert, often served with a scoop of ice cream, but these bars have taken that tradition into a modern, handheld delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a summer barbecue, or simply yearning for a quick dessert fix, these cherry cobbler bars will impress with their taste and ease. The key to this recipe’s allure lies in its versatility and adaptability, making it enjoyable for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Juicy Cherry Cobbler Bars Recipe
- Effortless to Make: Minimal ingredients and steps make this recipe perfect for any skill level.
- Full of Flavor: Experience a burst of sweetness and tartness with every bite.
- Adaptable: Easily swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences.
- Convenient: Perfect for grab-and-go or serving at gatherings.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start on these delicious cherry cobbler bars, ensure you have everything organized for a smooth cooking experience. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s also essential to prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cobbler bars come out easily without sticking. For this recipe, you will need a medium saucepan, a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a pastry cutter or fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture. Prepping the ingredients ahead of time, like pitting the cherries and cubing the butter, will make the process straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll need a flat and clean workspace for mixing the ingredients and rolling out the crumbly crust. Lastly, be sure to set your cooling rack aside, ready for when your delicious bars are done baking. With everything in place, you’re now one step closer to indulging in these delightful treats!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the temperature is just right for your cobbler bars to bake evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency. This step enhances the natural sweetness and tartness of the cherries, creating a luscious filling.
Step 3: Create the Crumb Topping
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, and salt together. Add the cold, cubed butter to the mix, using a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until it forms coarse crumbs. Finish with a touch of vanilla extract to infuse subtle sweetness throughout the crumbs.
Step 4: Assemble the Crust
Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form a sturdy base for the cherry layer.
Step 5: Add the Cherry Layer
Pour the prepared cherry mixture evenly over the crust. Ensure that the edges are well covered to encapsulate the flavors within every inch of the cobbler bar.
Step 6: Sprinkle the Topping
Use the reserved crumb mixture to generously cover the cherry layer. Spread it as thinly or as thickly as you prefer, depending on how much texture you enjoy.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Place the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. Your goal is to achieve a golden brown topping while the cherries bubble beneath, releasing their juicy goodness.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked to perfection, let the bars cool completely before slicing them into squares. This allows the components to settle and hold their shape. These bars pair excellently with vanilla ice cream for an enriched dessert experience.
Variations
- Protein: Add a scoop of almond meal or crushed nuts for extra texture and a protein boost.
- Vegetables: Try adding rhubarb to the cherry mixture for a classic combination of sweet and tart.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb mixture.
Cooking Notes
- If using frozen cherries, ensure they are thoroughly defrosted and drained to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
- You can adjust the sugar level according to the sweetness of your cherries to keep the balance perfect.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic touch.
- Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra indulgence.
Tips
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Line your baking dish generously with parchment paper, making sure it overhangs the edges for easy lifting.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Protein: 2 grams
- Sodium: 100 mg
FAQs
Can I use canned cherries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned cherries can be used; however, be sure to drain them well and adjust the sugar content to ensure the right sweetness.
What type of flour works best for the crust?
All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe as it provides the right texture for the crumbly base. Whole wheat flour could be an alternative for a more rustic feel.
Can these bars be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Allow them to cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze them for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What can I add to make these bars crunchier?
Incorporating chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds into the crumb topping can add a pleasant crunch.
Conclusion
These Easy Juicy Cherry Cobbler Bars provide a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, encased in a soft yet crunchy mix that’s hard to resist. With their easy-to-make formula and satisfying texture, they are a must-try for dessert lovers and those new to baking alike. Not only do they promise flavor in each bite, but they also present the flexibility of adapting to various dietary preferences and ingredient swaps. Whether you’re finding joy in crafting them alone for some me-time or sharing with family, there’s excitement in each creation and consumption. Why not give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and bring a little cherry delight into more lives?
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Easy Juicy Cherry Cobbler Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These cobbler bars are the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors, crafted with simplicity and convenience in mind.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the temperature is just right for your cobbler bars to bake evenly and thoroughly.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency. This step enhances the natural sweetness and tartness of the cherries, creating a luscious filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, and salt together. Add the cold, cubed butter to the mix, using a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until it forms coarse crumbs. Finish with a touch of vanilla extract to infuse subtle sweetness throughout the crumbs.
- Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form a sturdy base for the cherry layer.
- Pour the prepared cherry mixture evenly over the crust. Ensure that the edges are well covered to encapsulate the flavors within every inch of the cobbler bar.
- Use the reserved crumb mixture to generously cover the cherry layer. Spread it as thinly or as thickly as you prefer, depending on how much texture you enjoy.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. Your goal is to achieve a golden brown topping while the cherries bubble beneath, releasing their juicy goodness.
- Once baked to perfection, let the bars cool completely before slicing them into squares. This allows the components to settle and hold their shape. These bars pair excellently with vanilla ice cream for an enriched dessert experience.
Notes
If using frozen cherries, ensure they are thoroughly defrosted and drained to avoid excess moisture in the bars. You can adjust the sugar level according to the sweetness of your cherries to keep the balance perfect.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Protein: 2 g