## Introduction
Take a culinary trip to the South with these delightful Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars. With a flaky, buttery crust that perfectly complements a mouthwatering cherry filling, these decadent bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Ideal for impressing guests at gatherings or relishing as a cosy treat, this quick and easy recipe should be your go-to whenever you crave something sweet and tangy.
## Why Make This Recipe
If you love desserts that blend buttery, crumbly goodness with the fresh, tangy sweetness of fruits, then Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars are the perfect choice. The recipe is simple and straightforward to follow, and the results are nothing short of impressive. Plus, who doesn’t love the classic charm of a good old fashioned Southern dessert served in bar form?
## How to Make Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars
## Ingredients :
– For the Crust and Topping:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– For the Cherry Filling:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
## Directions :
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt for the crust.
3. Add melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until crumbly.
4. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish for the crust.
5. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice for the filling.
6. Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Let it simmer for another minute and remove from heat.
7. Pour the cherry filling over the crust in the baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the remaining crumbly mixture on top of the cherries.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
## How to Serve Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars
These bars make an excellent standalone dessert. However, you can amp up the decadence by serving them warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
## How to Store Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars
Store the Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and tasty for up to a week. For preserving longer, refrigerate them, where they can last for up to two weeks.
## Tips to Make Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars
Remember to cool the bars completely at room temperature before cutting them into squares. This way, the bars will maintain their texture and shape and won’t crumble.
## Variation (if any)
If cherries aren’t your fruit of choice or if they’re out of season, you can substitute them with blueberries, blackberries, or mixed berries for a different take on this recipe.
## FAQs
**Q1:** Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh?
**A1:** Yes, you can use canned cherries. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well before using.
**Q2:** Can I use a different fruit for this recipe?
**A2:** Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the cherries for another fruit like peaches or apples, but remember to adjust the quantity of sugar based on the sweetness of your chosen fruit.
**Q3:** My bars crumbled when I tried to cut them. What did I do wrong?
**A3:** The key to achieving perfect squares is to let the bars cool completely before cutting. If they’re still warm, they might not hold their shape very well.