Homemade Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars Recipe: Irresistibly Sweet

Sweet memories of summer unfold in these delightful southern cherry cobbler bars that capture the essence of homemade comfort.

Grandmothers across the southern states have perfected this nostalgic dessert through generations of baking love.

Ripe cherries burst with juicy flavor between layers of buttery, crumbly crust that melts in your mouth.

Each bite transports me back to lazy afternoons on screened porches, where pie plates cooled on windowsills.

Subtle hints of vanilla and cinnamon dance through the rich, golden pastry, creating a symphony of taste.

Crisp edges give way to soft, tender centers packed with deep cherry goodness.

Want to experience a slice of southern hospitality?

These bars are waiting to welcome you home.

Ingredients For Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars

• Cherry Pie Filling: A sweet and tangy foundation that provides rich fruity flavor to the dessert bars.

• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides a quick and easy base that creates a golden, crumbly topping for the bars.
• Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty texture to complement the sweet cherry filling.
• Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, aromatic spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Helps bind the cake mix, creates a rich taste, and ensures a moist and tender texture for the bars.

How To Make Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coat of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cherry Base

Pour the luscious cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite will be bursting with fruity goodness.

Step 3: Layer the Delicious Topping

Grab your yellow cake mix and sprinkle it generously over the cherry layer. Drizzle melted butter across the entire surface to create a golden, crispy top. Scatter chopped pecans for a delightful crunch, then dust everything with a warm sprinkle of cinnamon.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown top and bubbling edges that signal your cobbler bars are ready to dazzle.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to rest and cool slightly. This short waiting period helps them set and makes cutting into perfect squares easier. Slice into delectable bars and serve warm for a mouthwatering Southern treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips For Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars

• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pat cherry pie filling gently with paper towels to remove excess liquid before spreading in the baking dish.
• Toast Pecans for Depth: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick near the edge to ensure the cake mix layer is fully baked without over-browning the top.
• Serve at Optimal Temperature: Allow bars to cool for 15-20 minutes so they set properly and cut cleanly into neat squares.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Fun Variations For Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars

• Gluten-Free Cherry Cobbler Bars: Replace yellow cake mix with gluten-free cake mix or almond flour blend for celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Cherry Dessert Squares: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based cake mix, and add vegan-friendly chopped nuts like almonds.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Crumble Bars: Substitute cherry pie filling with fresh cherries and sugar-free sweetener, use sugar-free cake mix for diabetic-friendly option.
• Tropical Cherry Bar Remix: Replace pecans with macadamia nuts, add shredded coconut, and use pineapple-infused cake mix for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert.

Pairing Suggestions For Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop cold, rich vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cherry cobbler bars for a classic dessert combination that balances the hot, gooey texture with smooth, cool creaminess.
• Complement with Southern Bourbon Cocktail: Mix a classic bourbon old fashioned or neat bourbon to highlight the Southern roots of the dessert, matching the deep, caramel notes with the sweet cherry and nutty pecan flavors.
• Enhance with Strong Coffee: Brew a robust dark roast or espresso to cut through the sweetness, providing a bold contrast that elevates the richness of the cherry and butter-soaked cake mix.
• Serve with Whipped Cream: Top the bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a light, airy texture that softens the dense, sweet dessert and provides a delicate counterpoint.

Storage Advice For Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Warm bars at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning. Check midway to ensure even heating.
• Zap individual bars for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Let rest for a minute before serving to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs On Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh pitted cherries. Just mix them with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch before spreading in the pan to help them thicken and sweeten.

• Are pecans necessary for this recipe?

No, pecans are optional. If you don’t like nuts or have an allergy, you can simply omit them without changing the overall recipe structure.

• What type of cake mix works best?

Yellow cake mix is traditional, but white cake mix or vanilla cake mix will also work perfectly fine in this recipe. The goal is a simple, sweet base that complements the cherries.

Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars Bursting With Flavor

• Celebrate Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite, capturing the essence of traditional Southern baking.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Transform simple ingredients like cake mix and cherry pie filling into a stunning dessert without complicated steps or advanced cooking skills.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers, these bars serve easily and appeal to both kids and adults with their sweet and nutty profile.
• Versatile Crowd-Rouser: Equally delightful as a dessert after dinner or a special treat with afternoon coffee, these bars adapt to any occasion with their irresistible combination of cherries, pecans, and buttery cake.

Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sweet southern cherry cobbler bars merge classic comfort with modern dessert flair, delivering a delightful slice of homemade goodness. Buttery crumble layers and juicy cherries create a perfect balance that will enchant your taste buds with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit Filling:

• 1 can cherry pie filling

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet and Nuts Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create an even base layer by spreading the cherry pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Generously distribute the dry yellow cake mix over the cherry filling, creating a uniform layer that will transform into a crumbly topping during baking.
4. Enhance the texture and flavor by drizzling melted butter across the cake mix layer, allowing it to seep through and create a rich, moist foundation.
5. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the butter-coated cake mix, adding a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to the dessert.
6. Dust the entire surface with a light coating of ground cinnamon, which will infuse the bars with a warm, aromatic essence.
7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate the dessert is perfectly cooked.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cobbler bars to cool for 10-15 minutes, which helps them set and makes slicing easier.
9. Cut into individual bars, serving while still slightly warm to maximize the delicious combination of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your cobbler bars.
• Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty aroma and add a deeper, richer taste profile.
• For a gluten-free version, swap the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix or almond flour blend to maintain the same texture and deliciousness.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert’s indulgence and create a delightful contrast of temperatures.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 291 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 246 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg