Get ready to revolutionize your dessert game with these mind-blowing Apple Butter Cherry Cobbler Bars that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine a perfect harmony of sweet cherries, rich apple butter, and a crumbly oat crust that melts in your mouth - this isn't just a dessert, it's a culinary experience that bridges the gap between a classic cobbler and irresistible bar treats. Whether you're looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to a moment of pure bliss, these bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 9 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes a crumbly, cohesive dough.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact the mixture.
- Spread the apple butter evenly over the crumb base, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Distribute the halved cherries evenly across the apple butter layer, gently pressing them slightly into the surface.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the cherries, creating a rustic, uneven topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. This allows the bars to set and makes cutting easier.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 9 equal squares.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warm. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a more consistent crumb texture.
- For extra flavor, toast the rolled oats lightly in a dry skillet before mixing them into the crust.
- Make sure to pit the cherries completely to avoid any unexpected hard spots.
- Allow the bars to cool completely for clean, neat cutting - patience is key!
- For a more intense flavor, try using a mix of sweet and tart cherries.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the crumb mixture for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
