Easy Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars Recipe You’ll Love

When you crave a sweet treat that perfectly balances indulgence and health, these Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars are the ultimate solution. With their golden crust, luscious cherry filling, and crumbly topping, they’re an irresistible dessert that’s surprisingly low in calories and WW-friendly. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this dessert offers all the flavors of a traditional southern cobbler in a convenient bar form.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for added fiber)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted and halved)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar substitute (like Stevia or Monk Fruit)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the Crust and Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Stir in the melted butter and applesauce until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press 2/3 of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Reserve the remaining 1/3 for the topping.

Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar substitute, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assemble the Bars

1. Spread the cherry filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the top of the cherry filling.

Bake the Bars

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.

Slice and Serve

1. Once cooled, cut into 12 equal bars.
2. Serve as is, or with a dollop of fat-free whipped topping or a small scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: ~130
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• WW Points: ~4 (depends on your plan)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthier Alternative: Traditional cobbler recipes can be high in sugar and butter, but these bars are lightened up with smart ingredient swaps, making them perfect for Weight Watchers.
2. Versatile and Easy: You can swap cherries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches to suit your taste or use what’s in season.
3. Portable and Shareable: Unlike a classic cobbler, these bars are easy to slice, store, and transport—great for potlucks and picnics!
4. Naturally Sweetened: Using a sugar substitute keeps the dessert sweet without adding unnecessary points.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries: If using frozen cherries, thaw them and drain any excess liquid to avoid a runny filling.
• Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the natural sweetness of your cherries, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar substitute.
• Make Ahead: These bars taste even better the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these bars with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of low-sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

These Southern Cherry Cobbler Bars deliver all the warm, nostalgic flavors of a classic southern dessert in a guilt-free, portable format. With their tender crust, juicy cherry filling, and crumbly topping, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you on track with your WW goals. Whip up a batch today and enjoy a taste of southern comfort without the excess calories!