Cherry Coconut Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that strikes the perfect balance between fruity, chewy, and delightfully sweet, look no further than Cherry Coconut Bars. With their buttery graham cracker base and luscious coconut-cherry topping, these bars are guaranteed to light up dessert tables (and faces!) whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging yourself. Each bite bursts with the juicy flavor of maraschino cherries, the toasty richness of coconut, and that classic crumbly crust—truly a nostalgic delight you’ll want in your permanent recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the wonderfully simple lineup that makes these Cherry Coconut Bars shine. Every ingredient has its moment to wow: butter gives richness, cherries pop with color, coconut brings chewy sweetness, and the crust holds it all together like a dream.

• Unsalted butter: Brings buttery, melt-in-your-mouth richness to the crust — use melted for easy mixing!
• Graham cracker crumbs: The classic base for a sweet, crumbly foundation packed with flavor.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel note that sets off the other flavors beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the crust structure and that tender, bakery-style bite.
• Baking powder: Just a touch for a little lift in the crust, making it less dense.
• Salt: A half teaspoon balances all the sweetness and enhances every other ingredient.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: The undisputed star of the topping—chewy, sweet, and utterly satisfying.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Binds the coconut together and gives these bars their signature creamy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the coconut and cherry with a warm, comforting flavor.
• Almond extract: Just a teaspoon gives an aromatic boost that makes the whole kitchen smell heavenly.
• Maraschino cherries: Chopped and patted dry for juicy pops of color in every bite—don’t skip the drying step for the best texture!

How to Make Cherry Coconut Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat

First things first: set your oven to 325 degrees so it’s ready when you are. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous spray with baking spray, ensuring those luscious bars release perfectly later. A little prep now means you’ll have pristine, photo-worthy Cherry Coconut Bars by the end!

Step 2: Mix the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, pour in that melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar. Stir until you have a sandy, fragrant mixture. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until everything is combined—don’t overmix, so your crust stays perfectly tender.

Step 3: Press and Bake the Crust

Once your crust dough is ready, press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Take a moment to distribute it to every edge and corner; this becomes the decadent foundation for all the toppings to come. Set aside—no pre-bake needed, which keeps this recipe extra speedy!

Step 4: Make the Cherry Coconut Topping

Wipe out your mixing bowl, then combine the sweetened shredded coconut, condensed milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir until everything is glossy and well-coated. This gooey, snow-white mixture is about to get even better!

Step 5: Add the Cherries

Chop the maraschino cherries roughly, then gently blot them dry on a paper towel—this step is so important for the perfect bar consistency. Fold the cherries into your coconut mixture with care, so those ruby-red pieces stay intact and vibrant.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Gently spread the cherry coconut topping over your crust, smoothing it to every corner. Pop the entire baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the edges are a light golden brown and the top is just set. The magic happens as the coconut caramelizes ever so slightly—divine!

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Patience makes perfect here. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. This chill time ensures your Cherry Coconut Bars slice clean and hold their lovely layered shape.

How to Serve Cherry Coconut Bars

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust the tops with a sprinkle of shredded coconut, add a single maraschino cherry on each square, or drizzle with a touch of melted white chocolate. The contrast of color and textures always takes these Cherry Coconut Bars over the top for guests!

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a show-stopping dessert plate. For a lighter touch, serve alongside freshly sliced strawberries or a simple fruit salad—the tart freshness is so lovely next to the rich, sweet bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Cherry Coconut Bars look stunning stacked tall on a tiered plate at brunch or cut into mini bites for a dessert platter. For special occasions, wrap bars individually in parchment, tie with a ribbon, and you’ve got the prettiest edible gifts or party favors around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Cherry Coconut Bars at their best, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, perfectly chewy and delicious whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment or waxed paper. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to serve.

Reheating

Bars are usually served chilled or at room temperature, but if you’d like to restore a bit of their just-baked softness, pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The coconut becomes extra gooey and wonderful!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Fresh cherries can absolutely work if they’re pitted, chopped, and well drained. Keep in mind they’re not quite as sweet or colorful, so the flavor will be a bit more tart and the look slightly different, but still delicious!

Do I need to toast the coconut first?

No need to toast the coconut before baking—the oven browns the top layer beautifully as the bars bake, creating that irresistible chewy-toasty texture you want in Cherry Coconut Bars.

What’s the best way to cut perfect squares?

Chill the baked bars thoroughly, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry. Clean between slices for the sharpest, cleanest edges and pristine presentation.

Can I make Cherry Coconut Bars gluten free?

Absolutely! Swap the graham crackers and flour for gluten-free versions. Many stores carry gluten-free graham crackers and all-purpose blends—the result will be just as scrumptious.

Do these bars travel well for potlucks and picnics?

They travel like a dream! Stack with parchment between the layers and keep them cool for best results. Cherry Coconut Bars are sturdy enough for lunchboxes, bake sales, and every road trip treat break.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dessert that’s vibrant, tropical, and joyfully easy to share, you can’t beat Cherry Coconut Bars. There’s a reason they’re beloved at bake sales and family gatherings everywhere—give them a go, and I promise, they’ll be your new favorite crowd-pleaser too!

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