Cherry Coconut Bars Recipe
Delicious Cherry Coconut Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a luscious mix of sweetened shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and almond extracts, and maraschino cherries. Baked until golden and chilled to perfection, these bars offer a sweet, chewy treat perfect for dessert or a festive snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cherry Coconut Topping:
- 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups maraschino cherries, chopped and patted dry
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar. Stir well until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients to Crust: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the crust tender.
- Press Crust into Pan: Evenly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm, even layer.
- Prepare Coconut Topping: In the same mixing bowl, combine the sweetened shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Chopped Cherries: Gently fold the chopped and dried maraschino cherries into the coconut mixture to distribute evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the coconut and cherry topping mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is slightly browned and set.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the topping.
- Press the crust firmly to avoid crumbling when sliced.
- For easier slicing, chill bars thoroughly before cutting.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Optional: Sprinkle extra shredded coconut on top before baking for added texture.
Keywords: cherry coconut bars, graham cracker crust dessert, baked coconut bars, sweet coconut and cherry dessert
Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/cherry-coconut-bars-recipe/
