My grandma, bless her heart, always had a sweet treat waiting whenever we visited. It wasn’t fancy, but it was always made with love. I remember one time, she made these amazing bars with cherries and coconut, and I was instantly hooked.
Those cherry coconut magic bars became synonymous with warmth, family, and the feeling of being utterly spoiled. Even now, the scent of coconut baking fills my kitchen with memories of her cozy home. I love recreating those nostalgic flavors.
These magic bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a little piece of my childhood. They’re so easy to make, and that’s part of their charm, too. I still enjoy sharing this recipe that reminds me of my grandmother, and discovering more simple recipes and techniques on sites like Cook Reel has helped me elevate my baking too.
Why you’ll love this Cherry Coconut Magic Bars
- These cherry coconut magic bars are incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
- The combination of sweet cherries and tropical coconut creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- They’re perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply a sweet treat after dinner.
- The layers of graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, and toppings create a delightful texture that’s both crunchy and chewy.
- They’re customizable! Feel free to swap out the nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste.
- These bars are a fun twist on classic magic bars, adding a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
Step 1
Cherry coconut magic bars makes every moment feel energetic. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out later.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
Step 3
Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to help create a smooth, compact crust.
Step 4
Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust. Make sure to cover the entire crust with a thin, even layer of sweetened condensed milk.
Step 5
Sprinkle shredded coconut, chopped nuts, maraschino cherries, and chocolate chips evenly over the sweetened condensed milk. Distribute the toppings as evenly as possible for the best flavor in every bite.
Step 6
Gently press the toppings into the sweetened condensed milk layer to help them adhere. This will prevent the toppings from falling off when you cut the bars.
Step 7
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the edges are set. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Step 8
Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang. Cooling completely is crucial for easy cutting.
Step 9
Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 16 bars. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter flavor. You could also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty combination. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds.
Another fun variation is to use different types of fruit. Consider dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a different flavor profile. You could also add a layer of peanut butter chips for a richer, more indulgent taste. Experiment with different extracts, like almond or vanilla, to enhance the overall flavor.
For a festive twist, use red and green maraschino cherries during the holidays. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can also add a warm, seasonal touch. Get creative and make these cherry coconut magic bars your own!
Pairings
These cherry coconut magic bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with other treats. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a classic and refreshing combination. A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly.
Consider serving them alongside a fruit salad for a lighter dessert option. The acidity of the fruit will balance the richness of the bars. A glass of milk is also a simple and satisfying pairing.
For a more sophisticated pairing, try a dessert grape juice or sparkling cider. The bubbles and subtle sweetness will enhance the flavors of the cherry coconut magic bars. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combination.
Serving ideas
For a casual gathering, simply arrange the cherry coconut magic bars on a platter. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also cut them into smaller squares for bite-sized treats.
To elevate the presentation, layer the bars in a clear glass dish with whipped cream and fresh cherries. This creates a beautiful and visually appealing dessert. Consider adding a sprig of mint for a pop of color.
For a party favor, wrap individual bars in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon. This makes a thoughtful and delicious gift. You can also include a small card with the recipe for your guests to enjoy at home. The possibilities are endless for presenting these delicious cherry coconut magic bars.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover cherry coconut magic bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out. Be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week. The refrigerator will help maintain their texture and flavor. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
You can also freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Allow them to thaw completely in the refrigerator before serving.
Make-ahead
These cherry coconut magic bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the entire recipe up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This is a great option for busy days or when entertaining guests.
You can also prepare the graham cracker crust ahead of time. Simply press the crumbs into the pan and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to add the toppings. This can save you time and effort on the day you plan to bake them.
Another make-ahead option is to chop the nuts and cherries in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers until you’re ready to assemble the bars. This will streamline the process and make it even easier to create these delicious treats.
Common mistakes when making Cherry Coconut Magic Bars
- Not pressing the graham cracker crust firmly enough: A loosely packed crust will crumble easily. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press it firmly into the pan.
- Overbaking the bars: Overbaking can result in dry, hard bars. Bake until the top is lightly golden brown and the edges are set, but the center is still slightly soft.
- Not cooling the bars completely before cutting: Cutting the bars while they’re still warm will result in a messy, sticky situation. Allow them to cool completely for clean, even cuts.
- Using old or stale nuts: Old nuts can taste bitter and ruin the flavor of the bars. Use fresh, high-quality nuts for the best results.
- Skipping the parchment paper lining: The parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan and prevents them from sticking. Don’t skip this step!
Final notes
These cherry coconut magic bars are a delightful treat that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Feel free to get creative with the toppings and make them your own!
Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun in the kitchen. Baking should be a joyful experience, so relax and enjoy the process. And remember, even if they’re not perfect, they’ll still taste delicious!
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cherry coconut magic bars. You won’t be disappointed!
Loved this Cherry Coconut Magic Bars? Try these next
Cherry Coconut Magic Bars
These Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the sweet tang of cherries with the rich, tropical flavor of coconut. Easy to make and utterly irresistible!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut, chopped nuts, maraschino cherries, and chocolate chips evenly over the sweetened condensed milk.
- Gently press the toppings into the sweetened condensed milk layer to help them adhere.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the edges are set.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips. You can substitute other types of nuts or dried fruits according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg