Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are an easy-to-make, one-pan dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, coconut, and cherries creates a beautiful balance of sweetness with a slight tartness, making each bite irresistible. The graham cracker crust adds a deliciously crunchy base, while the layers of chocolate chips and coconut make them extra indulgent. They’re also customizable with a variety of add-ins, so you can make them your own!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
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1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened)
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1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
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1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt (optional)
Directions
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Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
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Add the condensed milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust, making sure to cover it completely.
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Add the toppings: Sprinkle the shredded coconut, chocolate chips, chopped cherries, and chopped nuts (if using) evenly over the condensed milk layer. Press everything down gently to make sure it sticks together.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy. The center should still be soft but set.
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Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, cut them into squares or bars. They will be slightly sticky, so you may need to use a sharp knife to cut them cleanly.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve these Cherry Coconut Magic Bars as a sweet treat at your next gathering or keep them for yourself to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20 bars, depending on the size you cut them. Prep time is about 10-15 minutes, and baking time is around 20-25 minutes. Make sure to let them cool completely before cutting for the best results.
Variations
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Use different fruits: You can substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries, cranberries, or even fresh cherries if desired.
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Add more chocolate: If you love chocolate, feel free to add extra chocolate chips or use white chocolate chips in addition to semisweet chips for a fun twist.
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Nuts: Add your favorite nuts like slivered almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts for a different crunch.
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Use a different crust: For a twist on the graham cracker crust, try using crushed Nilla wafers or digestive biscuits as the base.
Storage/reheating
Store any leftover Cherry Coconut Magic Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 1 week for a firmer texture. These bars can be frozen as well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make these bars without nuts?
Yes, you can easily omit the nuts if you prefer a nut-free version. The bars will still be delicious with the other ingredients.
2. Can I use sweetened condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free version?
Yes, you can use sweetened condensed coconut milk if you’re making a dairy-free version of these bars. It will provide a similar consistency and sweetness.
3. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but make sure to pit and chop them before adding to the bars. Fresh cherries will have a tart flavor compared to maraschino cherries, which are sweetened.
4. Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! You can use a cookie crust, such as crushed Oreos, or a simple shortbread crust if you prefer a different base.
5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time. You can prepare them the day before and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
6. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
8. Can I add coconut flakes on top for extra texture?
Yes, if you want more coconut flavor and texture, feel free to sprinkle additional coconut flakes on top of the bars before baking.
9. How can I prevent the bars from being too sticky?
Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting them. If they’re too soft, you can refrigerate them for an hour to help firm them up before slicing.
10. How do I make these bars gluten-free?
To make the bars gluten-free, simply swap out the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
Conclusion
Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are the perfect sweet treat, combining the creamy richness of condensed milk with the tropical flavor of coconut and the juicy sweetness of cherries. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, these bars are easy to prepare and are sure to be a hit at any event. Whether for a holiday party, casual gathering, or just a sweet snack, these bars offer a delicious mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love!
Cherry Coconut Magic Bars
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are a decadent, no-bake dessert with layers of graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, coconut, chocolate chips, and juicy cherries. These bars are easy to make and bursting with tropical flavor, making them perfect for holidays, parties, or as an everyday sweet treat. The combination of crunchy, creamy, and sweet makes these magic bars irresistible.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
-
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
-
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
-
1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened)
-
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
-
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
-
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
-
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even layer.
-
Add the condensed milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust, making sure to cover it completely.
-
Add the toppings: Sprinkle the shredded coconut, chocolate chips, chopped cherries, and chopped nuts (if using) evenly over the condensed milk layer. Press everything down gently to make sure it sticks together.
-
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy. The center should still be soft but set.
-
Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, cut them into squares or bars. They will be slightly sticky, so you may need to use a sharp knife to cut them cleanly.
-
Serve and enjoy: Serve these Cherry Coconut Magic Bars as a sweet treat at your next gathering or keep them for yourself to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
Notes
Use different fruits: You can substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries, cranberries, or even fresh cherries if desired.Add more chocolate: If you love chocolate, feel free to add extra chocolate chips or use white chocolate chips in addition to semisweet chips for a fun twist.Nuts: Add your favorite nuts like slivered almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts for a different crunch.Use a different crust: For a twist on the graham cracker crust, try using crushed Nilla wafers or digestive biscuits as the base.
