If you’re looking for an easy dessert that delivers big on flavor, Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are your answer! These bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with layers of nuts, chocolate, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk, topped with pops of cherry pie filling. Each bite is a harmony of textures—crunchy, gooey, and chewy—all wrapped up in a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a quick dessert fix, these magic bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The best part? They’re as easy to make as they are to devour!
Why Our Cherry Coconut Magic Bars Are the Best
Our Cherry Coconut Magic Bars bring something special to the table:
- Effortless Layers: Simple ingredients create indulgent, complex flavors.
- Perfect Sweetness: The cherry filling adds a tangy-sweet balance to the rich chocolate and coconut.
- Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: These bars are perfect for holidays, picnics, or gifting.
Ingredients Notes for Cherry Coconut Magic Bars
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the irresistible flavors and textures of these bars:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Form the sturdy, buttery base of the bars.
- Unsalted Butter: Combines with the crumbs to hold the crust together.
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Bring rich, chocolatey sweetness to every bite.
- Flaked Coconut: Adds chewy texture and tropical flavor.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Binds everything together with a creamy sweetness.
- Cherry Pie Filling: Provides vibrant pops of tangy fruit flavor.
Kitchen Equipment Needed for Cherry Coconut Magic Bars
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups
- Oven
How to Make Cherry Coconut Magic Bars
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan to form an even crust.
2. Layer the Ingredients
Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the crust, followed by the semisweet chocolate chips and flaked coconut. Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layers.
3. Add the Cherry Filling
Using a spoon, drop small dollops of cherry pie filling over the condensed milk layer.
4. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center is set.
5. Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 24 squares. Serve and enjoy!
How to Store Cherry Coconut Magic Bars
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep them refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cherry Coconut Magic Bar Variations
Here are a few creative twists to make these bars your own:
- Tropical Magic Bars: Add diced dried pineapple and use white chocolate chips for a tropical vibe.
- Berry Bliss Bars: Swap cherry pie filling for raspberry or blueberry filling for a different fruity flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace nuts with extra coconut or crushed pretzels for crunch.
- S’mores Bars: Use mini marshmallows in place of the cherry filling for a campfire-inspired treat.
What to Serve with Cherry Coconut Magic Bars
Pair these sweet and indulgent bars with:
- Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bitter notes complement the bars’ sweetness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream makes for an ultra-decadent dessert.
- Spiced Tea: Cinnamon or chai tea pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and coconut flavors.
Top Tips for Perfect Cherry Coconut Magic Bars
- Press the Crust Firmly: A tightly packed crust ensures the bars hold together when sliced.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh coconut and high-quality chocolate make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool fully before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Customize the Sweetness: Reduce the condensed milk slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
- Line the Pan: Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Helpful Notes
- Cherry Pie Filling: For a homemade touch, make your own cherry compote instead of using canned filling.
- Bar Size: Cut the bars smaller for bite-sized servings that are perfect for parties.
- Graham Cracker Substitute: Crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work well in place of graham crackers.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Using room-temperature butter ensures even mixing and better crust consistency.”
- Sally McKenney: “Toast the coconut lightly before layering for a deeper, nutty flavor.”
- Ree Drummond: “Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top after baking for a sweet-salty contrast.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed rice cereal for the crust.
2. Can I use a different pie filling?
Absolutely! Blueberry, raspberry, or apple pie filling are great alternatives.
3. How do I prevent the bars from being too sticky?
Let them cool completely and store them in a cool place to avoid excess stickiness.
4. Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes, but the bars will be less sweet overall. Adjust the condensed milk if needed.
5. Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
These Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are the perfect mix of easy preparation and decadent flavor. Bring them to your next gathering or enjoy them as a special treat at home. Happy baking!
Cherry Coconut Magic Bars
Ingredients
- – 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- – 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- – 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- – 1 cup maraschino cherries drained and chopped
- – 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the crust, followed by the chocolate chips and chopped cherries.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire pan, ensuring all ingredients are covered.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, add 1/2 cup chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the layers.
- These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For easy slicing, chill the bars in the fridge before cutting.