Cherry Coconut Delight Bars: A Sweet Treat to Savor

There’s something magical about the combination of juicy cherries, sweet coconut, and a buttery crust. These Cherry Coconut Delight Bars are an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a tender graham cracker crust, a luscious coconut-cherry filling, and just the right amount of sweetness, this recipe delivers a bite of bliss every time. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving a homemade treat, these bars are guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into this decadent dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Coconut Delight Bars

1. Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and uses pantry staples, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
2. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The rich coconut and cherry filling paired with the buttery crust is a flavor combination everyone will love.
3. Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holidays, bake sales, family gatherings, or even as an everyday treat.
4. Customizable: You can experiment with variations by adding chocolate, nuts, or even swapping maraschino cherries for fresh or dried ones.

Ingredients for Cherry Coconut Delight Bars

Component	Ingredient	Quantity
Crust	All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
	Graham cracker crumbs	1 cup
	Packed brown sugar	⅔ cup
	Baking powder	1 teaspoon
	Salt	½ teaspoon
	Butter, melted	1 cup
Filling	Unsweetened finely shredded coconut	4 cups
	Sweetened condensed milk	28 ounces (2 cans)
	Maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped	20 ounces (2 jars)
	Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
	Almond extract	1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cherry Coconut Delight Bars

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the ingredients are evenly moistened and crumbly.
5. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
6. Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the filling.

2. Make the Coconut-Cherry Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, chopped maraschino cherries, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
2. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be moist and evenly textured.

3. Assemble and Bake

1. Spread the coconut-cherry filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, using a spatula to smooth the surface.
2. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the filling is set.
3. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the baking dish.

4. Slice and Serve

1. Once the bars have fully cooled, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan.
2. Slice into 24 squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size.
3. Serve at room temperature and enjoy the chewy, flavorful goodness of Cherry Coconut Delight Bars!

Tips for the Best Cherry Coconut Delight Bars

1. Line Your Pan: Using parchment paper makes removing and slicing the bars much easier and prevents sticking.
2. Chop Cherries Finely: Drain the maraschino cherries well and chop them into small pieces to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the filling.
3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while baking; you want the edges to turn golden, but overbaking can make the filling too dry.
4. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and well-defined layers.
5. Customize Your Bars: Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cherries to the filling for a unique twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~220 kcal
Carbohydrates	~25g
Protein	~3g
Fat	~12g
Sugars	~18g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

FAQs About Cherry Coconut Delight Bars

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries if you prefer a less sweet version. Simply pit and chop the cherries before mixing them into the filling.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

3. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?

If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can crush digestive biscuits or use vanilla wafer crumbs as a substitute.

5. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

6. How long do these bars last?

These bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigerating them can extend their shelf life to about a week.

Why These Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Cherry Coconut Delight Bars are a versatile dessert that works for holidays, potlucks, bake sales, or even as a simple weeknight treat. Their vibrant color and rich flavor make them a standout addition to any dessert table. Plus, the chewy coconut filling and buttery crust are a match made in dessert heaven. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging in a solo sweet treat, these bars are guaranteed to brighten your day.

Time to Bake!

Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bake a batch of Cherry Coconut Delight Bars. Their delightful combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress your family and friends. With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, this dessert is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. So, preheat your oven and let’s get baking!

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