Cherry Coconut Delight Bars

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Indulge in these luscious Cherry Coconut Delight Bars—a perfect blend of sweet cherries, creamy coconut, and a hint of almond. These easy-to-make treats are packed with flavor, texture, and nostalgia, making them ideal for holidays, parties, or just because! With a buttery, crumbly base and a chewy, cherry-laced coconut filling, each bite is sure to delight. This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal preparation but delivering maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter, melted

For the Filling:

  • 4 cups unsweetened finely shredded coconut
  • 28 ounces of creamy sweetened condensed milk (two cans)
  • 20 ounces of maraschino cherries (two jars), drained and finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions:

  1. Make the Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to ensure the crust lifts out easily after baking. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter, mixing until the ingredients form a crumbly, moist texture. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, chopped maraschino cherries, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
  3. Assemble and Bake: Spread the cherry coconut filling evenly over the baked crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the filling is set.
  4. Let It Set and Enjoy: Once baked, let the bars cool thoroughly in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares and serving. Once cooled, cut into 24 squares. Enjoy these delicious Cherry Coconut Delight Bars at room temperature.

Conclusion:

Cherry Coconut Delight Bars are an effortless way to bring a taste of nostalgia to any gathering. With their vibrant color and delightful mix of textures, these bars are sure to stand out on any dessert table.