Description
Juicy cherries, sweet coconut, and a buttery graham cracker crust come together in these irresistible Cherry Coconut Delight Bars. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or an everyday indulgence, this dessert is easy to make and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ 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 maraschino cherries (two jars), drained and finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Add the melted butter and mix until the ingredients are moist and crumbly.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, using your hands or the back of a spoon to compact it.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Coconut-Cherry Filling
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, chopped maraschino cherries, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Stir until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Spread the cherry coconut filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, smoothing it with a spatula for an even layer.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the filling is set.
4. Cool and Serve
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting. This step ensures clean cuts and well-defined layers.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Cut into 24 squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Drain the Cherries: Make sure to drain the maraschino cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Line the Pan: Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate to extend their shelf life.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American