If you’re searching for a dessert that brings together a perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, sweet, and tart, then you absolutely must try this Cherry Coconut Magic Bars Recipe. This classic treat is a sensational blend of graham cracker crust, melted butter, creamy sweetened condensed milk, luscious chocolate chips, tropical shredded coconut, and bright bursts of maraschino cherries. Every bite delivers a little magic, charming both your taste buds and your heart. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just whipping up something special for yourself, these bars are effortlessly spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients for this recipe is half the fun and the secret to its delicious harmony. Each component plays a crucial role—providing texture, sweetness, or that hint of tart fruitiness that makes each bite so memorable.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Create a buttery, crisp foundation that holds everything together.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor without overpowering.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: The luscious glue that marries all the layers into gooey perfection.
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds sweet cocoa notes and smooth richness in every bite.
- 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut: Brings a tropical chewiness and a touch of natural sweetness.
- ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry: Offers bright, fruity pops of color and delightful tartness.
- Optional: extra shredded coconut for topping: Enhances texture and adds a pretty golden finish if toasted.
- Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling: Makes the bars look extra special and taste decadent.
- Optional: white chocolate chips: For those who want a sweeter, creamier twist on the classic bar.
How to Make Cherry Coconut Magic Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the perfect baking temperature. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. This prep prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, ensuring your bars come out perfectly shaped every time.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Mix well until the texture resembles wet sand—that’s your signal that the crust will hold together beautifully. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, forming a solid base layer that will support all the other magical ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk uniformly over the crust. This step is key because the milk acts like a glue, binding the toppings and crust together while delivering creamy sweetness throughout each layer of the bar.
Step 4: Layer the Goodness
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly across the top of the sweetened condensed milk. Follow that with a generous layer of shredded coconut to add chewiness and tropical flair. Finally, scatter the chopped maraschino cherries evenly, ensuring every bite has a blast of fruity brightness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into your oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the center feels set to the touch. This careful baking ensures the bars won’t be soggy but perfectly chewy with just the right amount of firmness.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For an even cleaner cut and enhanced flavor melding, refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours before slicing. This resting time helps the bars firm up and makes serving a total pleasure.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Using a sharp knife, cut your cherry coconut bars into 24 squares. To get the neatest slices, wipe the knife clean between cuts. You can serve them just as they are or drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant, mouthwatering finish. Either way, they’ll disappear fast!
How to Serve Cherry Coconut Magic Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are already a showstopper, but a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut adds a lovely crunch and nutty aroma that elevates every bite. For a more decadent touch, drizzle melted semi-sweet or white chocolate on top just before serving for a swirl of extra flavor and stunning presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a dreamy contrast between warm and cold, creamy and chewy. Fresh berries or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream also complement the tart cherries beautifully, turning your simple tray of bars into a party-worthy dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, arrange your bars on a decorative platter lined with a colorful napkin or edible flower petals to wow your guests. You can also cut the bars into mini squares or fun shapes using cookie cutters for bite-sized delights perfect for parties, lunches, or grab-and-go snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, refrigeration is best to preserve freshness and prevent the coconut from drying out. When refrigerated, they will stay deliciously fresh for up to five days.
Freezing
Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for the best protection before freezing. Frozen bars keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for soft, chewy bars that taste just like freshly baked.
Reheating
While these bars are delightful cold, if you prefer them warm, simply microwave an individual bar for 10–15 seconds or warm in a low oven for a few minutes. This lets the chocolate melt slightly and the flavors bloom so beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute ingredients in this Cherry Coconut Magic Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic combination is divine, you can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate, or use dried cherries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just keep the overall balance of sweet and tart in mind to maintain that magical flavor.
How can I make these bars nut-free?
This recipe is naturally nut-free, but if you want to add nuts, try chopped walnuts or pecans on top. Just ensure your kitchen is nut-safe if you’re serving guests with allergies.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Cool and chill the bars thoroughly before cutting, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. This technique keeps layers intact and prevents crumbly edges.
Are these bars gluten-free?
The recipe as written is not gluten-free because of the graham cracker crumbs. However, you can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies to make them safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I make the bars without baking?
The sweetened condensed milk needs to bake with the crust and toppings to set properly, so baking is essential. Trying to skip it will result in a runny texture rather than the signature chewy, sliceable bars.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about this Cherry Coconut Magic Bars Recipe—it’s like sunshine wrapped up in dessert form. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, it’s impossible not to fall in love with these bars. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and whip up a batch of this crowd-pleaser. Your taste buds will thank you for the magic!
Print
Cherry Coconut Magic Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus 1-2 hours chilling
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are a delightful layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped maraschino cherries. Baked to golden perfection and optionally topped with drizzles of melted chocolate or extra coconut, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them ideal for parties or satisfying your sweet tooth at home.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Filling & Toppings
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- Optional: extra shredded coconut for topping
- Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling
- Optional: white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix them together until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a firm crust layer.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust, ensuring full coverage to bind the ingredients.
- Layer Chocolate Chips, Coconut, and Cherries: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the condensed milk layer. Next, add a uniform layer of shredded coconut on top. Finally, evenly distribute the chopped maraschino cherries over the coconut layer.
- Bake the Bars: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. For best slicing results and firmer texture, refrigerate the bars for 1 to 2 hours before cutting.
- Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the cooled bars into 24 squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for clean edges. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle extra shredded coconut or white chocolate chips before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain and pat dry the maraschino cherries to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
- Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars from the pan.
- Refrigerating before slicing helps achieve cleaner cuts and a firmer texture.
- Optional toppings like melted chocolate or extra coconut add a decorative and flavorful touch.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
