Coconut Cherry Magic Bars
Throughout my years of baking, one recipe has consistently stood out as a crowd-pleaser and a staple in my family’s dessert repertoire – Coconut Cherry Magic Bars.
This delectable treat, passed down from my beloved aunt, has graced countless gatherings and brought smiles to faces across generations. With its irresistible blend of sweetness, coconutty – (is that even a word?) goodness, and the delightful pop of maraschino cherries, these bars have become a cherished tradition in my household.
The aroma of these bars baking in the oven evokes fond memories of childhood celebrations and cozy family evenings. The graham cracker crust, providing a satisfying crunch, serves as the perfect foundation for the creamy coconut filling, infused with the subtle tang of the cherries. As the bars cool and the filling sets, a layer of magic unfolds, transforming the entire dessert into a symphony of textures and flavors.
Every time I whip up a batch of these Coconut Cherry Magic Bars, I’m reminded of the love and tradition that they represent. They are more than just a dessert; they are a testament to the enduring power of family recipes and the joy of sharing cherished moments around a shared meal.
So, gather your loved ones, prepare your kitchens, and embark on a journey of sweet delight with this timeless recipe. Let the Coconut Cherry Magic Bars transport you to a place of warmth, laughter, and pure baking bliss.
Questions I often get about this recipe:
Q: Can I use different types of coconut?
A: Yes, you can use toasted coconut, unsweetened shredded coconut, or even coconut flakes. Toasting the coconut will give it a richer flavor, while unsweetened shredded coconut will make the bars less sweet. Coconut flakes will add a bit of texture, but they will also make the bars more crumbly.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
A: Yes, there are many variations on this recipe. You could add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a touch of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener?
A: You could use agave nectar, honey, or maple syrup instead of sweetened condensed milk. However, the bars will not be as sweet and they may not set as well.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make these bars up to 2 days in advance. Just let them cool completely before cutting into squares.
Q: How do I store leftover bars?
A: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: What is the difference between these bars and magic bars?
A: Magic bars is a generic term for a type of bar that has a graham cracker crust and a sweet, creamy filling. Coconut Cherry Magic Bars are just one variation on this recipe.
What you need to make these magic bars:
Ingredients:
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 (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
4 cups unsweetened finely shredded coconut
2 cans (14 ounces each) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
How to make Coconut Cherry Magic Bars:
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened.
Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
In a separate bowl, combine the coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and maraschino cherries.
Pour the filling over the crust.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips:
For a more intense coconut flavor, use toasted coconut.
To add a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top of the bars before baking.
If you don’t have maraschino cherries, you can use fresh cherries or dried cranberries.
What dish I use for my bar recipes:
9×13 DOWAN Casserole Dish – BUY HERE
Printable Recipe:
Coconut Cherry Magic Bars
Embark on a journey of sweet delight with these irresistibly delicious Coconut Cherry Magic Bars, a family favorite that has delighted taste buds for generations.
Ingredients
- 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 (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups unsweetened finely shredded coconut
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine the coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and maraschino cherries.
- Pour the filling over the crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a more intense coconut flavor, use toasted coconut.
- To add a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top of the bars before baking.
- If you don't have maraschino cherries, you can use fresh cherries or dried cranberries.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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