Description
These Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker and flour crust topped with a luscious filling of shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, chopped maraschino cherries, and delicate vanilla and almond extracts, baked to golden perfection for a chewy, flavorful treat.
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
- 2 cans sweetened condensed milk, 14 ounces each
- 2 jars maraschino cherries, drained and chopped, 10 ounces each
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the crust mixture: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly but sticks together when pressed.
- Press the crust: Evenly press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased baking pan, creating an even layer that will form the base of the bars.
- Mix the filling: In a separate large bowl, thoroughly combine the finely shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, chopped maraschino cherries, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well incorporated.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the coconut and cherry filling over the pressed crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and the filling is set.
- Cool the bars: Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool for one hour to allow the bars to firm up.
- Chill before serving: Cover the cooled pan and refrigerate for at least four hours to fully set the bars before cutting them into squares and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain and chop the maraschino cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars thoroughly after baking and cooling.
- You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with digestive biscuit crumbs if desired.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- The almond extract enhances the flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
