Description
Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are a delightful layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, melty chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and vibrant maraschino cherries. Baked to golden perfection, these bars combine chewy and crunchy textures with a burst of cherry flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 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 Toppings
- Extra shredded coconut for topping
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
- White chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: 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 ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust base.
- Add Condensed Milk: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the pressed crust, spreading gently to cover the surface uniformly.
- Layer Toppings: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the condensed milk layer. Then add the shredded coconut in a uniform layer, followed by a generous topping of the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center is set, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For best slicing results, refrigerate the bars for 1 to 2 hours to firm up before cutting.
- Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut the bars into 24 squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean, neat edges. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle additional shredded coconut or white chocolate chips before serving.
Notes
- Ensure maraschino cherries are well drained and patted dry to prevent soggy bars.
- Press the crust firmly to avoid a crumbly base.
- Refrigeration helps the bars set and makes cutting easier.
- Optional toppings like melted chocolate drizzle or white chocolate chips add extra flavor and decoration.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
