Name: Cherry Coconut Magic Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: American
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 butter, melted; 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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that’s just as eye-catching as it is delicious, you’ll absolutely love Cherry Coconut Magic Bars. These dessert bars stack together a buttery graham crust, vibrant maraschino cherries, and a snowdrift of toasty coconut, all held together with a sweet creamy filling. With every bite, you get gooey, chewy, and crunchy textures along with a fun burst of cherry flavor. Whether you need something special for a bake sale, holiday platter, or a “just because” dessert, these bars deliver on color, taste, and pure sense of fun.

Cherry Coconut Magic Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This batch of Cherry Coconut Magic Bars comes together with everyday pantry staples and a couple of magical touches. Each ingredient plays a distinct role, making the flavors pop and the bars utterly craveable.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a sturdy crust that holds up those luscious layers.
Graham cracker crumbs: Add classic sweetness and a gentle crunch to the base—don’t skip this for the ultimate magic bar texture.
Brown sugar: Imparts deep caramel-like notes that combine perfectly with cherries and coconut.
Baking powder: Gives the crust a faint lift so it’s not overly dense.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors—an essential pinch!
Butter (melted): Binds the crust, making it rich and impossible to resist.
Unsweetened finely shredded coconut: Adds chewy texture and tropical flair plus that gorgeous snowy topping.
Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to gooey, dreamy filling that holds the bars together.
Maraschino cherries (drained and chopped): The star ingredient, bringing color, flavor, and a burst of fun to every bite.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness for a warmly familiar aroma.
Almond extract: A little goes a long way, giving that classic cherry-bake-shop flavor everyone loves.

How to Make Cherry Coconut Magic Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan—this sets you up for easy bar removal later. Lining the pan with parchment paper is optional, but it can be a lifesaver if you want ultra-neat bars with easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Crust

In a small or medium bowl, mix together your flour, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until it all resembles moist, sandy crumbs. You want every bit of the dry mixture coated with that luscious butter. Press the crust firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan—this becomes the solid base for your magic bars.

Step 3: Mix the Magical Cherry Filling

Grab a big bowl and combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, chopped maraschino cherries, vanilla, and almond extracts. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and you see pops of cherry throughout. The coconut and condensed milk will begin to stick together, creating that irresistible, sticky-sweet filling that defines Cherry Coconut Magic Bars.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cherry-coconut filling evenly over the pressed crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden color around the edges and the middle to be set but still just a bit jiggly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Once done, move the pan to a wire rack to cool for at least an hour. Then, for perfect slicing and that signature chewy, layered texture, cover the pan and refrigerate for at least four hours (overnight is even better). The chilling time helps the magic bars hold their shape and enhances the flavor.

How to Serve Cherry Coconut Magic Bars

Garnishes

For an extra-special look, sprinkle reserved shredded coconut or a few chopped maraschino cherries over the top right before serving. A light drizzle of chocolate or white chocolate is also divine and adds a touch of bakery-style flair to your Cherry Coconut Magic Bars.

Side Dishes

Although these bars love to shine on their own, they are fantastic served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries also provide a tart counterpoint to the sweet, tropical flavors of the bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Cherry Coconut Magic Bars into diamonds or triangles for a bakery-counter vibe. You can also cut them into mini squares for a party platter or holiday cookie swap. For a festive touch, place each piece in a colorful cupcake liner or pile them high on a pretty cake stand.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover bars tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for dessert emergencies or impromptu get-togethers.

Freezing

Cherry Coconut Magic Bars freeze beautifully! Arrange cut bars in a single layer in an airtight container (with parchment or waxed paper between layers) and freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge before serving for bars that taste freshly made.

Reheating

These bars are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. But if you want them slightly warm and gooey, pop a bar in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. The filling will soften and the flavors come alive—just don’t overdo it, or they may become too soft to handle.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While maraschino cherries give these bars their signature look and classic flavor, you can use well-drained chopped fresh cherries in a pinch. Just know they may bleed a bit more color, and the taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Lining your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, makes it super easy to lift the whole slab out and slice cleanly. If skipping parchment, be sure to grease the pan generously to avoid any sticky issues.

Can I make Cherry Coconut Magic Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. The result is just as magical and perfect for sharing with gluten-free friends.

What’s the best way to cut neat bars?

For super clean, bakery-style cuts, chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices. A hot knife (run under hot water and dried) gives especially neat edges, even through the sticky filling and coconut.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips make fantastic additions to the coconut filling. Stir in up to one cup to customize your Cherry Coconut Magic Bars with extra crunch or richness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about making and sharing Cherry Coconut Magic Bars. With every colorful layer and dreamy bite, these bars bring smiles all around. Try them for your next gathering, or treat yourself to a nostalgic dessert—you might just discover your new favorite indulgence!

Cherry Coconut Magic Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 17 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 5 hours
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are a delightful twist on the classic 7-Layer Bars. They feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a luscious blend of shredded coconut, chopped maraschino cherries, and sweetened condensed milk, creating a magical dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-in. baking pan and set aside.
Mix the crust: In a small bowl, combine the flour, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and melted butter. Press into the prepared pan.
Prepare the filling: In another bowl, mix the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, chopped cherries, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Pour over the crust.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until lightly browned.
Cool and chill: Allow to cool on a wire rack for an hour, then refrigerate for at least four hours before cutting into bars.