Cherry Coconut Bars Recipe
Introduction
Cherry Coconut Bars are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cherries with the sweet, tropical flavor of coconut. These bars are easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix the flour and sugar together.
- Step 3: Layer half of the flour and sugar mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Step 4: Spread the chopped cherries over the layer.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the cherries.
- Step 6: Top with the remaining flour and sugar mixture.
- Step 7: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Let the bars cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh or frozen cherries depending on the season for best flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the flour mixture for extra depth.
- For a nuttier taste, sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy them cold.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, dried cherries can be used but soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate before layering.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend measured one-to-one.
PrintCherry Coconut Bars Recipe
Cherry Coconut Bars are a delightful, chewy treat combining tart cherries with sweet coconut and a tender flour-based crust. These bars offer a perfect balance of fruity and tropical flavors baked into a simple, wholesome dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fruit and Toppings
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Base
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Base Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and softened butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until you get a crumbly dough. Press two-thirds of this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm base.
- Add Cherry Layer: Spread the pitted cherries evenly over the base layer, ensuring a consistent fruit layer across the pan.
- Add Coconut Topping: Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the cherry layer, covering the fruit completely.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the coconut layer in small pieces to create a crumbly topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars to ensure firm slices.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use frozen cherries if fresh are not available; thaw and drain excess moisture before using to prevent soggy bars.
- Adjust sugar to taste if using very sweet or tart cherries.
- These bars keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Optional: sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for added crunch.
Keywords: cherry bars, coconut dessert, baked bars, fruit bars, easy dessert, summer dessert
