Experience the delightful harmony of maraschino cherries, almonds, and coconut in these incredibly sweet and gooey Coconut Cherry Almond Bars.
If you adore the vibrant combination of coconut and cherry, you’ll definitely want to try these Coconut Cherry Cupcakes next!
Indulge in the Sweetness of Coconut Cherry Almond Bars
Welcome to a week dedicated to heartwarming sweet treats, perfect for sharing with your loved ones! This year, we’re kicking off what we affectionately call “Sweets For Your Sweet Week” a little early. Starting today, you’ll discover five brand new, delightful recipes that are absolutely ideal for Valentine’s Day, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness. (Keep an eye out for a savory main dish on Tuesday, but for now, let’s dive into the desserts!)
Leading the charge in our celebration of all things sweet are these enchanting Coconut Cherry Almond Bars. When thoughts turn to Valentine’s Day, classic red velvet often comes to mind. However, my heart also gravitates towards anything vibrant red, soft pink, or rich chocolate – and, of course, candy. Cherries, with their captivating ruby hue, perfectly fit into that delightful red and pink aesthetic. I must confess, I have a particular fondness for maraschino cherries. They’re a pantry staple in our home, so any sweet creation featuring these jewel-toned fruits instantly rockets to the top of my must-make list.
These bars, in particular, hold a special place. I’ll be completely honest: when I first pulled them from the oven, my expectations weren’t soaring. But a single bite transformed my skepticism into pure adoration. The moment that sweet, gooey perfection touched my tongue, I was utterly smitten. It’s a true testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in harmony.
You’ll find these bars to be wonderfully rich and sweet, making smaller cuts the ideal serving size. This allows everyone to savor the intense, harmonious blend of tart cherries, nutty almonds, and tropical coconut without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a flavor combination that is truly spot-on, creating a treat that your sweetheart — or anyone who enjoys a truly delicious dessert — will undoubtedly cherish!
Why These Coconut Cherry Almond Bars Are a Must-Try
What makes these bars stand out? It’s the impeccable balance of textures and flavors. The buttery shortbread crust provides a delightful crisp base, offering a perfect contrast to the incredibly gooey, chewy filling. Each bite delivers a burst of sweet maraschino cherry, complemented by the subtle nuttiness of almonds and the tropical chewiness of shredded coconut. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that evokes comfort and joy, making it perfect for cozy evenings or celebratory gatherings.
The Power of Three: Cherry, Almond, and Coconut
The combination of cherry, almond, and coconut is a classic for a reason. Cherries bring a bright, fruity sweetness and a pop of festive color. Almonds add a delicate crunch and a rich, nutty depth that grounds the flavors. Coconut introduces a wonderful chewiness and an exotic aroma that transports you to a tropical paradise, even on a chilly day. Together, these three ingredients create a symphony of taste that is both familiar and exciting, ensuring every mouthful is a delightful surprise.
Perfect for Any Occasion
While these bars are absolutely ideal for Valentine’s Day with their romantic red and pink hues, their universal appeal makes them suitable for any event. Serve them at:
- Holiday Gatherings: A festive addition to any holiday dessert table.
- Potlucks & Picnics: Easy to transport and share, always a crowd-pleaser.
- Afternoon Tea: A sophisticated sweet alongside your favorite hot beverage.
- Everyday Indulgence: Simply because you deserve a delicious treat!
More Cherry Dessert Inspiration
If you’re a true cherry aficionado like me, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes:
- Chocolate Covered Cherry Delights
- Banana Split Bars (featuring cherries as a key topping!)
- Cherry Chip Cake with Fluffy Frosting
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Coconut Cherry Almond Bars
No ratings yet
Deborah Harroun
15 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
24 bars
Dessert
American
Pin Recipe
Maraschino cherries, crunchy almonds, and sweet coconut combine to create these delightfully sweet and gooey Coconut Cherry Almond Bars. A perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Filling
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. For easier removal, you can line the pan with parchment paper or foil, then spray that with nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup softened butter, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Mix these ingredients until the mixture resembles fine, moist crumbs. Press this crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly set.
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In another medium bowl, lightly beat the 2 eggs. Add in the 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix these ingredients until they are well combined and smooth. Gently stir in the 1/2 cup sliced almonds, 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut, and 1/2 cup drained and chopped maraschino cherries. Once the crust is out of the oven, carefully spread this vibrant filling mixture over the warm crust.
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. The exact time may vary depending on your oven. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. Cooling completely is crucial for clean, well-formed bars.
Recipe Notes:
This recipe has been adapted from a classic Betty Crocker creation, ensuring a time-tested delicious result.
almond bars, cherry bars, coconut bars, gooey bars, dessert bars, easy baking, sweet treats
Tips for Baking Perfect Coconut Cherry Almond Bars
Achieving bakery-quality bars at home is easier than you think with a few simple tips:
- Softened Butter is Key: For the crust, ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This allows it to cream properly with the powdered sugar and flour, creating a tender, crumbly base.
- Don’t Overmix the Crust: Mix the crust ingredients just until they come together into fine crumbs. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough crust.
- Drain Cherries Well: Maraschino cherries can release a lot of liquid. Make sure they are thoroughly drained and even patted dry with paper towels after chopping to prevent your filling from becoming watery.
- Cool Completely: This is arguably the most important step for bar recipes. Cooling the bars completely allows the gooey filling to firm up and set, making them much easier to cut into neat squares. If you try to cut them warm, they will be very messy.
- Even Spreading: Distribute the filling evenly over the crust to ensure each bar has a consistent ratio of flavors and textures.
Creative Variations for Your Bars
These Coconut Cherry Almond Bars are fantastic as is, but don’t hesitate to experiment with these delicious variations:
- Add Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, sprinkle a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate over the filling before baking. A drizzle of melted chocolate after cooling would also be divine!
- Nut Swaps: Not a fan of almonds? Try chopped walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts for a different nutty flavor profile.
- Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest in the filling can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing tang.
- Dried Fruits: If fresh or maraschino cherries aren’t available, or you prefer a different texture, try chopped dried cranberries or tart cherries. You might need to rehydrate them slightly first.
- Almond Extract Boost: Enhance the almond flavor even further by adding an extra half teaspoon of almond extract to the filling, alongside the vanilla.
- Glaze Finish: For an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal, whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk or cherry juice to create a simple glaze, then drizzle it over the cooled bars.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These delightful bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:
- Serve at Room Temperature: They are best served at room temperature, allowing their gooey texture to shine.
- With Coffee or Tea: A perfect companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea break.
- Dessert Platter: Cut into small squares and arrange them on a dessert platter for parties and celebrations.
- Homemade Gift: Package a few bars in a pretty box or cellophane bag for a thoughtful, edible gift.
Storage:
Store leftover Coconut Cherry Almond Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These bars also freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars or small batches tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
The Joy of Homemade Baking
There’s something uniquely satisfying about baking homemade treats, especially when they’re as beloved as these Coconut Cherry Almond Bars. The aroma filling your kitchen, the simple pleasure of combining ingredients, and the shared joy of serving a delicious dessert you made with your own hands are priceless. These bars are a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love, can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to brighten an ordinary day, these bars are sure to bring smiles.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing these incredible Coconut Cherry Almond Bars as much as I do. Happy baking, and happy “Sweets For Your Sweet Week”!