Cherry Coconut Magic Bars

Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are one of those desserts that look impressive but secretly couldn’t be easier. I’ve always loved classic magic bars, but adding cherries completely changes the game—suddenly they’re brighter, fruitier, and a little more special. The only thing I learned early on is that cherries need to be dried really well; rush that step and the bars turn softer than intended. Once I nailed that, these became a reliable favorite whenever I needed a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

Crust Layer

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling Layers

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
¾ cup maraschino cherries, drained, dried well, and chopped

Optional Add-Ins

½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
White chocolate chips for extra sweetness

Instructions / Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a bowl, mix:

Graham cracker crumbs
Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Sprinkle the following layers evenly over the crust, in this order:

Chocolate chips
Chopped maraschino cherries
Shredded coconut
Nuts, if using

Step 4: Add the Magic

Slowly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire pan. Take your time so it coats all areas without pooling too heavily in one spot.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges are set.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once fully cooled, lift out and slice into squares or bars.

@tasteofhome

Preparation & Baking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours
Servings: 20–24 bars

Tips for Perfect Cherry Coconut Magic Bars

Dry the cherries thoroughly to prevent soggy bars.
Press the crust firmly so it holds together when sliced.
Layer evenly for consistent texture in every bite.
Don’t overbake—the bars will continue to set as they cool.
Let them cool completely before cutting for clean edges.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are perfect for:

Holiday dessert trays
Potlucks and bake sales
Family gatherings
Coffee or tea breaks

They’re delicious served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Pair them with coffee, hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before serving.

Variations to Try

Cherry Almond Magic Bars
Swap walnuts for sliced almonds and add ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the condensed milk.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Bars
Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less-sweet version.

White Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars
Replace semi-sweet chips with white chocolate chips.

Extra Coconut Version
Toast some coconut and sprinkle it on top after baking for added texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries?

Fresh cherries add too much moisture and are not recommended. Maraschino cherries work best.

Why are my bars too soft?

This usually happens if the cherries weren’t dried well or the bars weren’t cooled completely.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they’re even better the next day once fully set.

Can I use a different crust?

Yes, crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies work well.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Not required, but refrigeration helps them stay firm and slice cleanly.

A Sweet Classic with a Fruity Twist

Cherry Coconut Magic Bars take everything great about traditional magic bars and add a pop of color and flavor that makes them stand out. They’re easy, dependable, and always disappear faster than expected. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want something comforting and sweet, these bars are a recipe worth keeping on repeat.