Cherry Coconut Dream Bars
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with these Cherry Coconut Dream Bars, a twist on a classic recipe from Light & Tasty. The sweet, tart essence of maraschino cherries harmoniously blends with the rich, tropical flavor of coconut, creating a dessert that's both comforting and refreshing. These treats are perfect for parties, picnics, or simply as an afternoon pick-me-up. For an extra boost of coconut flavor, consider using coconut extract instead of vanilla—your taste buds will thank you!
12
Servings
20
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (sifted)
confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons
cold butter
3 tablespoons (cut into cubes)
eggs
2 (beaten)
granulated sugar
1 cup
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
maraschino cherries
1/2 cup (quartered)
walnuts
1/3 cup (chopped)
flaked coconut
1/3 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch square baking dish by spraying it with cooking oil.
2
In a food processor, combine 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour with 3 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar. Pulse until combined.
3
Add 3 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Pulse approximately 15 times or until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
4
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.
5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until it is lightly browned. Allow it to cool on a wire rack.
6
While the crust is cooling, prepare the topping. In the food processor, blend together 2 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well mixed.
7
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
8
Gradually add the dry mixture to the egg mixture in the food processor and blend until smooth and free of lumps.
9
Gently fold in 1/2 cup of quartered maraschino cherries, 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1/3 cup of flaked coconut. Pulse just until combined—do not overmix.
10
Pour the cherry-coconut mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
11
Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is firm and lightly golden.
12
Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For best results, refrigerate any leftovers and enjoy chilled.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
2.67g
Carbs
0.33g
Protein
0.08g
Fiber
1.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cherry Coconut Dream Bars?
Cherry Coconut Dream Bars are a dessert treat featuring a buttery crust topped with a mixture of maraschino cherries, coconut, and walnuts, based on a classic recipe from Light & Tasty.
How many calories are in one Cherry Coconut Dream Bar?
Each serving contains approximately 20 calories.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 9-inch square baking dish.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Prepare the 9-inch square baking dish by spraying it with cooking oil.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What are the ingredients for the crust?
The crust is made using 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar, and 3 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter.
How long should I bake the crust?
Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes or until it is lightly browned.
How do I make the crust mixture?
In a food processor, pulse the flour and sugar, then add cold butter cubes and pulse about 15 times until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
Can I substitute vanilla extract with something else?
Yes, you can use coconut extract instead of vanilla extract for an extra boost of coconut flavor.
How many eggs are needed for the topping?
The topping requires 2 beaten eggs.
What kind of cherries are used in these bars?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of quartered maraschino cherries.
Do these bars contain nuts?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts.
What type of coconut should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of flaked coconut.
What dry ingredients are in the topping mixture?
The topping dry mixture consists of 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How long is the second baking period?
Bake the bars for an additional 20-25 minutes after adding the topping.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the top is firm and lightly golden.
Should the bars be cooled before cutting?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers should be refrigerated and are best enjoyed chilled.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each bar contains approximately 1g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each bar?
Each serving contains 2.67g of carbohydrates.
How much sugar is in one serving?
There is 1.5g of sugar in each bar.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each bar provides 0.33g of protein.
How much fiber is in each serving?
There is 0.08g of fiber per bar.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is granulated sugar used in the recipe?
Yes, 1 cup of granulated sugar is used in the topping mixture.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include dessert, bars, cookies, cherry, coconut, easy recipe, treats, and party food.
What should I do with the cherries, walnuts, and coconut?
Gently fold them into the topping mixture using the pulse setting on your food processor just until combined; do not overmix.
Is the flour used for the crust sifted?
The recipe specifies that the all-purpose flour used should be sifted.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
This recipe is a twist on a classic recipe from Light & Tasty.