Divine Cherry Coconut Squares
Experience the perfect blend of textures and flavors with these delectable Divine Cherry Coconut Squares. Featuring a buttery, crumbly base that provides an ideal foundation for a rich and chewy second layer of coconut, walnuts, and cherries, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Topped with a silky icing that just melts in your mouth, these squares are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave your guests craving more. Ideal for holiday parties or family celebrations, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that showcases the delightful combination of coconut and cherries in every bite.
36
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (sifted)
Brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
Butter or margarine
1/2 cup (softened)
Eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
Brown sugar
1 1/4 cups (packed)
Flour
1 tablespoon
Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1 pinch
Medium grind coconut
1 cup
Chopped walnuts
1/2 cup
Candied cherries or maraschino cherries
1/2 cup (chopped and drained if using maraschino)
Icing sugar
1 cup
Butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (softened)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
Water
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the first layer by combining 1 1/4 cups of sifted flour, 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of softened butter or margarine in a large mixing bowl. Crumble the mixture together using your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Press the crumbly mixture firmly into an ungreased 9x9 inch baking pan, ensuring an even layer.
4
Bake the first layer in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
5
For the second layer, in a separate bowl, beat the 2 slightly beaten eggs. Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups of packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth.
6
Stir in the 1 cup of medium grind coconut, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1/2 cup of chopped cherries, mixing until fully incorporated.
7
Spread the second layer evenly over the baked first layer, then return it to the oven for an additional 25 minutes or until set and golden.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the squares to cool completely in the pan.
9
For the top layer, in a small mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of icing sugar, 2 tablespoons of softened butter or margarine, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth and spreadable. Add more water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
10
Once the squares are completely cool, spread the icing evenly over the top. Cut into 36 squares and serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Divine Cherry Coconut Squares?
They are a delectable bar cookie featuring a buttery, crumbly base, a chewy layer of coconut, walnuts, and cherries, and a silky icing.
How many squares does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 36 squares.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What ingredients are required for the first layer?
The first layer requires 1 1/4 cups of sifted flour, 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of softened butter or margarine.
How do I prepare the texture for the first layer?
Combine the flour, brown sugar, and butter in a bowl and crumble the mixture together using your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
What size baking pan is needed for this recipe?
You should use a 9x9 inch baking pan.
Should the baking pan be greased?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased baking pan.
How long does the first layer need to bake?
The first layer should be baked for 15 minutes.
What are the ingredients for the second layer?
The second layer contains 2 eggs, 1 1/4 cups of packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt, 1 cup of coconut, 1/2 cup of walnuts, and 1/2 cup of cherries.
How should the eggs be prepared for the second layer?
The eggs should be slightly beaten before being mixed with the other second-layer ingredients.
What type of coconut is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of medium grind coconut.
What kind of nuts are included in the squares?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
Can I use different types of cherries?
Yes, you can use either candied cherries or maraschino cherries.
How should I prepare maraschino cherries if using them?
Maraschino cherries should be chopped and thoroughly drained before being added to the mixture.
How long is the second layer baked?
The second layer is baked for an additional 25 minutes after being spread over the first layer.
How do I know when the squares are finished baking?
The squares are done when the second layer is set and has turned golden.
What ingredients make up the top icing layer?
The icing consists of 1 cup of icing sugar, 2 tablespoons of softened butter or margarine, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of water.
When should the icing be spread on the squares?
The icing should be spread only after the squares have cooled completely in the pan.
How can I adjust the consistency of the icing?
You can add more water if needed to reach your desired spreadable consistency.
What is the preparation for the flour in the base?
The flour for the first layer should be sifted before measuring.
What is the preparation for the butter used in this recipe?
The butter or margarine should be softened for both the first layer and the icing.
Are these squares suitable for holiday parties?
Yes, they are described as ideal for holiday parties or family celebrations.
What is the texture of the finished dessert?
The dessert features a buttery, crumbly base and a rich, chewy second layer topped with silky icing.
How many layers are in this dessert?
There are three layers: the crumbly base, the coconut-cherry filling, and the icing.
What category of dessert is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Bar Cookie.
Is there baking powder in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder is included in the second layer.
How much brown sugar is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 1 7/12 cups of packed brown sugar divided between the first and second layers.
Does the recipe contain salt?
Yes, it includes 1 pinch of salt in the second layer.
How should the squares be cooled?
The squares should be allowed to cool completely in the baking pan before any icing is added.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to spread the icing evenly over the cool squares and cut them into 36 pieces.