Cherry Magic Cookie Bars are a sweet treat that combines layers of graham cracker crumbs, melted chocolate, and tasty cherries. They are easy to make and perfect for any gathering!
Honestly, these bars are like a party in your mouth! I love serving them at picnics—everyone always goes back for seconds (or thirds!). You’ll find it hard to resist! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: They create the base for your cookie bars. If you can’t find graham crackers, try digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers as an alternative for a similar taste and texture.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter keeps the bars from being overly salty. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil works great and adds a nice flavor too!
Sweetened Shredded Coconut: This adds nice moisture and texture. If you’re not a coconut fan, you can leave it out entirely or substitute with oats for some extra chewiness.
Chopped Nuts: Walnuts and pecans are ideal, but any nuts you have on hand, like almonds or hazelnuts, will do. You can also omit them if you have nut allergies.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is crucial for binding everything together. If you prefer a vegan option, look for sweetened coconut condensed milk as a fantastic substitute!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They give that delightful chocolatey flavor, but you can switch to dark or milk chocolate depending on your taste. Try using white chocolate for a different twist!
Maraschino Cherries: These are sweet and colorful! If you don’t have them, feel free to throw in some chopped fresh cherries or even raspberries for a fruity punch.
How Can I Ensure My Cookie Bars Don’t Fall Apart?
To keep your Cherry Magic Cookie Bars from crumbling, pay attention to these key steps:
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan. It should be compact to support the layers above it.
- Make sure you pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly across the layers. This helps bind everything together.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. A cold bar holds its shape better! Refrigerating them makes it much easier to slice.
These simple tips will help you create a delicious, cohesive treat that everyone will enjoy!
Cherry Magic Cookie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved or whole (drain well)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, make sure to let the bars cool completely, which will take around 2 hours in the fridge. All in all, you’re looking at about 3 hours and 15 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and either line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will help the bars come out easily later.
2. Making the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until everything is well combined and the crumbs are evenly moistened. You want a mixture that holds together when pressed.
3. Forming the Crust Layer:
Now, take that crumb mixture and press it down firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s even all over—this will be the base for your delicious cookie bars!
4. Adding the Tasty Layers:
Next, sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut and chopped nuts evenly over the crust. This adds fantastic flavor and texture to your bars!
5. Layering the Chocolate:
Now it’s time to add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Spread them evenly on top of the coconut and nuts. Who doesn’t love a good layer of chocolate?
6. Placing the Cherries:
Arrange the maraschino cherries over the chocolate chips. You can cut them in half for a prettier presentation, or leave them whole if you prefer. They’re going to add such a lovely color!
7. Pouring the Sweetened Condensed Milk:
Slowly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the entire mixture in the pan. Be careful to pour it gently so you don’t wash away the cherries and other layers. You want everything to stay nice and pretty!
8. Baking Time:
Pop the baking pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for the edges to be golden brown and the top to have set nicely.
9. Cooling the Bars:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack until completely cool. After it cools down, cover it and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps everything firm up so your bars can hold their shape when cut.
10. Cutting and Serving:
When the bars are chilled, remove the pan from the fridge, cut into squares, and serve! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator if there are any left!
Enjoy these rich, chewy, and festive Cherry Magic Cookie Bars! They’re perfect for gatherings or a sweet snack to satisfy your cravings! 🍒
Can I Use Different Types of Nuts?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are great options, feel free to use any nuts you prefer, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or even leave them out if you’re avoiding nuts altogether.
What Can I Substitute for Sweetened Condensed Milk?
If you prefer a non-dairy option, you can use sweetened coconut condensed milk. Alternatively, you can make your own by simmering coconut milk with sugar until it thickens and reduces.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookie Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 4-5 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make them gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work perfectly in this recipe.