🍒🥥 Chocolate-Covered Cherry Coconut Bars
Sweet, chewy cherry-coconut centers dipped in smooth chocolate—just like the treats shown in the photo!
🛒 Ingredients
For the cherry-coconut centers:
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup maraschino cherries, very well drained and finely chopped
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
2–3 drops red or pink food coloring, optional
For the chocolate coating:
2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare the cherries:
Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels, then finely chop them.
Make the filling:
In a bowl, combine the shredded coconut, chopped cherries, powdered sugar, condensed milk, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until everything is evenly combined. Add a little food coloring if you want a brighter pink center.
Shape the bars:
Scoop out portions of the mixture and firmly shape them into small logs, about 2½–3 inches long. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill:
Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes, or until the centers are firm enough to dip.
Melt the chocolate:
Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring well between each, until completely smooth.
Dip:
Using a fork, carefully dip each chilled coconut-cherry log into the melted chocolate. Let the excess chocolate drip off.
Set:
Place the coated bars back on the parchment paper. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes, until the chocolate is completely set.
🍫 Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
Tip: Make sure the cherries are very dry before mixing them in. Too much liquid can make the coconut mixture difficult to shape.
