Short Description

Delightfully chewy bars featuring juicy cherries and shredded coconut, coated in dark chocolate and topped with coconut flakes—naturally sweet and refreshingly indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars deliver a chewy, fruity coconut center enveloped in rich dark chocolate—no added refined sugar if you opt for honey or pure maple syrup. They’re easy to prep, visually stunning, and great to keep in the freezer as a cool, portable treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen cherries (pitted)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (for melting chocolate)
• Extra shredded coconut and whole cherries (for garnish)

Directions

1. Line a small loaf pan or square dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a food processor, blend the cherries until smooth.
3. Add the shredded coconut, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and sticky.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the lined pan, smoothing the top.
5. Freeze for about 1 hour, or until the mixture is solid.
6. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate with 1 teaspoon coconut oil. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
7. Remove the frozen cherry-coconut block from the pan and slice into bars.
8. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring even coverage. Place on parchment paper to set.
9. Before the chocolate sets completely, sprinkle with extra shredded coconut and top with a whole cherry if desired.
10. Chill until fully firm, about 15 minutes.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 8 bars (depending on size)
• Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour freezing)
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes

Variations

• Nutty crunch: Add ½ cup chopped almonds or pecans to the cherry‑coconut mixture.
• Citrus boost: Stir in 1 teaspoon finely grated orange or lime zest for a bright twist.
• Spiced flavor: Mix in ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom to the base.
• White chocolate version: Use white chocolate for coating and top with dried cranberries for contrast.
• Vegan swap: Use agave syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
• Freezer: Layer bars between parchment and store in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw for 5–10 minutes at room temperature before serving if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, but rehydrate dried cherries in warm water for 10 minutes, drain, then blend—they’ll be less juicy but still tasty.

2. Do the bars stay firm at room temperature?

They will soften slightly but hold their shape. For best texture, keep refrigerated or frozen until serving.

3. Can I make these without a food processor?

Yes—mash cherries and mix by hand. The texture will be chunkier but still delicious.

4. Is it necessary to use coconut oil when melting the chocolate?

Coconut oil helps thin the chocolate for an even coating and gives a glossy finish—optional but recommended.

5. Can I omit the garnish?

Absolutely. The garnish is optional and purely decorative.

6. What if I don’t like coconut flavor?

Reduce coconut to 1 cup and substitute the rest with rolled oats or almond flour for a different base.

7. Can these bars be made nut-free?

Yes—simply omit nuts in any variation and ensure all ingredients are nut‑free.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger pan—adjust freezing time as needed.

9. My bars fell apart—what happened?

They might need more binder. Ensure the cherry‑coconut mixture is sticky before freezing, or add another tablespoon of coconut oil or maple syrup.

10. Can I coat only the bottom or one side of the bar?

Yes—dip only the desired side in chocolate, then chill to set.

Conclusion

Cherry Coconut Chocolate Bars are a harmonious blend of fruity, tropical, and chocolate flavors with an easy prep process and freezer-friendly convenience. With flexible variations and straightforward storage options, they’re a perfect homemade treat for any occasion. Enjoy them chilled, as a snack bar or a sweet finish to your day!

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