Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars

Name: Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup pitted cherries, chopped; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Dessert Magic

When I first combined chocolate, cherries, and coconut, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Each bite of these Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures—rich chocolate, tart cherries, and sweet coconut coming together in harmony. I love making these bars for gatherings as they’re always a hit. What’s even better is that they are surprisingly simple to whip up, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Created by

Harriet Mason

Last updated on 2026-01-15T15:34:17.889Z

Making these Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars was an exploration of flavors that turned out wonderfully. The fresh cherries add a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of the chocolate, and the shredded coconut gives it a chewy texture. I recommend using dark chocolate for a deeper flavor profile, which drastically elevates the experience. While preparing, I found that letting the bars cool completely before cutting makes a significant difference in achieving clean edges.

Moreover, I experimented with both toasted and raw coconut, and I must say that toasting adds a delightful nuttiness that takes these bars to the next level. The key to ensuring the bars hold together is allowing them to chill appropriately after baking. The combination of flavors and textures makes them irresistible; I can hardly resist grabbing another!

Why You'll Love These Bars
Irresistible combination of chocolate, cherries, and coconut
Chewy and slightly crunchy texture that satisfies
Easy to make and perfect for any occasion

The Role of Each Ingredient

Understanding the role of each ingredient in Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars can elevate your baking game. The dark chocolate provides a rich, decadent base, while the unsweetened shredded coconut adds a chewy texture and a hint of natural sweetness. Cherries contribute a tart flavor that balances the overall sweetness of the bars perfectly. Almond flour not only gives structure but also adds a nutty note that enhances the dessert's profile.

Using quality chocolate is crucial; I recommend at least 60% cacao for a more pronounced chocolate flavor. If you prefer a sweeter bar, you can opt for milk chocolate, but ensure the balance is maintained with tart cherries. Additionally, maple syrup can substitute honey, especially if you're aiming for a vegan treat. This flexibility allows everyone to enjoy these bars, regardless of dietary preferences.

Technique Tips for Perfect Bars

When melting the chocolate, be mindful of the temperatures. Use a microwave-safe bowl and melt the chocolate in small intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overheating. If chocolate burns, it becomes grainy and unusable. If you do happen to overheat, adding a small amount of coconut oil can help salvage it, restoring its silky texture, making it blend better with the other ingredients.

For an even bake, ensure your baking dish is properly lined with parchment paper; this aids both in releasing the bars easily and in achieving even cooking. Keep an eye on the bars as they bake, looking for golden edges. The center will still be slightly soft and that’s perfect; they will firm up as they cool. This leads to a delightful chewy texture, so don’t overbake!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

To keep your Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for about a month. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

These bars make an excellent base for variations; consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor twist. You can even drizzle some melted chocolate over the top after cutting for a decorative touch! Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat that will impress guests at any gathering.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these luscious bars:

Ingredients

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup pitted cherries, chopped
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to measure correctly for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars:

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until smooth. Stir every time to avoid burning.

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate, almond flour, honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Add Cherries and Coconut

Fold in the chopped cherries and shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Bake

Pour the mixture into a lined square baking dish (8x8 inches) and spread it evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes.

Cool and Cut

Once done, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the dish. Once cooled, lift them out and cut into squares.

Enjoy these delectable treats any time of the day!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bars before baking.

Common Troubleshooting

If your bars won’t hold together after cutting, it’s likely that they needed more time in the oven to set up properly. Next time, try reducing the almond flour by a few tablespoons to find the right balance. Alternatively, if you find that your bars are too crumbly, adding a bit more coconut oil or an extra tablespoon of honey can help bind the mixture more effectively.

On the flip side, if the bars are overly dense, it might be due to too much almond flour. Always level your measuring cups instead of scooping straight from the bag, which can lead to compacting the flour. If you’re experimenting with substitutions, remember that swapping flours can change the texture significantly—always conduct small test batches to assess the outcome.

Scaling the Recipe

If you’re looking to make a larger batch of these delicious bars, simply double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, such as a 9x13 inch pan. This will ensure that the bars cook evenly. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly—start checking for doneness at around 30 minutes, as larger quantities may take a bit more time.

Alternatively, if you're serving a smaller group or just want to enjoy them by yourself over a few days, you can halve the recipe. Use a smaller baking dish, like a 6x6 inch pan, and keep an eye on the baking time, checking for the golden edges around 20 minutes. This versatility makes these bars a flexible dessert choice that can cater to any gathering size.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh cherries?

Yes, fresh cherries work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to pit and chop them.

→ What can I substitute for almond flour?

You can use all-purpose flour or oat flour if you prefer.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

→ Can I veganize this recipe?

Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.