Charmin Cherry Bars
Sweet and chewy chocolatey bars studded with maraschino cherry pieces and coconut, perfect for a quick dessert or snack that satisfies sweet cravings with a hint of tropical flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together 1 cup flour and 1/4 cup powdered sugar; cut in 1/2 cup butter until mixture is coarse.
- Press mixture into a 9 x 9-inch ungreased pan to form the crust.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Sift together remaining dry ingredients: 1/4 cup flour, 3/4 cup white sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Add 2 slightly beaten eggs to the dry mix and stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries and 1/2 cup coconut.
- Spread the batter over the partially cooked crust.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For an added flavor twist, consider using almond extract instead of vanilla. If you don’t have maraschino cherries, fresh or frozen cherries can be used as a substitute, but make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. These bars are reminiscent of the delightful Black And White Cupcakes.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Bars are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. They also make a delightful treat for gatherings, pairing well with a fresh Dill Slaw for a balanced meal. Consider cutting them into smaller squares for bite-sized servings at parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply microwave individual servings for about 10-15 seconds. They can also be served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Charmin Cherry Bars contains roughly 243 calories, with 1g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 755mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars in advance?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).