Microwave Cherry Coconut Bars
Sweet and chewy microwave cherry coconut bars combine rich butter, brown sugar, nuts, and coconut, making a quick, delicious treat perfect for snack or dessert lovers. Easy to customize and share.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place butter in a 1-cup glass measure and microwave on High for 1 minute. Set aside.
- Break eggs into a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until lemon colored.
- Add the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and vanilla to the eggs. Blend well.
- Stir in chopped nuts and flaked coconut.
- Pour the mixture into an 8-inch round microwave-proof baking dish.
- Microwave on High for 6 minutes.
- Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars or wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using unsweetened coconut milk instead of butter or margarine. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. For added flavor, try mixing in a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit. Ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing results.
Serving Suggestions
These cherry coconut bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat or dessert. For a festive touch, consider drizzling with chocolate sauce or serving alongside slices of Peach Cobbler (Or Any Preferred Fruit).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cherry coconut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Cherry Coconut Bars contains roughly 617 calories, with 2g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% 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 use fresh cherries instead of canned or frozen?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used in this recipe. Just ensure to pit and chop them before adding to the mixture. Keep in mind that fresh cherries may add slightly more moisture, so adjust the baking time accordingly if needed.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
For a vegan or egg-free version, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed bananas. This will help bind the ingredients together while maintaining moisture in the bars.
How do I know when the bars are done cooking in the microwave?
The bars are done when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the dish and the center is set but slightly soft. If unsure, you can insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Adjust microwave time as needed based on wattage.
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).