Cherry Bounty Bars are sweet, chewy, fruity coconut bars coated in smooth dark chocolate. They are no-bake, easy to prepare, and perfect for a chilled dessert, snack, or homemade treat. The cherry purée adds a bright berry flavor that pairs beautifully with coconut and rich chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars are simple, colorful, and full of flavor. You only need a few ingredients, and there is no oven required. The filling is naturally sweetened with maple syrup, while the dark chocolate coating gives each bar a rich, satisfying finish.
They are also great for making ahead because they set well in the fridge or freezer. The texture is soft and chewy inside with a firm chocolate shell outside, making them feel like a special dessert without much effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup desiccated coconut
½ cup cherry purée, made from fresh or frozen cherries, blended until smooth
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Directions
In a medium bowl, add the desiccated coconut, cherry purée, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until the coconut is fully coated and the mixture becomes sticky enough to hold its shape.
Line a tray with parchment paper. Divide the mixture into 10 equal portions and shape each portion into a small bar. Press firmly so the bars stay compact.
Place the tray in the freezer for 30 minutes, or until the bars feel firm.
Add the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil to a heat-safe bowl. Melt gently in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one, or melt over a double boiler until smooth.
Dip each frozen coconut cherry bar into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Let the extra chocolate drip off, then place the bar back on the lined tray.
Chill the bars in the fridge or freezer until the chocolate is fully set. Serve cold for the best texture.
Servings and timing
Servings: 10 bars
Prep time: 15 minutes
Freeze time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 45 minutes
Approximate calories: 160 kcal per bar
Variations
For a sweeter filling, add one extra tablespoon of maple syrup. For a stronger cherry flavor, use a thicker cherry purée or add a few finely chopped cherries to the coconut mixture.
You can also use milk-style dark chocolate if you prefer a milder coating. For extra texture, sprinkle a little coconut on top before the chocolate sets.
Storage/Reheating
Store Cherry Bounty Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Serve straight from the fridge, or let frozen bars sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating. These bars do not need reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, frozen cherries work well. Thaw them first, drain excess liquid, then blend into a smooth purée.
Can I use fresh cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries are perfect. Remove the pits before blending.
Can I make these bars sweeter?
Yes, add 1 extra tablespoon of maple syrup to the filling.
Why are my bars too soft?
The cherry purée may be too watery. Add a little more desiccated coconut until the mixture holds together.
Can I use shredded coconut?
Yes, but desiccated coconut gives a finer, smoother texture.
Do I have to use coconut oil?
Coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and set with a nice shell, but you can leave it out if needed.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, they are great for meal prep and can be stored chilled or frozen.
Can I use another fruit purée?
Yes, raspberry or strawberry purée can also work well.
Should the bars be served cold?
Yes, they taste best chilled because the filling stays firm and the chocolate shell holds its shape.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and shape into 20 bars.
Conclusion
Cherry Bounty Bars are a quick, no-bake treat with a chewy coconut center, fruity cherry flavor, and rich chocolate coating. They are easy to make, beautiful to serve, and perfect for keeping in the fridge whenever you want a refreshing homemade dessert.
Cherry Bounty Bars are chewy no-bake coconut bars flavored with sweet cherry purée and coated in rich dark chocolate for a refreshing homemade dessert or snack.
Ingredients
1 cup desiccated coconut
1/2 cup cherry purée, made from fresh or frozen cherries
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the desiccated coconut, cherry purée, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
Mix well until the mixture becomes sticky and holds its shape.
Line a tray or plate with parchment paper.
Divide the mixture into 10 equal portions and shape each into a compact bar.
Place the bars in the freezer for 30 minutes until firm.
Add the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil to a heat-safe bowl.
Melt the chocolate gently in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, or use a double boiler.
Dip each frozen bar into the melted chocolate until fully coated.
Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place the bars back onto the lined tray.
Chill the bars in the refrigerator or freezer until the chocolate is fully set.
Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
Frozen cherries work well once thawed and drained.
Add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup for a sweeter filling.
If the mixture feels too soft, add more desiccated coconut.
Raspberry or strawberry purée can replace cherry purée.
Sprinkle extra coconut on top before the chocolate sets for added texture.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
