Cherry Almond Coconut Layer Bars

These bars are reminiscent of the classic "magic" bars but these feature dried cherries and almonds - one of my favorite combinations. These disappeared quickly in the break room at my office, and I probably ate most of them, truth be told.

These are easy to throw together, taste delicious, and look impressive.

Start by making the shortbread crust. In a food processor, pulse together butter, powdered sugar,

flour and salt until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add oats

and pulse until just combined. Press dough evenly onto bottom of parchment paper-lined 9x13 baking dish

and bake about 20 minutes.

Scatter chocolate chips,

almonds and cherries on top of crust.

Drizzle with the sweetened condensed milk

and top with coconut.

Bake until coconut is golden, about 20 minutes.

Let cool completely in dish on a wire rack before cutting.

Shortbread, chocolate, cherries, almonds, coconut. Oh yes.

One year ago: Asian Chicken Soup
Two years ago: Pear Custard Bars
Three years ago: Spicy Pasta with Sweet Potatoes
Four years ago: M&M Cookies

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Cherry Almond Coconut Layer Bars

3/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup oats
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/2 cup chopped dried cherries
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups shredded coconut

In a food processor, pulse together butter, powdered sugar, flour and salt until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add oats and pulse until just combined. Press dough evenly onto bottom of parchment paper-lined 9x13 baking dish and bake at 375 until lightly browned and firm, about 20 minutes.

Scatter chocolate chips, almonds and cherries on top of crust. Drizzle with milk and top with coconut. Bake until coconut is golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool completely in dish on wire rack before cutting. Store at room temperature up to 3 days.

Recipe Source: Adapted from Martha Stewart