🍒 Ultimate Cherry Mash Bars Recipe | The Perfect Cherry and Chocolate Treat

If you’re a fan of sweet, chewy, and nutty treats, these Cherry Mash Bars are your new go-to dessert. This recipe combines the delightful flavors of cherries and chocolate with a satisfying crunch from peanuts, making it a perfect choice for parties, gift-giving, or simply indulging in a delicious treat at home.

Ingredients

Cherry Layer:

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• ⅔ cup evaporated milk

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 12 large marshmallows

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 6 ounces cherry chips (or substitute with 6 ounces white almond bark, 1 teaspoon cherry extract, and red food coloring)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (omit if using cherry extract)

Chocolate-Peanut Layer:

• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ¾:

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

  Make the Cherry Layer:

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, evaporated milk, salt, marshmallows, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.

  2. Once boiling, continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

  3. Remove the saucepan from heat. Add cherry chips (or prepared substitute) and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the chips are fully melted.

  4. Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool and set.

  Prepare the Chocolate-Peanut Layer:

  1. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring occasionally until smooth.

  2. Add creamy peanut butter to the melted chocolate, stirring until fully combined.

  3. Fold in the crushed salted peanuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

  Assemble the Bars:

  1. Once the cherry layer has set, pour the chocolate-peanut mixture over it, spreading evenly to cover the entire surface.

  2. Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

  Serve:

  • Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

  Tips for Perfect Cherry Mash Bars

  1. Substituting Cherry Chips: If cherry chips are unavailable, melt 6 ounces of white almond bark, stir in 1 teaspoon of cherry extract, and add red food coloring until the desired hue is achieved.

  2. Cutting the Bars: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing through the chilled bars.

  3. Enhancing Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a few drops of almond extract to the cherry layer.

  4. Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

  Summary

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

  • Chill Time: 2 hours

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

  • Yield: Approximately 24 bars

  Conclusion

  Treat yourself to these ultimate Cherry Mash Bars and let the symphony of flavors transport you to sweet bliss! Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to impress your friends and family. Give them a try and enjoy every delightful bite! 😋🍒🍫