If you love the nostalgic taste of cherry cordials, get ready for a treat that takes those flavors to a whole new level! Cherry Mash Bars are the perfect combination of sweet cherry goodness, a creamy texture, and a rich chocolate topping that melts in your mouth. They’re easy to make and even easier to devour. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner!
Why You’ll Love Cherry Mash Bars
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or as a homemade gift, these bars fit the bill. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile
Perfect for holiday treats, potlucks, or a sweet snack anytime. They’re easy to slice into bite-sized pieces for sharing—or keep them all to yourself (we won’t judge!).
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making this an affordable yet indulgent homemade dessert.
Quick and Easy
No fancy baking techniques here! A few simple steps and you have a decadent treat ready to enjoy in no time.
Customizable
Love a little crunch? Add chopped nuts! Want more chocolate? Drizzle some extra on top. You can tweak this recipe to fit your taste perfectly.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Cherry Mash Bars
Here’s the magic of these bars—they’re made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is pure bliss. Let’s break it down:
Cherry Layer: The heart of this recipe! A luscious, sweet cherry filling that gives these bars their signature flavor.
Marshmallows: Melted into the cherry layer for an extra smooth and creamy texture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the layers together.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cherry filling while keeping it soft and smooth.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the cherry flavor beautifully.
Peanuts: A crunchy contrast to the soft cherry filling, adding a nutty depth to every bite.
Chocolate Chips: Melted and spread on top to create that irresistible chocolate layer.
Instructions
Prepare the Cherry Layer
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Mix the Ingredients
Remove from heat and stir in the cherry filling, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Spread the Cherry Mixture
Pour the cherry mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Let it set at room temperature or in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Prepare the Chocolate Topping
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler until smooth.
Add the Crunch
Stir the chopped peanuts into the melted chocolate, then pour over the cherry layer. Spread evenly to cover the entire surface.
Set and Slice
Let the bars chill until the chocolate layer is firm. Once set, slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
How to Serve Cherry Mash Bars
These bars are perfect on their own, but if you want to get creative, try these serving ideas:
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Drizzle with extra melted chocolate or white chocolate for added flair.
- Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
- Crush a bar over yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet, crunchy topping.
Additional Tips
- For a firmer texture, chill the bars longer before slicing.
- If you prefer a softer cherry layer, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
- To make slicing easier, run your knife under hot water before cutting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freeze for longer storage—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry filling?
Yes! Just cook them down with some sugar until soft and syrupy before adding them to the mixture.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the peanuts or replace them with crunchy rice cereal for texture.
How do I prevent the chocolate layer from cracking?
Let the bars come to room temperature before slicing to avoid hard chocolate cracking.
Can I use white chocolate instead?
Yes! White chocolate pairs beautifully with the cherry layer for a sweeter variation.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily, but chilling them helps the layers set better and keeps them fresher longer.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and double all ingredients accordingly.
Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Yes! Almond extract enhances the cherry flavor beautifully—just use a small amount since it’s strong.
How do I melt chocolate without a microwave?
Use a double boiler: place a heatproof bowl over simmering water and stir until melted.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars store well and can be made a day or two in advance.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water, and wipe it clean between slices.
Conclusion
Cherry Mash Bars are a delightful, nostalgic treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, their combination of sweet cherry flavor, crunchy peanuts, and rich chocolate makes them a guaranteed favorite. Try them out—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cherry Mash Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Mash Bars are a homemade twist on the classic Cherry Mash candy. They feature a sweet cherry layer topped with a crunchy chocolate and peanut coating, making them an irresistible treat for cherry and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
Cherry Layer
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups shredded coconut (optional)
Chocolate Peanut Topping
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the cherry layer: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, butter, chopped cherries, condensed milk, vanilla, and almond extract until well combined. Stir in shredded coconut if using. Spread evenly in the prepared pan and refrigerate for 1 hour until firm.
- Prepare the topping: Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in chopped peanuts.
- Assemble: Pour the chocolate mixture over the chilled cherry layer, spreading evenly. Refrigerate for another 1-2 hours until firm.
- Cut & serve: Once set, cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- For a firmer texture, freeze for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Substitute peanuts with almonds or cashews for a different flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg