If you’re a fan of decadent, sweet treats that blend fruity goodness with a rich, chocolatey base, then get ready to fall in love with Cherry Mash Bars. These bars are like the best of both worlds, bringing together the tartness of cherries, the creaminess of peanut butter, and a layer of luscious chocolate. It’s like a candy bar in dessert form, but so much easier to make. Trust me, when you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked—chewy, gooey, and bursting with flavor, these Cherry Mash Bars are guaranteed to be a hit at your next family gathering, or just as a little treat to spoil yourself. Get ready to indulge!
Why You’ll Love Cherry Mash Bars
These bars are a total crowd-pleaser—perfect for any occasion, or just because you deserve something sweet today! Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:
Simple & Quick
You don’t need any fancy baking skills for this one. These Cherry Mash Bars are super easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and they come together in no time.
Irresistibly Sweet & Tart
The combo of juicy, tart cherries with creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate is a flavor combination that’s hard to beat. It’s like a candy bar, but in a bar form, which makes it even more fun to eat!
No-Bake
That’s right—no baking required! These bars come together in a few easy steps and set up in the fridge. It’s a no-fuss treat that’s perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven.
Perfect for Sharing
Whether you’re bringing them to a party, a picnic, or just sharing with your friends and family, these bars are great for serving a crowd. Expect lots of “Mmm!”s and “Can I have the recipe?”s.
Customizable
Feel free to make this recipe your own! Add in some chopped nuts or swap out the cherries for other dried fruit. You can even drizzle a bit of caramel on top if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients in Cherry Mash Bars
This recipe is easy on the wallet, with ingredients you probably have on hand. Let’s break it down:
- Cherries: Dried cherries are the star, bringing that tart flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- Peanut Butter: This creamy, nutty spread adds richness and flavor, and helps hold the bars together.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetness and texture—powdered sugar makes these bars smooth and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Butter: Adds richness to the base, making everything creamy and smooth.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: A perfect complement to the sweet cherry-peanut butter filling. The chocolate layer brings it all together.
- Heavy Cream: Used to melt the chocolate and make the topping smooth and glossy.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make some Cherry Mash Bars? Here’s how you do it—so easy, you’ll be eating them in no time!
Prepare the Base
Start by melting the butter and peanut butter together in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Once melted, remove from heat, and mix in the powdered sugar. Stir until you have a thick, smooth mixture.
Add the Cherries
Fold in the dried cherries into the peanut butter mixture, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This is where that sweet, tart cherry flavor starts to shine!
Press into the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, then pour the peanut butter and cherry mixture into the pan. Use a spatula to press the mixture down firmly, creating a smooth and even layer. Pop the pan into the fridge and let it set for about 30 minutes, or until it’s firm to the touch.
Make the Chocolate Topping
While the base is chilling, it’s time to make the chocolate topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Pour the Chocolate
Once the peanut butter-cherry base has set, pour the melted chocolate over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, covering the base completely. Pop the pan back into the fridge and let the bars set for another 30 minutes or so until the chocolate is firm and shiny.
Slice and Serve
Once the chocolate has set, take the pan out of the fridge, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, and cut them into squares. Enjoy that sweet, creamy, crunchy bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Chill Time: [Time to chill the bars]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Cherry Mash Bars
These bars are the perfect standalone treat, but here are some ideas to make them even more fun:
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich, sweet bars!
With a Hot Beverage
Pair these with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The chocolate and peanut butter bars are the ultimate accompaniment to your afternoon break.
On a Dessert Platter
If you’re hosting a party, serve these bars alongside other sweet treats like brownies or cookies on a big dessert platter. They’re sure to be the star of the show.
Additional Tips
Store Properly
Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The cool temperature helps the chocolate and peanut butter maintain their perfect texture.
Make Them Gluten-Free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so if you need a gluten-free treat, you’re good to go!
Add Nuts for Crunch
If you like a little crunch, feel free to add chopped peanuts or almonds to the cherry-peanut butter base. They’ll add texture and an extra layer of flavor.
Want to Make Them Ahead?
These Cherry Mash Bars are great for making ahead! Just store them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
A1: While dried cherries work best for this recipe (they’re sweeter and chewier), you could use fresh cherries if you prefer. Just chop them up and be sure to dry them well before adding them to the base to avoid excess moisture.
Q2: Can I swap the peanut butter for almond butter?
A2: Absolutely! You can use almond butter or any other nut butter of your choice for a different twist on these bars.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. They’ll stay fresh and tasty!
Q4: Can I freeze these Cherry Mash Bars?
A4: Yes! These bars freeze really well. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Q5: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
A5: You can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter topping. The flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!
Conclusion
Cherry Mash Bars are the kind of treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds). They’re the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy, all wrapped up in one irresistible bar. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a sweet snack on a quiet afternoon, these bars are sure to make your day a little bit sweeter. Don’t wait—give them a try and experience the magic for yourself!
Print
Homemade Cherry Mash Bars
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Cherry Mash Bars are a delightful treat that combine the sweet, fruity flavor of cherries with the rich decadence of chocolate and peanut butter. The cherry layer is creamy and smooth, while the chocolate-peanut layer adds a satisfying crunch and richness. They’re easy to make, visually stunning with their bright red hue, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the 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)
For the Chocolate-Peanut Layer:
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup salted peanuts, crushed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the bars come out easily once set.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Layer
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, salt, marshmallows, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the cherry chips (or the prepared substitute) and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the chips are fully melted.
- Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool and set.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate-Peanut Layer
- 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.
- Add the creamy peanut butter to the melted chocolate and stir until fully combined.
- Fold in the crushed salted peanuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
- Once the cherry layer has set, pour the chocolate-peanut mixture over it, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the bars have set, cut them into squares and serve chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- 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.
- Cutting the Bars: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing through the chilled bars.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to add more crushed peanuts for extra crunch, or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/24 of recipe)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg