Homemade Cherry Mash Bars

Introduction

When I first made these Homemade Cherry Mash Bars, I didn’t expect them to be such a hit with my family. The combination of sweet cherry flavor and rich chocolate-peanut goodness created the perfect balance of flavors and textures. My husband couldn’t stop raving about them, and my kids couldn’t get enough, often sneaking an extra piece when they thought I wasn’t looking. The layers of creamy cherry filling and chocolate-peanut topping are perfectly complemented by the crunch of peanuts, making these bars a deliciously indulgent treat. They’re easy to make, visually striking, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a party, or just a special treat, these Cherry Mash Bars are guaranteed to impress!

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 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup salted peanuts, crushed

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

1. 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

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, salt, marshmallows, and unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
2. Once it starts boiling, continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the cherry chips (or the substitute if cherry chips are unavailable) 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. Let it cool and set for about 30 minutes before proceeding with the next layer.

Step 3: 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. Once the chocolate has melted, add the creamy peanut butter and stir until fully combined and smooth.
3. Fold in the crushed salted peanuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Once the cherry layer has set, pour the chocolate-peanut mixture over it, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
2. Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully set and firm.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once the bars are set, cut them into squares using a sharp knife.
2. Serve chilled and enjoy the sweet, nutty, and chocolatey goodness!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 bars
• Calories per serving: 250
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Snack: These bars are perfect for an afternoon snack. Just slice them up and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
• For Parties or Gatherings: Serve these bars at a party, BBQ, or family gathering. They’re easy to cut into squares and share, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser.
• For Special Occasions: These bars are ideal for holidays or celebrations. Their vibrant red color and festive appeal make them a great addition to any dessert spread.
• With Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Additional Tips

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 you reach your desired shade of red.
2. Cutting the Bars Cleanly: To make clean cuts, warm a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice through the chilled bars for perfectly smooth edges.
3. Refrigeration: These bars need to be chilled for at least 2 hours, or until fully set, to achieve the right texture and consistency.
4. Using Different Nuts: If you prefer, you can substitute salted peanuts with other nuts such as crushed almonds, cashews, or walnuts for a different flavor and texture.
5. Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to a week.

Recipe Variations

• Use Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a less sweet option, substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor.
• Vegan Version: For a vegan version, substitute the marshmallows with vegan marshmallows and use a dairy-free chocolate and peanut butter for the chocolate-peanut layer.
• Cherry-Almond Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a few drops of almond extract to the cherry layer for a cherry-almond combination.
• Peanut-Free Version: If you’re making this for someone with a peanut allergy, swap out the peanuts for sunflower seeds or another nut-free option.
• Add Fruit: For an extra burst of flavor, you could fold in dried fruit like cranberries or raisins to the cherry layer.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee or Tea: These bars are perfect for pairing with coffee or tea. Their sweetness and crunch balance out the bitterness of a hot beverage, making them a great accompaniment.
• For Gifting: These bars make wonderful homemade gifts. Package them in a decorative box or tin for a personal touch.
• On a Dessert Platter: Serve these bars alongside other dessert options like brownies, cookies, or pie for a diverse and delicious spread.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you’re storing them for longer, freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
• Reheating: While these bars are best served chilled, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them slightly warmer.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
   Yes, white chocolate chips would work as a substitute, though they will give the bars a different flavor profile that’s sweeter and creamier.
2. How can I make these bars more cherry-flavored?
   You can increase the amount of cherry extract in the cherry layer for a more pronounced cherry flavor or use more cherry chips.
3. Can I use different nuts in the chocolate-peanut layer?
   Absolutely! You can use any nuts you prefer, such as cashews, almonds, or even pistachios for a unique twist.
4. How long do these bars need to chill?
   These bars should chill for at least 2 hours to allow them to set properly. If you prefer a firmer texture, leave them in the fridge longer.
5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes, these bars can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week, making them great for preparing in advance for parties or events.
6. What can I use if I don’t have cherry chips?
   You can substitute cherry chips with white almond bark and cherry extract, or you can use dried cherries chopped up in place of the chips.
7. Are these bars gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chocolate chips and check that your marshmallows are gluten-free.
8. Can I add more marshmallows to the cherry layer?
   Yes, you can add extra marshmallows to the cherry layer for a fluffier texture if you prefer a softer consistency.
9. Can I freeze these bars?
   Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
10. Can I add more chocolate to the bars?
    Yes, you can add more chocolate chips to the chocolate-peanut layer if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade Cherry Mash Bars are a fun, flavorful, and indulgent treat that combines the best of cherry, chocolate, and peanut butter. With their beautiful red hue and sweet, nutty flavor, these bars are perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to birthday parties. The layers of creamy cherry filling and rich chocolate-peanut topping are not only delicious but also visually striking, making them a showstopper on any dessert table. Whether you make them for a family treat or as a gift, these bars are sure to please everyone!

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