Description
These Homemade Cherry Mash Bars are a delightful no-bake treat featuring a rich cherry-flavored base topped with a creamy chocolate and peanut butter layer, finished with crunchy salted peanuts. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a satisfying sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cherry Layer
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- â…” 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
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the bars can be removed easily once set.
- 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.
- Cook Cherry Mixture: Continue cooking the mixture at a gentle boil for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Cherry Flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cherry chips (or the almond bark substitute with cherry extract and red food coloring) and vanilla extract until smooth and fully melted.
- Set Cherry Layer: Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool and set at room temperature.
- Melt Chocolate: In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl placed over simmering water, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring occasionally until smooth.
- Add Peanut Butter: Stir the creamy peanut butter into the melted chocolate until fully combined.
- Incorporate Peanuts: Fold the crushed salted peanuts gently into the chocolate-peanut mixture ensuring even distribution.
- Assemble the Bars: Once the cherry layer has set, pour the chocolate-peanut mixture over it and spread evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate-peanut layer is fully set and firm.
- Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry chips with white almond bark, cherry extract, and red food coloring if cherry chips are unavailable.
- Use a double boiler method to melt chocolate gently to prevent burning.
- Ensure the cherry layer is completely set before adding the chocolate-peanut layer for best results.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor.
