Cherry Mash Bars
Indulge in the nostalgic charm of Cherry Mash Bars, a delightful no-fuss dessert that combines layers of luscious cherry filling and rich, chocolate-peanut topping. This homemade twist on a classic candy bar features smooth cherry-flavored baking chips, velvety marshmallow crème, and just a hint of optional red food coloring for that iconic pop of color. Topped with a decadent combination of melted semi-sweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy chopped peanuts, these bars are a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a simple set-and-chill process, these easy Cherry Mash Bars are the ultimate treat for bake sales, holiday platters, or an afternoon snack. Serve them chilled or at room temperature for the perfect bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 thirds cup evaporated milk
- 7 ounces marshmallow creme
- 1 cup cherry-flavored baking chips
- 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
- 2.5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup salted peanuts, chopped
Instructions
Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the lining, and set the pan aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the granulated sugar and evaporated milk, and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Stir in the marshmallow creme and cherry-flavored baking chips until the mixture is smooth. Add the red food coloring, if using, for a more vibrant cherry hue. Mix in the powdered sugar gradually until fully incorporated to form the cherry mixture.
Spread the cherry mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula, and set aside to cool slightly.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the chopped peanuts.
Pour the chocolate-peanut mixture over the cherry layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.
Once set, use the parchment paper or foil overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut them into 24 squares or desired serving sizes.
Store the Cherry Mash Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
439 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.7 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.4 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 23 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 103 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.1 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.4 g | ||
| Protein | 6.6 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 34 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 160 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
