Description
Cherry Mash Bars are a delightful homemade treat inspired by the classic Cherry Mash candy. They feature a sweet cherry-flavored layer topped with a rich chocolate-peanut butter mixture, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cherry Layer:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 12 large marshmallows
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6 ounces cherry chips (or substitute with 6 ounces white almond bark, 1 teaspoon cherry extract, and red food coloring to achieve desired color)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (omit if using cherry extract)
Chocolate-Peanut Layer:
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup salted peanuts, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the foil with cooking spray.
- Make the Cherry Layer:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, salt, marshmallows, and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cherry chips (or prepared substitute) and vanilla extract (if using). Mix until smooth.
- Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool and set completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate-Peanut Layer:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave on high for 45 seconds, then stir until the mixture is smooth. If necessary, microwave in additional 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and combined.
- Fold in the chopped salted peanuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Once the cherry layer has set, pour the chocolate-peanut mixture over it, spreading evenly to cover the cherry layer completely.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are fully set.
- Serve:
- Using the foil overhang, lift the set bars from the pan and place them on a cutting board.
- Cut into squares or rectangles of desired size using a sharp knife.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- If cherry chips are unavailable, you can substitute with 6 ounces of white almond bark, 1 teaspoon of cherry extract, and red food coloring to achieve the desired color.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bottom chocolate layer. To do this, divide the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and chopped peanuts in half. Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1/3 cup of peanut butter, stir in half of the chopped peanuts, and spread this mixture in the prepared pan before adding the cherry layer. Then, proceed with the remaining steps as above.