Delicious Cherry Mash Bars Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors and textures of Cherry Mash Bars! These sweet treats are a perfect combination of gooey cherry goodness, creamy chocolate, and crunchy peanuts. The cherry base, enriched with sweetened condensed milk and a hint of almond extract, pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate and peanut butter layer on top. Cut them into small squares as they are incredibly rich and satisfying.

Crafting these Cherry Mash Bars will not only fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma but also bring back fond memories and create new ones. The simplicity of this recipe, yet the complexity of flavors, never fails to impress. These bars are a hit at potlucks and gatherings – be prepared to share the recipe with everyone who tries them!

To achieve the perfect Cherry Mash Bars, ensure each layer sets properly by allowing for adequate chilling time. Don’t forget to line your pan for easy removal and slicing. Feel free to get creative with this recipe by experimenting with different nuts or adding coconut for an extra layer of texture. Keep a batch of these bars in the fridge for a quick and delicious sweet treat whenever the craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive. Cherish every bite of these delightful Cherry Mash Bars!

Quick Benefits

• Rich and gooey cherry base from sweetened condensed milk
• Perfect balance of sweet cherries, creamy chocolate, and crunchy peanuts
• Easy to make and customizable with different nuts or additions
• Stores well in the fridge for convenient snacking and entertaining

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Cherry Mash Bars Recipe Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet maraschino cherries, creamy chocolate, and crunchy peanuts create a flavor explosion that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible to even the most novice bakers.
• Perfect for Sharing: These bars are great for potlucks, parties, or as a homemade gift. They are guaranteed to be a hit with friends and family.
• Balanced Texture: The gooey cherry base, rich chocolate peanut butter layer, and crunchy peanuts offer a delightful contrast in textures with every bite.
• Customizable: You can get creative with this recipe by adding different nuts or even some coconut for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
• Make-ahead Friendly: These bars can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making them a convenient option for satisfying your sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
• Beautiful Presentation: When cut into small pieces, these bars look elegant and inviting, making them perfect for serving at any occasion.

Ingredients for Delicious Cherry Mash Bars Recipe

• 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained (reserve 2 tbsp juice).
• 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter.
• 3 cups powdered sugar.
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• 1 cup chopped peanuts.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk.

Pro Tips for Delicious Cherry Mash Bars Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For clean cuts and the best texture, make sure to allow each layer of the cherry mash bars to properly set by chilling them in the refrigerator. This will help the bars hold their shape and make them easier to slice.

Pro Tip 2: Line your pan with parchment paper before assembling the bars to make removal and slicing a breeze. This simple step will prevent the bars from sticking to the pan and ensure they come out perfectly every time.

Pro Tip 3: Get creative with the recipe by experimenting with different nuts or adding coconut for extra texture and flavor. These cherry mash bars are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Keep a batch in the fridge for a delicious treat on hand whenever you need it.

How to Make Delicious Cherry Mash Bars Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Prepare a 9×13 pan by lining it with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang, and lightly greasing it.

Step 2: Step 02

Combine cherries, reserved juice, condensed milk, butter, and almond extract until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar and salt while stirring.

Step 3: Step 03

Evenly spread the cherry mixture in the pan and refrigerate before preparing the topping.

Step 4: Step 04

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips and peanut butter in 20-second increments until melted and smooth.

Storage Tips

After making these delectable Cherry Mash Bars, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and texture. The best way to store the finished dish is to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will help the bars firm up and maintain their shape, making it easier to cut them into neat pieces when serving.

When storing the Cherry Mash Bars in the fridge, make sure to cover them with plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any other odors present in the refrigerator. Additionally, storing them in the fridge will help the layers set properly, ensuring that each bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. By storing them in the refrigerator, you can enjoy these rich and gooey bars for several days, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert for any occasion.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have maraschino cherries on hand, you can substitute them with fresh cherries if they are in season. Simply pit and chop the fresh cherries to use in place of the maraschino cherries. Additionally, you can use cherry pie filling as a substitute, adjusting the sweetness level accordingly.

For those who prefer a dairy-free option, you can replace the sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk or homemade condensed milk made from coconut milk and sweetener. This substitution will give a slightly different flavor profile but will still provide the necessary richness to the bars.

If you have nut allergies or simply prefer a different flavor, you can swap out the peanuts for other nuts like almonds, pecans, or cashews. You can also experiment with adding shredded coconut or dried fruit for a different texture and taste in these cherry mash bars.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of your Cherry Mash Bars, try serving them on a rustic wooden platter garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. For a fun twist, cut them into bite-sized squares and serve them on individual cocktail skewers for a party-ready dessert option that’s easy to grab and enjoy. These bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering with their irresistible combination of flavors and textures!

Serve these delightful Cherry Mash Bars on a colorful platter along with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. For a more casual presentation, stack the bars on a tiered dessert stand and drizzle them with melted chocolate for a mouth-watering finish. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, tea party, or just treating yourself, these bars are a versatile and delicious option that will leave everyone coming back for more.

FAQs for Delicious Cherry Mash Bars Recipe

Can I use a different type of nut instead of peanuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans to add your preferred crunch and flavor to these cherry mash bars.

How should I store these cherry mash bars?

For best results, store the cherry mash bars in the fridge. Keeping them chilled will help maintain their shape and make for cleaner cuts when serving.

Can I make these cherry mash bars in advance?

Yes, you can definitely make these bars in advance. In fact, they often taste even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Just ensure they are stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge.

Do I need to line the pan before making these bars?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to line your pan with parchment paper before assembling the cherry mash bars. This will make it easier to remove the bars from the pan and cut them into clean, even slices.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delectable Cherry Mash Bars with your loved ones. The combination of sweet cherries, creamy chocolate, and crunchy peanuts is sure to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations to make this recipe your own – the possibilities are endless!

Remember, the key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your Cherry Mash Bars lies in patience and proper chilling. Allow each layer to set fully for clean cuts and a satisfying mouthfeel. Whether you’re indulging in a sweet treat for yourself or preparing these bars for a gathering, they are bound to be a hit. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of these Cherry Mash Bars!

Delicious Cherry Mash Bars Recipe

Indulge in the perfect blend of cherry, chocolate, and peanut butter with these rich, gooey, and crunchy Cherry Mash Bars.

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CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelIntermediate

Servings24 Servings (24 bars)

Ingredients

• 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained (reserve 2 tbsp juice).
• 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter.
• 3 cups powdered sugar.
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• 1 cup chopped peanuts.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk.

Instructions

1. Step 01: Prepare a 9×13 pan by lining it with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang, and lightly greasing it.
2. Step 02: Combine cherries, reserved juice, condensed milk, butter, and almond extract until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar and salt while stirring.
3. Step 03: Evenly spread the cherry mixture in the pan and refrigerate before preparing the topping.
4. Step 04: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips and peanut butter in 20-second increments until melted and smooth.