🍒 Homemade Cherry Mash Bars 🍫🥜
Sweet cherry layer topped with rich chocolate-peanut crunch—an irresistible treat for holidays or anytime!
Ingredients
Cherry Layer
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 12 large marshmallows
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 6 oz cherry chips (or substitute: 6 oz white almond bark + 1 tsp cherry extract + red food coloring)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (omit if using cherry extract)
Chocolate-Peanut Layer
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup salted peanuts, crushed
Directions
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cherry Layer: In saucepan, combine sugar, evaporated milk, salt, marshmallows, and butter. Stir until boiling. Cook 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat, add cherry chips (or substitute) and vanilla. Stir smooth. Spread evenly in dish. Cool and set.
- Chocolate-Peanut Layer: Melt chocolate chips in double boiler. Stir in peanut butter until smooth. Fold in crushed peanuts.
- Assemble: Pour chocolate-peanut mixture over cooled cherry layer. Spread evenly. Refrigerate 2 hours until set.
- Serve: Cut into squares. Store chilled in airtight container.
Tips
- Cherry Chip Substitute: Use almond bark + cherry extract + red food coloring if cherry chips unavailable.
- Clean Cutting: Warm knife under hot water, dry, then slice for smooth edges.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: ~2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: ~24 bars
- Kcal: ~210 kcal per bar
✨ A nostalgic candy-bar-inspired treat—sweet cherry, creamy chocolate, and crunchy peanuts in every bite!