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Cherry Mash Bars

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

These cherry peanut butter bars are dangerously good! Takes about an hour total. The cherry base gets all gooey and rich from condensed milk while that chocolate pb top adds perfect salty sweet crunch. Cut them small - they're super rich. Made them for potluck and everyone wanted the recipe. Store them in the fridge for clean cuts.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:18:45 GMT
A close-up of two layered dessert bars featuring chocolate, cherries, and a pink filling, garnished with nuts and scattered almonds on a wooden surface. Pin it
A close-up of two layered dessert bars featuring chocolate, cherries, and a pink filling, garnished with nuts and scattered almonds on a wooden surface. | lastminrecipes.com

These cherry mash bars bring back sweet memories while creating new ones. After perfecting this recipe I've discovered the perfect balance of sweet cherries creamy chocolate and crunchy peanuts. The way these layers come together creates such a wonderful treat that everyone loves.

Simply Delightful

What makes these cherry mash bars so special is their combination of flavors and textures. That bright cherry layer topped with rich chocolate and nuts creates something truly magical. My friends always ask for the recipe surprised at how simple they are to make.

What You'll Need

  • Cherries: Bright maraschino beauties.
  • Milk: Sweet condensed for richness.
  • Almond: Just a touch of extract.
  • Sugar: Powdered for smoothness.
  • Chocolate: Quality semi-sweet chips.
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy works best.
  • Peanuts: Chopped for crunch.

Let's Start Making

Prep Your Pan
Line it well for easy removal.
Create Cherry Magic
Mix that perfect cherry layer.
Top It Off
Make that chocolate peanut dream.
Time to Chill
Let everything set beautifully.

Success Secrets

The key to perfect cherry mash bars lies in the chilling time. Let each layer set properly for the best texture and clean cuts. And don't skip lining your pan it makes removal and slicing so much easier.

Make Them Your Own

These cherry mash bars welcome creativity. Try different nuts or add coconut for texture. They keep beautifully in the fridge ready whenever you need a sweet treat or have guests dropping by.

A stack of layered chocolate and pink dessert bars, featuring nuts and topped with chocolate chips and cherries, is displayed on a dark surface surrounded by scattered peanuts and cherries. Pin it
A stack of layered chocolate and pink dessert bars, featuring nuts and topped with chocolate chips and cherries, is displayed on a dark surface surrounded by scattered peanuts and cherries. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why chill between layers?
Chilling helps the cherry layer set firmly so the chocolate topping can be spread evenly without mixing.
→ Why use parchment paper?
The overhang makes it easy to lift the entire batch from the pan and achieve clean cuts.
→ Can I use different nuts?
While peanuts are traditional, other chopped nuts could work for variety.
→ Why save cherry juice?
The reserved cherry juice adds extra flavor and helps achieve the right consistency in the base.
→ Why heat chocolate in intervals?
Short heating intervals prevent scorching and ensure smooth melting of the chocolate and peanut butter.

Cherry Mash Bars

Two-layer dessert bars featuring a sweet cherry and condensed milk base topped with chocolate, peanut butter, and chopped peanuts.

Prep Time
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Cook Time
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Total Time
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By: Mina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained (reserve 2 tbsp juice).
02 1 can sweetened condensed milk.
03 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
04 3 cups powdered sugar.
05 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted.
06 1/4 teaspoon salt.
07 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.
08 1 cup creamy peanut butter.
09 1 cup chopped peanuts.

Instructions

Step 01

Line 9x13 pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving overhang. Grease lightly.

Step 02

Mix cherries, reserved juice, condensed milk, butter and almond extract until smooth. Gradually stir in powdered sugar and salt.

Step 03

Spread cherry mixture in pan evenly. Refrigerate while making topping.

Step 04

Microwave chocolate chips and peanut butter in 20-second intervals until melted and smooth.

Notes

  1. No baking required.
  2. Requires chilling time.
  3. Can be made ahead.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking pan.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Microwave-safe bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Peanuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~