Here’s a recipe for Homemade Cherry Mash Bars, a classic and nostalgic treat that’s easy to make at home:
Homemade Cherry Mash Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Cherry Layer:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 oz maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (reserve 1-2 tablespoons of cherry juice)
Chocolate Nut Layer:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy)
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (or more for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in almond extract, vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of reserved cherry juice.
- Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Spread the cherry mixture evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Freeze for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Chocolate Nut Layer:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
- Stir in chopped peanuts for added texture.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Remove the pan with the cherry layer from the freezer.
- Pour the melted chocolate and peanut mixture over the cherry layer, spreading evenly.
- Set the Bars:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely firm.
- Once set, cut into bars or squares.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy these rich, sweet, and nutty cherry mash bars that are perfect for sharing or keeping as a personal indulgence!
