Description
Homemade cherry mash bars combine nostalgic midwest candy with rich chocolate layers. Chocolate lovers can craft this delightful dessert featuring sweet cherry filling and smooth chocolate coating.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (350 g / 12.35 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (250 g / 8.82 oz) creamy peanut butter
- 1 jar (10 oz / 285 g) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 2 cups (200 g / 7.05 oz) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (115 g / 4.06 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120 g / 4.23 oz) chopped peanuts
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
- 1 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Cherry Base Preparation: Whip butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Incorporate maraschino cherries, cherry juice, and almond extract, blending into a smooth, vibrant mixture.
- Chilling Foundation: Spread the cherry mixture evenly in a prepared baking dish. Freeze for 30 minutes until firm and compact.
- Chocolate-Peanut Topping Creation: Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave, stirring until glossy. Fold in chopped peanuts for textural complexity.
- Layer Assembly: Remove cherry base from freezer and pour the warm chocolate-peanut mixture over the surface, using a spatula to ensure complete and seamless coverage.
- Setting and Finishing: Refrigerate for a minimum of two hours until completely solidified. Once set, slice into precise squares or rectangular portions. Serve chilled or allow a brief moment at room temperature to soften slightly.
Notes
- Chill Precisely: Freeze the cherry layer exactly 30 minutes for the perfect consistency, preventing crumbling or soft texture.
- Melt Chocolate Carefully: Use short microwave bursts and stir frequently to avoid burning chocolate, ensuring smooth and glossy coating.
- Customize Cherry Intensity: Adjust maraschino cherry quantity for stronger or milder fruit flavor, matching personal preference.
- Room Temperature Serving: Let bars sit 2-3 minutes before serving to soften slightly, enhancing texture and flavor release.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 15
- Calories: 322
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg