Name: Cherry Mash Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; ⅔ cup evaporated milk; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 10 oz jar maraschino cherries (drained and chopped); 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 2 cups creamy peanut butter; 2 cups salted peanuts (chopped)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that’s playfully nostalgic and incredibly indulgent, look no further than this irresistible Cherry Mash Bars Recipe. Imagine layers of cherry-kissed nougat topped with a dreamy combo of chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy peanuts—each bite is a throwback to classic candy bars, but even better because you made them yourself. Whether you’re whipping these up for a bake sale, potluck, or just as a weeknight pick-me-up, these bars are guaranteed to win hearts and taste buds. Let me show you just how easy (and fun!) it is to make this Cherry Mash Bars Recipe your new go-to dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Every component in this Cherry Mash Bars Recipe plays a unique role: from juicy cherries brightening the base, to chocolate and peanuts crowning the top with addictively rich texture and flavor.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cherry base and helps create a smooth, candy-like consistency.
Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess and richness, making the nougat layer soft and chewy.
Unsalted butter: Gives body and flavor to the cherry layer while helping it set.
Maraschino cherries: Bring a pop of color and tangy-sweet cherry flavor to the bars—drain them well for the best texture!
Mini marshmallows: Melt into the cherry mix for that classic, fluffy nougat base.
Almond extract: Infuses subtle, nutty undertones that beautifully complement the cherries.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Create a decadent, fudgy topping to balance out the sweetness.
Creamy peanut butter: Adds richness, salty depth, and helps keep the topping smooth and soft.
Salted peanuts (chopped): Offer that perfect, crave-worthy crunch and a touch of salt to round everything out.

How to Make Cherry Mash Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Nougat Layer

Start by setting up your cherry base. In a large saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, evaporated milk, and butter. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly—this step is important for achieving that creamy, candy texture. Let the mixture bubble away for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Off the heat, quickly mix in the drained and chopped maraschino cherries, marshmallows, and almond extract. Stir until the marshmallows are melted and everything is smooth, pink, and glorious! Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan and spread it all out evenly, then pop it in the fridge to set for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate-Peanut Layer

While your cherry layer is chilling, it’s time for the magical chocolate-peanut butter crown. In a separate saucepan—or a microwave-safe bowl if you’re going the speedy route—melt the semisweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter together. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth. Next, fold in those salty, chopped peanuts to add the perfect amount of crunch and contrast.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Take your pan out of the fridge: the cherry nougat should be set and cool to the touch. Pour the warm chocolate-peanut mixture over the cherry base and gently spread it evenly to every corner. Pop the pan back into the fridge and let everything chill until thoroughly set—about 2 more hours is perfect. Once firm, slice into neat squares and marvel at your homemade Cherry Mash Bars Recipe!

How to Serve Cherry Mash Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up your bars with a flourish by sprinkling a few extra chopped peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top. A couple of halved maraschino cherries look gorgeous too—especially if you want that “wow” factor when serving guests!

Side Dishes

For a fun dessert spread, pair these bars with scoops of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad. Their rich, candy-like texture also plays so well with coffee, making them a dreamy companion for your afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the bars on a tiered cake stand lined with parchment for a vintage bakery vibe, or wrap individual squares in wax paper and give them as homemade gifts. They also look adorable tucked into cupcake liners for easy sharing at parties or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week—if they last that long! The cold helps the layers stay nice and firm, so each bite stays picture-perfect.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Cherry Mash Bars Recipe! Layer the bars with wax paper in a freezer-safe container and they’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for best texture.

Reheating

These bars are best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is required. If you do prefer a softer bite, just let them sit out on the counter for about 10 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Maraschino cherries provide that classic candy flavor and vibrant color, but if you want to use fresh cherries, pit and chop them, then cook lightly with a bit of sugar. Just be sure to drain well—the texture may be a little different, but still delicious!

Is there a nut-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply omit the peanuts and swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter. The recipe will still deliver a wonderful chewy-chocolatey experience, perfect for anyone with nut allergies.

What can I use if I don’t have almond extract?

You can substitute with vanilla extract if needed. While almond extract has a distinctive, nostalgic aroma that really shines in this Cherry Mash Bars Recipe, vanilla will still provide warm undertones and complement the cherries nicely.

How do I avoid a soggy bottom layer?

Be sure to drain your maraschino cherries thoroughly and even pat them dry with a paper towel before chopping. This step is key to preventing excess moisture in your bars for that perfect, firm bite.

Can I make this Cherry Mash Bars Recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes, and it’s actually better that way! Because they require chilling to fully set, making them a day in advance means less stress for you and gorgeously neat bars for your event.

Final Thoughts

I just know you’ll fall in love with every layer of this Cherry Mash Bars Recipe. It’s colorful, rich, and packed with old-fashioned candy-shop charm—plus, it’s so easy and fun to make! Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a batch; I promise you’ll be making this recipe on repeat. Happy snacking!

Cherry Mash Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of these Cherry Mash Bars, a delightful no-bake dessert that combines the sweetness of cherries with the richness of chocolate and peanut butter. These bars are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re craving a sweet snack or need a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Cherry Layer:

2 cups granulated sugar
⅔ cup evaporated milk
¼ cup unsalted butter
10 oz jar maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon almond extract

Chocolate-Peanut Layer:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups creamy peanut butter
2 cups salted peanuts (chopped)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Main Cherry Layer: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, and butter. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped maraschino cherries, marshmallows, and almond extract until smooth and combined.
Pour the cherry mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan and spread evenly. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
Chocolate-Peanut Layer: Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together until smooth. Stir in the chopped peanuts. Spread the chocolate-peanut mixture evenly over the chilled cherry layer.
Return to the refrigerator and chill until completely set, about 2 hours. Cut into squares and serve.