Cherry Mash Bars have this magical power to whisk you back to your childhood. Imagine biting into a chewy, sweet bar that combines the tartness of cherries with the richness of chocolate. The aroma fills the air like a warm hug on a chilly day, making it impossible not to smile. These bars are perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or simply because it’s Tuesday and you deserve a treat. Trust me; the moment you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to a happy place where dessert reigns supreme. For more inspiration, check out this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
I vividly remember the first time I tasted Cherry Mash Bars at my grandma’s house. She would whip them up whenever we had family gatherings, and they always disappeared faster than my uncle’s jokes at Thanksgiving dinner. The blend of flavors was an instant hit with everyone, and I can still hear my cousins clamoring for “just one more.” Whether it’s a cozy evening with friends or a festive occasion, these bars promise to deliver a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These Cherry Mash Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
- With their delightful blend of tart cherries and rich chocolate, every bite is bursting with flavor.
- The vibrant red color adds visual appeal that makes them irresistible on any dessert table.
- Versatile enough for any occasion, they’re great as an everyday snack or a special treat for celebrations.
Ingredients for Cherry Mash Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This serves as the base for your bars; use standard unbleached flour for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up! This brings out the natural flavors of the cherries and balances the tartness. Balsamic Brown Sugar Pork Roast.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries; opt for high-quality brands.
- Baking Powder: Essential for helping your bars rise and achieve that perfect chewy texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors; never skip it!
- Eggs: They bind everything together and provide moisture—use large eggs for best results.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter creates richness; make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For those gooey pockets of chocolate; feel free to sprinkle extra on top!
- Dried Cherries: Look for plump, juicy ones—they add a delightful chewiness and burst of flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Mash Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8 baking dish and grease it lightly with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Keto Pizza Recipe Set aside like you’re saving last night’s pizza slice.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat your eggs until frothy. Add melted butter and stir until fully blended—this is where magic starts happening!
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix unless you want tough bars instead of chewy goodness.
Step 5: Add Chocolate and Cherries
Fold in those semi-sweet chocolate chips and dried cherries like you’re mixing in some fun at a party. Make sure they’re evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean but moist (nobody likes dry cherry mash bars).
Transfer to plates and drizzle with melted chocolate or serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch!
You Must Know
- These Cherry Mash Bars are not just a treat; they are a nostalgic journey to childhood sweets.
- With their rich chocolate and sweet cherry filling, they bring joy to any dessert table.
- Easy to make and even easier to devour, they are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preparing the cherry filling first, giving it time to cool. While it cools, melt the chocolate for the bars. Once everything is ready, layer the filling between the chocolate. Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites This sequence ensures flavorful bites every time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cherries for raspberries or strawberries if you’re feeling adventurous. Add nuts for an extra crunch or drizzle some white chocolate on top for flair. Personalize these bars to match your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Cherry Mash Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want them warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Enjoy that melty goodness!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Cherry Mash Bars, use fresh cherries for better flavor and texture.
- Ensure your chocolate is tempered properly to avoid a dull finish.
- Let the bars chill completely before slicing for clean edges.
Sometimes, I whip up these bars when friends visit unexpectedly, and they never fail to impress! One bite and it’s like I’m winning a baking award—everyone loves them!
FAQs
What are Cherry Mash Bars?
Cherry Mash Bars are delicious treats that combine the flavors of cherries, chocolate, and creamy nougat. These bars are inspired by the classic Cherry Mash candy, making them a perfect homemade dessert for cherry lovers. They consist of a chewy base, a cherry-flavored filling, and a rich chocolate coating. You can enjoy them as a snack or dessert at any gathering.
How do I store Cherry Mash Bars?
To keep your Cherry Mash Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live in a warmer climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain their texture. Properly stored, they can last up to a week. If you want to save them for longer, freeze the bars in an airtight container. Just remember to let them thaw before enjoying!
Can I substitute ingredients in Cherry Mash Bars?
Absolutely! You can customize your Cherry Mash Bars by substituting certain ingredients. For instance, if you prefer dark chocolate over milk chocolate, feel free to make that switch for a richer flavor. You can also use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different twist. Adjusting the nuts or even using dried cherries can enhance the texture and taste according to your liking.
Are Cherry Mash Bars suitable for special diets?
Cherry Mash Bars can be adapted to fit various dietary needs. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour or almond flour in the base recipe. You can also swap out dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or vegan butter. Banana Pudding Cheesecake By making these adjustments, you can create delicious Cherry Mash Bars that everyone can enjoy without compromising on flavor!
Conclusion for Cherry Mash Bars
In summary, Cherry Mash Bars offer a delightful combination of cherry flavor and chocolatey goodness, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. With easy storage methods and ingredient substitutions available, these bars cater to various preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars will surely impress friends and family alike! Enjoy creating this scrumptious dessert today!
Cherry Mash Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Cherry Mash Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the tangy flavor of cherries with rich chocolate, evoking sweet childhood memories. These chewy bars are simple to make and are sure to impress at any gathering or cozy night in. With their vibrant color and irresistible taste, they’re bound to be the highlight of your dessert table. Treat yourself to these nostalgic sweets and enjoy every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 baking dish by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- In another bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Add melted butter and mix until blended.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and dried cherries until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean but moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, you can substitute dried cherries with raspberries or strawberries. Consider drizzling white chocolate on top for a decorative touch. Store your Cherry Mash Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days for optimal freshness.