Irresistible Cherry Mash Bars
These irresistible Cherry Mash Bars have become a fan-favorite, capturing the hearts and taste buds of sweet-toothed enthusiasts everywhere. With their rich, gooey center and buttery, crumbly crust, these bars offer a delightful contrast of textures that will have you reaching for just one more.
Inspired by the classic Cherry Mash candy, this recipe takes the beloved flavors and transforms them into a portable, shareable treat that’s perfect for any occasion – from backyard barbecues to holiday gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert or a homemade gift that’s sure to impress, these Cherry Mash Bars are the answer.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets these Cherry Mash Bars apart is their perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the rich chocolate and creamy nougat-like center complemented by the slightly tangy cherries. The buttery shortbread crust provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, gooey filling.
Beyond their mouthwatering flavor, these bars are also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Plus, they’re highly versatile – you can easily adapt the recipe to accommodate dietary needs or personal preferences, making them a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
Finally, the make-ahead nature of these bars means you can prepare them in advance, either baked or unbaked, and have them ready to serve whenever the craving strikes. This convenience factor is a game-changer, allowing you to enjoy a homemade treat without the last-minute stress.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Cherry Mash Bars ❓
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
The beauty of this Cherry Mash Bars recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of buttery shortbread, gooey sweetened condensed milk, and tart cherries creates the irresistible flavor profile that has made these bar recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Cherry Mash Bars Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly dough.
• Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a firm, even crust.
• Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the drained and chopped maraschino cherries with the sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
• Step 5: Spread the cherry-milk mixture over the prepared crust, making sure to cover the entire surface.
• Step 6: Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the top of the cherry-milk layer.
• Step 7: Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
• Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes
Compared to traditional cherry desserts that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Cherry Mash Bars recipe saves you valuable time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 16 servings):
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 92mg
These Cherry Mash Bars provide approximately 6% of your daily protein requirements and 13% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk to reduce the overall carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use dairy-free chocolate chips or carob chips for a vegan-friendly option.
• Added protein: Fold in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or add chopped nuts to the crust for an extra boost of protein.
• Boost vegetables: Finely chop and add fresh or frozen cherries to the filling for an extra burst of fruit and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Cherry Mash Bars.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the bars with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Complement the Cherry Mash Bars with a fresh green salad or a light fruit salad for a balanced dessert platter.
• For a casual gathering, serve the bars alongside a selection of other bite-sized desserts, such as brownies or lemon bars.
• Create an elegant dessert spread by arranging the Cherry Mash Bars with fresh berries, chopped nuts, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Undercooking: If the bars are not baked long enough, the filling may remain too soft and gooey, making it difficult to slice and serve cleanly. Make sure to follow the recommended baking time and check for the proper doneness before removing from the oven.
• Improper cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. Cutting into the bars while they’re still warm can result in a messy, crumbled appearance.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Cherry Mash Bars retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the bars according to the recipe, but do not bake. Wrap the uncut bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked and cooled bars to freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the Cherry Mash Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making in advance. You can prepare the unbaked bars and freeze them for up to 3 months, then simply thaw and bake when ready to serve. Alternatively, you can bake the bars, allow them to cool completely, and then freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can I substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh or frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries. Simply pit and chop the fresh or frozen cherries before adding them to the sweetened condensed milk. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may be slightly different, as maraschino cherries have a sweeter, more pronounced flavor.
Are there any dietary-friendly options for this recipe?
Yes, there are several ways to adapt this recipe to accommodate various dietary needs. For a reduced-fat version, you can use low-fat or non-fat sweetened condensed milk and substitute dark chocolate chips. To make a lower-carb option, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk. For a dairy-free adaptation, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips or carob chips.
What should I do if the bars are too gooey or don’t set properly?
If the bars are too gooey or don’t set properly, it may be due to underbaking. Make sure to bake the bars for the full recommended time, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. If the bars are still too soft, you can try returning them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent overbaking.
Can I add any additional ingredients or make variations to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly versatile, allowing for countless variations. You could try adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crust for an extra crunch. For a flavor twist, you could also swap out the maraschino cherries for another type of fruit, like raspberries or blackberries. Additionally, you could fold in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling.
Conclusion
These irresistible Cherry Mash Bars represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a decadent dessert or a shareable treat, they’re sure to impress with their gooey, chocolatey goodness and buttery, crumbly crust. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Cherry Mash Bars demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking process. So go ahead, indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and tart, and let these bars become your new go-to dessert for any occasion.
