Homemade cherry mash bars are simply divine! Featuring a layer of sweet cherry candy and a layer of rich chocolate peanut butter candy, these bars are a tasty treat. Whether you serve them as a dessert or a snack, cherry mash bars are sure to be a favorite. They are great to make for DIY Christmas and holiday gifts.
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Cherry mash candy bar
If you are familiar with cherry mash candy bars, you will absolutely love this homemade cherry mash bars recipe. Cherry chips, peanuts, marshmallows, and chocolate all combine to make these yummy treats.
Sweet beginnings
The Chase Candy Company was established in 1876 and led to the creation of the very popular Cherry Mash candy bar. Chase became famous throughout the Midwest for its fine-quality hand-dipped chocolates and peanut candies.
Why you should try this cherry mash bars recipe
These sweet cherry mash bars are very quick and easy to make, and their perfect blend of flavors is sure to make them a family favorite. They are homemade and actually taste better than the candy bar.
A sweet cherry layer is paired with chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy and salty chopped peanuts — mmmm! They are perfect for the holidays or any time you have the urge for a sweet treat.
Ingredients you will need for homemade cherry mash bars
The only ingredient you might have trouble finding is cherry chips. Here’s your list:
- Evaporated milk – Provides a rich, creamy base for the cherry layer
- Margarine – Adds buttery flavor and helps set the cherry layer
- Sugar – Sweetens the cherry layer and balances the tartness of the cherry chips
- Cherry chips – Give the distinct cherry flavor and color to the bars
- Marshmallows – Helps create a smooth, fluffy texture in the cherry layer
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Form the base of the rich chocolate peanut butter layer
- Creamy peanut butter – Adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture to the chocolate layer
- Salted peanuts – Provide a crunchy contrast and salty complement to the sweet layers
- Vanilla – Enhances the overall flavor of the bars
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and heightens the flavors of the other ingredients
Where to get cherry chips
You may be able to find cherry chips in the baking section of your grocery store. Walmart also sells them, and, of course, there is always Amazon. Another option is to make your own cherry chips – here are the ingredients:
- 6 ounces white almond bark
- 1 teaspoon cherry extract
- Red food coloring to the desired color
Note: Omit the vanilla from the recipe if you are using cherry extract.
How to make cherry mash bars
Many bar recipes are quick and easy to put together, and this one is no exception. Here’s what you do:
- Combine the sugar, milk, salt, marshmallows, and margarine, and boil for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, add the cherry chips and vanilla, and spread it in a baking dish.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or bowl over hot water in a saucepan over low heat and add the peanut butter and peanuts. Stir to combine.
- Spoon the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cherry mixture and spread it out evenly.
- Refrigerate the candy until thoroughly chilled.
- Use a warm, sharp knife to cut the chilled candy into squares or rectangles.
How to make a double boiler
Why go to the expense of buying a double boiler when you can DIY one with equipment you already have? All you need is a medium-sized pot and a heatproof glass or metal mixing bowl.
To melt chocolate, a boil is not necessary – you’re only going for gentle heat. Place the bowl containing the chocolate over the top of your pot. It should be a snug fit and should not touch the water (if it does, it will get too hot).
Possible variations
Here’s how you might want to experiment with the recipe:
- If you can’t find cherry chips, butterscotch chips can be substituted to make butterscotch mash bars.
- For other fruit mash bars, you might want to try raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry chips.
- Other ideas for cherry chip substitution are Irish cream chips, caramel chips, or peppermint chips.
- If you have someone in your family with a peanut allergy, you can switch out the peanut butter for almond butter and the peanuts for salted almonds. Cashew butter and salted cashews would also work.
How to serve cherry mash bars
These homemade cherry mash bars have a festive look and are a great addition to your holiday cookie tray. They are great for homemade Christmas gifts.
One of these sweet and chocolaty cherry bars is perfect with your morning or afternoon cup of coffee or tea. Kids will love them for a sweet treat.
How to store the bars
Refrigerator Storage:
- Place the cut cherry mash bars in an airtight container.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Enjoy the bars chilled, straight from the fridge.
Freezer Storage:
- Wrap the cut cherry mash bars tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe, airtight container or freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Store the bars in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To enjoy, remove the desired number of bars from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Tips:
- Make sure the bars are completely cool before storing to avoid condensation.
- If layering the bars in a container, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.
- For the best quality, consume the bars within the recommended storage times.
- Always store the bars in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.
Favorite candy recipes
- Cream Cheese Mints
- Homemade Reese’s Cups
- Homemade Snickers
- Microwave Peanut Brittle
- Peanut Butter Balls Dipped in Chocolate
- Peppermint Bark
- Rocky Road Candy
Popular cherry recipes
- Cherry Coffee Cake
- Cherry Cream Cheese Pie
- Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
- Cherry Pizza
- Cherry Turnover
- Chocolate Cherry Cobbler
Check out more of my easy candy recipes and the best Christmas recipes on CopyKat!
Homemade Cherry Mash Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 12 marshmallows
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 6 ounces cherry chips or substitute 6 ounces white almond bark, 1 teaspoon cherry extract, and red food coloring to the desired color
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract omit if cherry extract was used
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup crushed salted peanuts
Instructions
- Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine the sugar, evaporated milk, salt, marshmallows, and margarine in a saucepan over medium heat and boil for 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the cherry chips and vanilla, and stir.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Melt the chocolate chips in double boiler. Add the peanut butter and crushed peanuts and stir to combine. Spread chocolate peanut mixture over cherry mixture in the baking dish and refrigerate.
There are lots of different nut butter that could be substituted for the peanut butter (whi h I don’t particularly care for). I may try them with almond or pistachio!
I was wondering if peanut butter could be substituted for something else or left off. I have to have a low sodium diet due to swelling. The ones I had as a kid the Cherry Mash balls, I didn’t think they had Peanu Butter in them I could be wrong it’s been a very long time. I want to make them for Valentines Day and Easter.
Thank you
BettyL
Perhaps another nut butter, if you are trying to eliminate sodium, I would be curious if their is a low sodium brand of peanut butter.
Did you use regular marshmallows or the large ones?
I used regular sized marshmallows for this recipe.
What are cherry chips?
They are like chocolate chips, but they are cherry chips.
It’s a midwestern staple 😊. They don’t sell them anywhere that I’ve seen in central Florida, so when I heard my friends from South Dakota were vacationing here I asked them to bring me 4 bags & of course they did because South Dakotans are the nicest people you’ll ever meet ❤️
Are the marshmallows mini? And do you have to use margarine or can you use butter?
Sounds delish…til I got to the peanut butter. I like peanut butter but with cherry flavor? Is there any substitute I could use? Almond butter, maybe? Thanks!
Loved these! They reminded me of the ones I had when I was growing up.