Homemade Cherry Mash Bars 🍒🍫🥜✨

Sweet cherry layer topped with a rich chocolate-peanut mixture—classic retro candy bar flavor made at home.

Ingredients 🛒

Cherry Layer:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 12 large marshmallows
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 6 oz cherry chips (or substitute: 6 oz white almond bark + 1 tsp cherry extract + red food coloring)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (omit if using cherry extract)

Chocolate-Peanut Layer:

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup salted peanuts, crushed

Directions 👩‍🍳

1. Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cherry Layer: In saucepan, combine sugar, evaporated milk, salt, marshmallows, and butter. Stir until boiling. Cook 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat, add cherry chips (or substitute) and vanilla. Stir smooth. Spread evenly in dish. Cool and set.
3. Chocolate-Peanut Layer: Melt chocolate chips in double boiler. Stir in peanut butter until smooth. Fold in crushed peanuts.
4. Assemble: Pour chocolate-peanut mixture over cooled cherry layer. Spread evenly. Refrigerate 2 hours until set.
5. Serve: Cut into squares. Store chilled in airtight container.

Tips 🌟

• Extra flavor: Add a splash of almond extract to the cherry layer.
• Variation: Try with white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter topping.
• Serving idea: Wrap squares in parchment for a nostalgic candy gift.

Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~35 minutes + chilling
• Servings: 24 bars

Caption & Engagement

Caption: “Homemade Cherry Mash Bars—retro candy magic at home 🍒🍫🥜✨”

• Comment prompt: “Would you drizzle extra chocolate or keep it classic?”
• Rotating closers: “Save for your next sweet craving.” • “Tag a friend who loves retro candy.” • “Simple steps, bold flavor.”