Cherry Mash Bars are like a sweet, nostalgic hug from your childhood. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar infused with the rich flavors of cherry and chocolate, instantly transporting you to summer picnics and family gatherings. chocolate raspberry cupcakes The delightful aroma wafts through your kitchen, making it nearly impossible to resist sneaking just one more piece. pistachio cake recipe Snickers poke cake For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake recipe.
Picture this: you’re at a family reunion, surrounded by laughter and chatter, when Grandma proudly presents her famous Cherry Mash Bars. Everyone dives into them, faces lighting up with joy as they savor the perfect balance of sweet cherries and creamy chocolate. mint chocolate brownies These bars aren’t just a treat; they’re a cherished memory waiting to be made.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cherry Mash Bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for bakers of all levels
- Their unique flavor combination creates a delightful experience that will impress everyone
- The vibrant red color adds visual appeal, making them an eye-catching dessert for any occasion
- Versatile enough for potlucks or weeknight treats, you can enjoy these bars anytime!
I remember the first time I made Cherry Mash Bars for my friends; their delighted reactions made me feel like a baking superstar.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious bars:
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Cherry Pie Filling: Opt for high-quality cherry filling for the best flavor and sweetness in every bite.
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Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips work wonderfully to complement the cherries’ tartness.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the overall saltiness of the bars.
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All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for creating that perfect chewy texture in each bar.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; adjust according to your taste preference.
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Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and binding; use large eggs for consistent results.
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Baking Powder: This helps the bars rise slightly while keeping them soft and chewy.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add in two eggs and vanilla extract; mix well until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients and Cherry Filling: Gradually stir in flour and baking powder until just combined. Gently fold in cherry pie filling and half of your chocolate chips to create that signature flavor blend.
Pour into Prepared Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan evenly. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top, spreading them out to ensure everyone gets some chocolate goodness.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown edges form. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Trust me; patience here is key—the aroma alone will test your resolve! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Cheesecake Squares recipe.
Now that you have mastered these delightful Cherry Mash Bars, prepare yourself for compliments galore at your next gathering!
You Must Know
- Cherry Mash Bars are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cherries with chocolate and nuts
- The chewy texture and rich flavors make them perfect for any occasion
- They are simple to prepare, allowing you to impress friends and family without breaking a sweat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best Cherry Mash Bars, start by mixing your dry ingredients first. Next, combine your wet ingredients separately, then mix everything together. This ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the bars.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Cherry Mash Bars by swapping out almonds for walnuts or adding coconut flakes for extra texture. You can also experiment with different chocolate types, like dark or white chocolate, to suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Cherry Mash Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that gooey texture again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get the best flavor from cherries, use fresh ones when possible; they bring a vibrant taste that canned cherries can’t match
- If using dried cherries, soak them in warm water beforehand for added moisture
- Always let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean edges
Sharing these bars with my friends brought back memories of baking with my grandmother. Her secret ingredient was always love, and each bite reminded me of those cherished moments in her cozy kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries work well; just thaw and drain excess moisture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.
Cherry Mash Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 16 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the sweet nostalgia of Cherry Mash Bars, a delightful treat that combines vibrant cherry flavors with rich chocolate. These soft, chewy bars are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual get-togethers. With an irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen, you won’t be able to resist sharing (or sneaking) a piece!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in eggs and vanilla until combined.
- Gradually add flour and baking powder; stir until just combined. Fold in cherry pie filling and half the chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown; a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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