How to Make Cherry Mash Candy Bars at Home

Cherry mash candy bars are a treat traditional around the holidays. However, they can be enjoyed all year long. The combination of cherry, chocolate and peanut butter creates a chewy, crunchy, gooey dessert bar. Try this easy method to make cherry mash candy bars at home. This recipe yields about 12 candy bars.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 12 large marshmallows
• ½ cup butter
• Medium saucepan
• 6 oz. cherry chips
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 9 x 13-inch baking pan
• Vegetable shortening
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 (12 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup peanut butter
• 1 cup peanuts, crushed
• Microwave safe bowl

Instructions

1. Combine sugar, evaporated milk, marshmallows, and ½ cup of butter in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to medium-high and cook for 5 minutes.

2. Remove the mixture from heat. Add the cherry chips and vanilla extract to the sugar/milk mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined.

3. Grease the baking pan well with vegetable shortening. Pour the mixture into the greased pan, then place the pan in the refrigerator for 2 hours to set.

4. Combine 2 tablespoons butter, chocolate chips, peanut butter and peanuts in the microwave safe bowl. Put it into the microwave and heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between each round, until all ingredients have melted.

5. Spread the chocolate mixture over the top of the cherry mixture and place in the refrigerator. Allow the candy to chill for 2 hours, or until firm. Cut the hardened candy into bar shapes, about 2 x 4 inches in size. Serve cold or allow them to warm to room temperature first.

Tips & Warnings

• Use chunky peanut butter instead of crushed peanuts, if necessary. Margarine may also be substituted for butter, if necessary, although you'll get better tasting results using real butter.