Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cherry mash bars! They’re like a little slice of heaven that combines the tartness of cherry pie filling with rich, decadent chocolate. Seriously, every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor! I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering, and it quickly became a favorite. The balance of sweet and slightly tart cherries against the smooth, chocolatey goodness is just *chef’s kiss*! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up—perfect for those days when you want to impress your friends or just treat yourself! Trust me, you’ll want to keep a stash of these bars in your kitchen because they disappear faster than you can say “cherry mash!” So, let’s dive into making these irresistible treats!

Ingredients for Cherry Mash Bars

You’ll need some simple yet delightful ingredients to create these cherry mash bars. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

• 1 cup cherry pie filling: This is the star of the show! It adds that sweet and slightly tart flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This brings the rich chocolate flavor to life. Make sure it’s unsweetened to balance the sweetness from the cherry filling.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This will sweeten up the bars just right! Feel free to adjust a bit if you like it less sweet.
• 1/2 cup butter, melted: This helps bind everything together and gives those bars a lovely, moist texture.
• 2 large eggs: They’ll provide structure and richness—essential for that perfect bar consistency!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a dash of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the flavors beautifully.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base for your batter, helping to create a lovely chewy texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: A little salt goes a long way in balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Because who doesn’t love extra chocolate? These little gems melt into the bars for gooey deliciousness!

How to Prepare Cherry Mash Bars

Now let’s get into the fun part: making those scrumptious cherry mash bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be devouring your own batch in no time.

Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because starting with a hot oven ensures your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy. While your oven warms up, you can tackle the rest of the prep!

Prepare the Baking Pan

Next, grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and grease it up! I like to use a bit of butter or non-stick spray to coat the bottom and sides. This will help your bars come out easily without sticking. Trust me, no one wants a bar stuck to the pan!

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry pie filling and melted butter. Stir it up until it’s well blended—this is where the magic begins! Then, add in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and combined. You want all those flavors to meld beautifully!

Combine the Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s whisk together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Grab your cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt, and give them a good mix. This helps to break up any lumps and ensures everything is evenly distributed. Once that’s done, we’ll bring it all together!

Finalize the Batter

Pour the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, and fold it together gently. You want to mix just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it! Finally, fold in those chocolate chips. Oh boy, this is where it gets exciting! Once it’s all mixed, pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.

Bake and Cool

Now it’s time to bake! Pop your pan in the preheated oven and set a timer for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once they’re done, let the bars cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial—if you cut them too soon, they might fall apart. Patience is key, my friend!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cherry filling and rich chocolate creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, these bars come together quickly—perfect for both novice and experienced bakers!
• Versatile Treat: You can enjoy them warm or cold, making them suitable for any occasion. They’re fantastic for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts for extra crunch or swap in different flavored chips to mix things up. The possibilities are endless!
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made in advance and stored, so you can whip them up ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual get-together, these bars are sure to impress and leave everyone wanting more!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your cherry mash bars turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips to keep in mind:

• Check for Doneness: Don’t just rely on the timer! Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s always a good idea to start checking your bars a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Stick a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
• Let Them Cool: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the bars cool completely helps them set up nicely and makes for cleaner cuts. Try to resist the urge for at least 15-20 minutes after taking them out of the oven!
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around! If you’re a fan of almond or coconut, add a splash of almond extract or some shredded coconut into the mix. These little tweaks can take your bars to a whole new level.
• Use Quality Ingredients: When it comes to chocolate and cherries, quality matters! I always opt for good-quality chocolate chips and cherry pie filling. You’ll taste the difference!
• Storage Tip: If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
• Adjust for Altitude: If you’re baking at a higher altitude, you might need to tweak the baking time or adjust the flour slightly. Just keep an eye on your bars as they bake!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delicious cherry mash bars ever. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve whipped up a delicious batch of cherry mash bars, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Here’s how to store and reheat them, so you can enjoy these treats for days to come.

First off, let your bars cool completely before storing them. This is super important because it prevents moisture from building up in the container, which can make them soggy. Once they’re cool, grab an airtight container and layer the bars inside. You can separate them with parchment paper if you want to prevent sticking. Stored this way, they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

If you’re like me and can’t resist a warm cherry mash bar, reheating them is a breeze! Just pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You want it warm, but not so hot that it melts away all that chocolatey goodness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will give the bars a nice, soft texture, just like when they were freshly baked!

So, whether you’re saving some for later or indulging in a warm slice, these storage and reheating tips will ensure your cherry mash bars remain absolutely delightful!

Nutritional Information

So, let’s talk about what you’re getting with each delicious cherry mash bar! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving—keep in mind, these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 2g

With that sweet cherry flavor and rich chocolate, these bars are a delightful treat that you can enjoy without too much guilt! Just remember, moderation is key, especially when they’re this good! Enjoy each bite knowing you’re indulging in something scrumptious!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these delectable cherry mash bars? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my answers to help you out:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! If you want to go the fresh route, just pit and chop some cherries, then mix them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken. This will give you that homemade cherry flavor!

What can I substitute for butter?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Just make sure it’s melted before mixing it in!

Can I add nuts to the batter?

You bet! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for a delightful texture contrast!

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Great question! You’ll want to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft at first!

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Definitely! While I love semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a fun twist. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the bars!

What if I don’t have a 9×9 inch pan?

No problem! You can use an 8×8 inch pan for thicker bars or a 9×13 inch pan for thinner bars—just adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on them while they bake!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and tasty!

What’s the best way to serve them?

They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special treat!

I hope this FAQ clears up any questions you might have about cherry mash bars. Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or need tips along the way!

For more information on the health benefits of cherries, check out this Healthline article.

Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring more dessert recipes, visit our dessert section for delightful options!

Cherry Mash Bars: 5 Irresistible Steps to Delight

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A delicious dessert bar featuring a cherry and chocolate combination.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup cherry pie filling
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
3. In a large bowl, mix cherry pie filling and melted butter.
4. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla; stir until combined.
5. In another bowl, whisk cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
6. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix well.
7. Fold in chocolate chips.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• These bars can be served warm or cold.
• Feel free to add nuts for extra crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cherry mash bars, dessert bars, chocolate cherry dessert