Cherry Mash Bars – Sweet, Nutty, and Irresistibly Chewy

Cherry Mash Bars are a nostalgic treat that combines chewy chocolate, sweet cherry filling, and crunchy nuts for a truly delightful snack or dessert. With layers of rich chocolate and tender cherry goodness, these bars satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping portion sizes manageable. Perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or an afternoon pick-me-up, they’re a crowd-pleaser every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chewy & Sweet: Soft, fudgy texture with a burst of cherry flavor.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Portion-Friendly: Perfectly sized for controlled indulgence.
Customizable: Add extra nuts or drizzle with chocolate for a special touch.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup light butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cherry Layer:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling, drained slightly
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 tbsp light butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

2. Add the Cherry Layer
Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle almond extract over the top if desired.

3. Make the Topping
In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and butter together over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour over the cherry layer and spread evenly. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top.

4. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate bars for at least 1 hour until set. Cut into 12 squares and serve.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 200
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Drain Cherry Filling: Avoid excess liquid to keep bars from getting soggy.
• Use Dark Chocolate: Adds richness with less sugar.
• Make Ahead: These bars taste even better after chilling overnight.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of a chocolatey graham cracker crust, sweet cherries, and crunchy nuts creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. These bars are chewy, satisfying, and just sweet enough, making them ideal for a treat without going overboard.

Cherry Mash Bars are a simple yet indulgent dessert that brings a classic flavor combo to life. Whether for a casual snack or a festive treat, they’re easy to make, fun to share, and delightfully chewy with every bite.