Description
Rich cherry mash bars blend nostalgic Midwestern candy with creamy chocolate layers. Homemade treats showcase classic American dessert flavors in simple, irresistible bites you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250 g/8.8 oz) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (340 g/12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (150 g/5.3 oz) finely chopped roasted peanuts
- ½ cup (100 g/3.5 oz) finely chopped maraschino cherries
- ¼ cup (60 g/2.1 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) maraschino cherry juice
- 1 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Creamy Base Preparation: Whip powdered sugar, softened butter, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract in a large mixing bowl until smooth and uniformly blended, creating a luxurious foundational mixture.
- Cherry Integration: Fold chopped maraschino cherries into the creamy base, adjusting consistency with powdered sugar if needed to maintain a compact, moldable texture that holds its shape effortlessly.
- Forming and Chilling: Shape the cherry-studded mixture into uniform one-inch spheres, arranging them carefully on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze the tray for at least one hour, allowing the cherry orbs to solidify completely and develop a firm, structurally sound consistency.
Notes
- Moisture Control: Adjust powdered sugar gradually to prevent dry or crumbly texture, ensuring the mixture binds perfectly without becoming too stiff.
- Chill Technique: Freezing is crucial for maintaining structural integrity, allowing cherry balls to set firmly and develop concentrated flavor profile.
- Cherry Distribution: Chop cherries finely and evenly to guarantee consistent taste and prevent large chunks that might disrupt smooth texture.
- Extract Balance: Use almond extract sparingly; its intense flavor can overpower delicate cherry notes, so measure precisely for optimal taste harmony.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 233
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 33 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg