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Cherry Choco Bars

Featured in Desserts.

These cherry choco bars are super addictive! You’ll need about an hour to whip them up. The cherry base is soft and sweet while the salty chocolate-peanut topping gives it a perfect crunch balance. Everyone at the potluck couldn’t stop grabbing seconds. Chill them for neat slices. Keep ‘em in the fridge so they hold up well.
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Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:15:12 GMT
Two-layer dessert slices with a pink cherry base, chocolate layer, and nut topping, on a rustic wooden table. Pin it
Two-layer dessert slices with a pink cherry base, chocolate layer, and nut topping, on a rustic wooden table. | tasteofmoms.com

These layered cherry treats stir up nostalgic feelings while making fresh memories too. I've tweaked this recipe until I found just the right mix of juicy cherries, smooth chocolate and crunchy nuts. When these components blend together, they create such an amazing snack that nobody can resist.

Utterly Delightful

The real charm of these cherry bars comes from how the flavors and textures work together. The vibrant cherry foundation with chocolate and nuts on top makes something truly special. Everyone who tries them asks how to make them, shocked at how easy they actually are.

Your Ingredients

  • Peanuts: Chopped for that essential crunch.
  • Peanut Butter: Smooth type works better.
  • Chocolate: Good semi-sweet morsels.
  • Sugar: The powdered kind for silkiness.
  • Almond: A small hint of extract.
  • Milk: Condensed for extra richness.
  • Cherries: Bright red maraschino ones.

Let's Begin

Time to Chill
Allow everything to firm up nicely.
Top It Off
Prepare that chocolate peanut mixture.
Create Cherry Magic
Mix up that perfect cherry base.
Prep Your Pan
Good lining helps them come out easily.

Tips for Success

Getting amazing cherry bars depends on giving them enough time to chill. Let each section get firmly set for the best consistency and clean cutting. And always line your baking dish since it helps you take them out and slice them much easier.

Add Your Touch

These cherry bars can be changed to suit your taste. Maybe try walnuts instead or add some coconut flakes for extra texture. They'll stay fresh in your fridge, ready whenever you want something sweet or have friends coming over.

A stack of layered chocolate and pink dessert bars, featuring nuts and topped with chocolate chips and cherries, is displayed on a dark surface surrounded by scattered peanuts and cherries. Pin it
A stack of layered chocolate and pink dessert bars, featuring nuts and topped with chocolate chips and cherries, is displayed on a dark surface surrounded by scattered peanuts and cherries. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the point of chilling the layers?
Cooling down the first layer keeps it firm and makes it smooth for spreading the chocolate mix on top.
→ Why is parchment paper important?
It’s key for easily lifting everything out in one go and making clean cuts without breaking apart.
→ Can I switch peanuts for other nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to try with almonds, walnuts, or other chopped nuts that you like.
→ What’s the deal with saving cherry juice?
The leftover juice amps up the flavor and ensures the mix achieves a nice, spreadable consistency.
→ Why melt chocolate in short bursts?
It keeps it from burning and helps get that smooth, silky peanut-chocolate mixture.

Cherry Choco Bars

Dessert bars with a condensed milk cherry base, layered with creamy peanut butter, melted chocolate, and chopped nuts.

Prep Time
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Cook Time
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Total Time
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By: Ashley

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter.
02 1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring extract.
03 1 jar of maraschino cherries, drained (save 2 tbsp of the juice).
04 1/4 teaspoon fine salt.
05 1 can of sweetened condensed milk.
06 3 cups of powdered sugar.
07 1 cup of creamy peanut butter.
08 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
09 1 cup chopped peanuts.

Instructions

Step 01

Place parchment or foil inside a 9x13 pan, letting the edges stick out to lift later. Lightly grease it.

Step 02

In a bowl, stir together the cherries, their saved juice, condensed milk, melted butter, and almond extract until smooth. Slowly mix in the salt and powdered sugar.

Step 03

Spread the cherry blend across the pan evenly. Place it in the fridge while you work on the topping.

Step 04

Heat the peanut butter and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Do it in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.

Notes

  1. No need to bake this.
  2. Plan for time to chill.
  3. You can prep this in advance.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13 pan.
  • Foil or parchment paper.
  • A microwave-safe dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Includes peanuts.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~