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Spring Bing Cherry Bars

Cherry, chocolate and peanutty goodness all in one layered bar! A unique candy to make your tongue do the tango!

  • Author: Erin Thomas
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes + Freezing Time
  • Total Time: About 2 hours
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Top and Bottom Layers:

2 cups slightly crushed salted peanuts

23/4 cup crunchy peanut butter*

112 oz. package semisweet chocolate chips

Filling:

2 cups granulated sugar

2/3 cup evaporated milk

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

12 large marshmallows

110 oz. package cherry chips

1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

Line a 9 x 13 inch pan with parchment or wax paper.  Cross layering the paper in the pan lets you easily remove the finished candy to cut (see below). Set aside.

For the top and bottom layers, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter until melted and smooth.  You can use a double-boiler for this, but a microwave works well.  Microwave for 1 minute and stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth.  Stir in salted peanuts.  Pour half of the mixture and spread evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan.  Place in freezer until set. Place remaining chocolate mixture aside for the top layer.

For the filling, combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and marshmallows in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Cook and boil for 8 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent the sugar from burning.  Remove from the heat and stir in the cherry chips and vanilla. Mix until smooth.  Pour and smooth filling over bottom chocolate layer.  Return the pan to the freezer until set.   Top with remaining chocolate mixture and refreeze until set.  Cut into bars and share!

Notes

*Creamy peanut butter can be substitute for crunchy peanut butter for a less crunchy texture.