Joanna Gaines Cherry Mashers Recipe

Joanna Gaines Cherry Mashers (Cherry Mash Bars) are made with a nostalgic combination of cherry chips, marshmallow creme, salted peanuts, and chocolate. This vintage-style confection features a bright pink, sweet cherry nougat center sandwiched between two layers of a crunchy, savory chocolate-peanut coating. It is a festive, no-bake holiday treat that mimics the famous candy bar, offering a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors for your Christmas candy tray.

Joanna Gaines Cherry Mashers Ingredients

For the Chocolate Peanut Coating

• 2 cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Provides the sturdy, rich chocolate shell.
• 2/3 cup Peanut Butter: Creamy or crunchy, though creamy melts smoother. Adds savory depth.
• 1 ½ cups Cocktail Peanuts: Crushed. Salted peanuts are essential to cut the extreme sweetness of the filling.

For the Cherry Nougat Filling

• 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar: The base of the boiled nougat.
• 2/3 cup Evaporated Milk: (Not sweetened condensed milk). Creates a creamy richness.
• ¼ cup Unsalted Butter: Adds shine and flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon Salt: Balances the sugar.
• 1 ½ cups Marshmallows: (Miniature). Or marshmallow creme. Creates the fluffy “mash” texture.
• 1 bag (10-12 oz) Cherry Chips: These provide the signature pink color and cherry flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor.

How To Make Joanna Gaines Cherry Mashers

1. Prep the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Make the Coating Base: In a large microwave-safe bowl (or double boiler), combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth. Stir in the crushed peanuts.
3. Create the Bottom Layer: Pour half of the chocolate-peanut mixture into the prepared pan. Spread it out into an even layer with an offset spatula. Place the pan in the refrigerator to set while you make the filling. Keep the remaining chocolate mixture warm (or gently reheat it later).
4. Boil the Nougat Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil while stirring constantly.
5. Cook the Mixture: Once boiling, let it cook for exactly 5 minutes (stirring constantly to prevent scorching). Remove from heat immediately.
6. Form the Cherry Mash: Stir in the marshmallows, cherry chips, and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until the chips and marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is a smooth, uniform pink color.
7. Layer the Filling: Remove the pan from the fridge. Pour the hot pink cherry mixture over the set chocolate layer. Spread it quickly and evenly (it sets fast!). Let this cool for about 10-15 minutes.
8. Add the Top Layer: If the remaining chocolate mixture has hardened, microwave it briefly to loosen it up. Pour it over the cooled cherry layer and spread gently to cover the pink filling completely.
9. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the block is completely firm.
10. Slice: Lift the candy out using the parchment paper handles. Place on a cutting board and slice into small squares using a sharp knife.

Recipe Tips

• Work Quickly: The cherry nougat layer begins to set very fast once the cherry chips are added. Have your pan ready and your spatula on hand before you start boiling the sugar mixture.
• The “Mash” Texture: If you can’t find cherry chips (they are seasonal), you can use white chocolate chips mixed with 1 teaspoon of cherry extract and red food coloring, though the flavor won’t be quite as authentic.
• Cutting Clean Squares: This candy is dense. To get clean cuts without cracking the chocolate, run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts, or let the block sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.
• Salt is Key: Do not substitute unsalted peanuts. The salt on the peanuts is the necessary counterpoint to the very sweet cherry center.

What To Serve With Joanna Gaines Cherry Mashers?

These are rich candies, so they serve best as part of a spread.

• Hot Coffee: The bitterness balances the sugar.
• Salty Pretzels: Serve alongside plain pretzels to cleanse the palate.
• Holiday Cookie Platter: They add a bright pop of pink color among gingerbread and sugar cookies.

How To Store Leftovers Joanna Gaines Cherry Mashers

• Refrigerate: Store the cut bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They taste best when slightly chilled.
• Freeze: These freeze exceptionally well. Layer them with wax paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Joanna Gaines Cherry Mashers Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 3g

Nutrition information is estimated per square (yields about 36 squares).

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Joanna Gaines Tres Leches Cake Recipe
• Joanna Gaines Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe
• Joanna Gaines Pancake Recipe