Indulge in Sweet Delight: Homemade Cherry Mash Candy Recipe
Introduction: Transport yourself to a realm of sweetness and nostalgia with the delightful taste of homemade Cherry Mash Candy. These iconic treats, with their combination of cherry-flavored goodness, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate coating, have been a favorite indulgence for generations. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind crafting this beloved confectionery delight right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood memories or simply craving a decadent treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
Produce:
- 1 1/4 cups Cherry baking chips
Canned Goods:
- 2/3 cup Evaporated milk
Condiments:
- 3/4 cup Chunky peanut butter
Baking & Spices:
- 2 cups Semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 dash Salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 cups White sugar
Dairy:
- 1/2 cup Butter
Desserts:
- 1 1/4 cups Miniature marshmallows
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cherry Mixture:
- In a large saucepan, combine the white sugar, evaporated milk, and butter over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
- Cook the Mixture:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once boiling, continue to cook the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Flavor and Texture:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cherry baking chips, vanilla extract, and salt until the cherry chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the chunky peanut butter and stir until well combined.
- Fold in the miniature marshmallows until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Form the Candy:
- Pour the cherry mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the mixture to cool and set at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or until firm to the touch.
- Cut into Pieces:
- Once the candy has set, use a sharp knife to cut it into individual squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Coat in Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and fully melted.
- Dip each piece of cherry candy into the melted chocolate, coating it completely.
- Place the chocolate-coated candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
- Chill and Serve:
- Transfer the chocolate-coated Cherry Mash Candy to the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is firm.
- Once chilled, the candies are ready to be enjoyed as a delightful treat or shared with friends and family.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Customize with Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, consider incorporating chopped nuts such as peanuts or almonds into the cherry mixture before it sets. Simply fold them in along with the marshmallows for a delicious twist on this classic candy.
- Experiment with Flavors: While cherry is the traditional flavor for this candy, feel free to experiment with other flavored baking chips such as raspberry, strawberry, or even mint for a fun and unique variation.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sweetness of the candy by reducing or increasing the amount of sugar in the recipe. Keep in mind that the sweetness of the chocolate coating will also contribute to the overall flavor profile.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: To make a keto-friendly version of Cherry Mash Candy, you can substitute the white sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Additionally, use sugar-free chocolate chips for the coating and choose a low-carb peanut butter option.
- Low Carb Option: For a lower-carb version, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a combination of sugar and stevia blend. Opt for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content for the coating to further reduce the carb content.
Treat yourself to the irresistible sweetness of homemade Cherry Mash Candy, a timeless confectionery delight that’s sure to bring joy to your taste buds. With its luscious cherry filling, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate coating, this candy offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether enjoyed as a special indulgence or shared with loved ones during festive occasions, Cherry Mash Candy is a true symbol of sweet moments and cherished memories. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and embark on a delicious journey of candy-making bliss.
