Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup evaporated milk (or full‑fat canned coconut milk)
- 1 (10‑ounce) bag marshmallows (about 40 regular‑sized)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup chopped peanuts (or favorite nuts)
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
Instructions
- Line or grease an 8×8‑inch baking dish and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the sugar and evaporated milk. Stir until mixture begins to bubble.
- Add the marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), chopped cherries, and chopped nuts.
- Spread the cherry–nut marshmallow mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and let it cool slightly.
- Melt the chocolate chips with the oil in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cherry base and spread evenly to create a smooth top layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or until fully set) before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Substitute chopped almonds for peanuts for a slightly sweeter, softer crunch.
- Replace half the semisweet chocolate with milk chocolate for a milder chocolate topping.
- Stir in ½ cup shredded coconut into the cherry‑nut layer for extra texture.
- You can use mini marshmallows instead of full‑size; they’ll melt faster.
- For deeper cherry flavor, stir in about ¼ cup of reserved cherry juice, reducing the evaporated milk slightly.
- Bars freeze well for up to 2 months; layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. Thaw slightly before serving so chocolate softens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Candy-style bar
- Method: Stovetop + chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 batch)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
