This Easy Homemade Cherry Mash Candy is a sweet treat made with cherry flavor, marshmallow, and creamy chocolate. It’s the perfect mix of chewy and crunchy!
Making these candies is so fun! I love how I can munch on them during movie nights. Just don’t blink, or they might disappear too quickly! 🍒🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Marshmallows: These form the candy’s chewy base. In a pinch, you can use larger marshmallows, just cut them into smaller pieces. Some people even love using vegan marshmallows for a plant-based option!
Light Corn Syrup: It helps bind the ingredients and adds sweetness. If you’re looking for a substitute, honey or agave syrup can work, though they may alter the final flavor slightly.
Maraschino Cherries: These cherries are key for that sweet cherry flavor. If you can’t find them, you could use chopped dried cherries or raspberry preserves for a different twist!
Milk Chocolate Chips: I love using milk chocolate for its sweetness. Dark chocolate is a great substitute if you prefer a richer taste, or you can choose white chocolate for something different.
Chopped Nuts: Peanuts or pecans add crunch. If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, feel free to skip them or use crushed graham crackers instead for some texture.
How Do I Ensure My Candy Sets Just Right?
Getting the candy to set perfectly is important for that great texture. Follow these steps closely:
- Line your pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This makes lifting the candy out easy.
- Let the initial marshmallow mixture cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. If it’s a hot day, refrigerate it for quicker results.
- Cut the set candy carefully into pieces, ensuring even sizes for a nice presentation.
- For dipping, make sure your chocolate is silky smooth. Stir after each 30-second microwave interval to avoid overheating.
- Refrigerate the dipped candies after coating for about 30 minutes to set the chocolate firmly.
With these tips, you’ll have delightful Cherry Mash candies to share or keep just for yourself! Enjoy the fun of making them!
Easy Homemade Cherry Mash Candy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Candy Base:
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (drain and pat dry)
- Red food coloring (optional, for pink color)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 3 cups milk chocolate chips or melting chocolate
- 1 cup chopped peanuts or pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cherry Mash candy recipe takes about 30 minutes of preparation time plus 1 hour for the marshmallow mixture to cool and set. You’ll spend around 15 minutes melting and dipping the candies. In total, you can expect to dedicate roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan:
Start by lining a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent the candy from sticking and make it easier to lift out once it’s set.
2. Melt the Base Mixture:
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the mini marshmallows, light corn syrup, and softened butter. Microwave this mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it!
3. Flavor It Up:
Once your marshmallow mixture is melted, stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract. Then, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. If you want a pretty pink color, add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until the color is well distributed.
4. Set the Candy Base:
Pour the cherry marshmallow mixture into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool and set at room temperature for about 1 hour. If you’re in a hurry, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes instead.
5. Cut Into Pieces:
Once the mixture has set, carefully cut it into rectangular pieces that resemble candy bars.
6. Melt the Chocolate:
In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips in 30-second increments. Stir well after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and creamy.
7. Add the Nuts:
Once melted, stir in the chopped peanuts or pecans into the chocolate mixture for added crunch and flavor.
8. Dip the Candy Bars:
Dip each marshmallow cherry bar into the chocolate mixture, ensuring all sides are fully coated with chocolate and nuts. Shake off any excess chocolate and place on a parchment-lined tray.
9. Cool and Set the Chocolates:
Refrigerate the coated candies for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate has fully set.
10. Enjoy!
Your homemade Cherry Mash candies are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
These candies offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that you’re sure to love! Perfect for sharing, or maybe keeping all to yourself!
FAQ: Easy Homemade Cherry Mash Candy
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer or have allergies, feel free to substitute the peanuts or pecans with chopped walnuts, almonds, or even leave them out entirely. You can also use crushed graham crackers for added crunch!
How Do I Store the Leftover Candy?
Store your homemade Cherry Mash candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This will help keep them fresh and maintain their chewy texture. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just ensure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this Cherry Mash candy vegan, use dairy-free butter and choose vegan chocolate chips. Additionally, replace the corn syrup with a light agave syrup. Just ensure that all the other ingredients, like marshmallows, are vegan-friendly!
What If I Don’t Have Almond Extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it and add extra vanilla extract for flavor. Alternatively, you could use a splash of cherry extract to enhance the cherry flavor in your candy. Adjust to your taste preference!
