Cherry Mash Bars: A Sweet and Nostalgic Dessert You’ll Love

Indulge in the classic flavors of Cherry Mash—a beloved candy combining cherry nougat, peanuts, and chocolate—transformed into a guilt-free, Weight Watchers-friendly dessert! These Cherry Mash Bars feature a chewy cherry-almond base, a rich chocolate-peanut topping, and a fraction of the calories of the original. They’re perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, holiday gifting, or a nostalgic snack that keeps you on track.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Guilt-Free Nostalgia: All the cherry-chocolate-peanut goodness of the classic candy—without the sugar crash!
• Quick & No-Bake: Ready in 20 minutes (plus chilling time).
• WW-Friendly Swaps: Sugar-free cherries, dark chocolate, and natural peanut butter keep points low.
• Customizable: Swap nuts, add protein powder, or make them vegan.
• Portion Control: Pre-cut bars prevent overindulgence.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Layer:

• 1 cup dried cherries (unsweetened or sugar-free)
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute (e.g., Swerve Confectioners)
• 2 tbsp sugar-free cherry preserves
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tbsp water (as needed for binding)

For the Chocolate-Peanut Layer:

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (sugar-free, e.g., Lily’s)
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (powdered PB2 reconstituted works for fewer points)
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (chopped, unsalted)
• 1 tsp coconut oil

Instructions

Make the Cherry Base

1. In a food processor, pulse dried cherries, almond flour, sugar substitute, cherry preserves, and almond extract until sticky.
2. Add water 1 tsp at a time until the mixture holds together when pressed.

Press into Pan

1. Line an 8×8-inch dish with parchment paper. Press the cherry mixture evenly into the bottom.

Prepare the Chocolate Layer

1. Melt dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl (30-second intervals, stirring until smooth).
2. Stir in peanut butter until combined.

Assemble & Chill

1. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cherry base. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.
2. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm. Slice into 12 bars.

Nutritional Information

(Per bar)

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 2g (naturally occurring from cherries)
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• WW SmartPoints: 3 (with powdered peanut butter) or 4 (with natural PB).

Tips for Success

1. Stickier Base: Add 1 tbsp chia seeds or oat fiber for better binding (0 points).
2. Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter and omit peanuts.
3. Freeze Extras: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Boost Protein: Mix 1 scoop vanilla protein powder into the cherry layer (+1 point).
5. Festive Twist: Add a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed freeze-dried cherries on top.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

• Sugar-Free Chocolate: Cuts carbs while delivering rich flavor.
• Almond Flour: Adds healthy fats and fiber for staying power.
• Natural Peanut Butter: Provides protein and satiety with minimal points.
• Portion Control: Pre-sliced bars make tracking effortless.

Serving Ideas

• Holiday Gifts: Package in cellophane bags with festive ribbon.
• Post-Workout Snack: Pair with a piece of fruit for balanced energy.
• Dessert Charcuterie: Serve with fresh berries and zero-point yogurt dip.

These Weight Watchers Cherry Mash Bars are a celebration of balance—sweet, crunchy, and perfectly portioned for your wellness journey. With their nostalgic flavors and SmartPoints-friendly profile, they’re proof that you can enjoy life’s little indulgences while staying committed to your goals. Whip up a batch today and savor the joy of mindful treats!