Cherry Bing Bars
Cherry Bing Bars are delightful no-bake treats featuring a rich chocolate and peanut butter base topped with sweet cherry chips. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a quick dessert, their combination of crunchy peanuts, smooth chocolate, and fruity cherry flavor makes them a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler.
- Add the peanut butter and mix well.
- Crush the Spanish peanuts finely.
- Add the crushed peanuts and Rice Krispies to the chocolate mixture and mix well.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the chocolate chips are completely melted before adding the peanut butter. If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute the Spanish peanuts with sunflower seeds. You can also use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile. For a pop of color, consider adding a few drops of red food coloring to the cherry chips mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Bing Bars are perfect as a dessert or a sweet treat for gatherings. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. They also make a fantastic addition to a dessert table featuring other American recipes like Swiss Carrot Cake or Grandma Flo's Lemon Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Bing Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last for up to two weeks. If you prefer them warm, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will help to soften the chocolate and enhance the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Bing Bars contains roughly 2843 calories, with 71g protein, 309g carbohydrates, and 166g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (141% of the Daily Value), iron (112% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2931mg per serving (127% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry chips?
While fresh cherries can add a delightful flavor, they won't provide the same sweetness and consistency as cherry chips in this recipe. If you prefer using fresh fruit, consider making a cherry compote to drizzle over the bars after baking for added sweetness and a fresh burst of flavor.
What can I substitute for Rice Krispies?
If you don't have Rice Krispies on hand, you can use other crispy cereals like Corn Pops or even crushed graham crackers for a different texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor and crunch might vary slightly, but the bars will still hold together well.
How can I make these bars more chocolaty?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a layer of melted chocolate on top of the bars after they have cooled. You could also mix in some cocoa powder with the chocolate chips before melting them, or use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).