Delicious Christmas Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas bars are a festive and delicious treat perfect for holiday gatherings. With a rich chocolate base, gooey marshmallows, and melty chocolate chips, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Easy to make and share, they’re sure to become a holiday favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted (or ¾ cup (150 g) melted coconut oil for dairy-free)
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 3 cups (150 g) mini marshmallows
• 1½ cups (270 g) chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white)
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Mix well to break up lumps and blend flavors.
3. Step 3: Add melted butter and sweetened condensed milk to the dry ingredients. Stir until fully combined; the mixture will be thick and sticky.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using. Be careful not to overmix to keep marshmallows fluffy.
5. Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bite-sized squares.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure butter is fully melted for a smooth mixture.
• Use non-stick spray or parchment paper in the baking pan for easy removal.
• Cool bars completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
• Try dried fruit or shredded coconut as mix-ins for a unique twist.
• Nut-Free: Omit nuts and add extra chocolate chips for texture.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour instead of regular crumbs.
• Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative.
• Mint Chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract for a refreshing flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Christmas bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave until soft but not melted. These bars also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Christmas bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! They can be made 1-2 days in advance. Just store them airtight at room temperature or in the fridge to keep them fresh and chewy.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but mini marshmallows distribute more evenly throughout the bars for consistent texture.

Delicious Christmas Bars Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 65 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars (9×13 inch pan cut into 24 squares) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Deliciously rich and festive Christmas bars featuring a crunchy graham cracker base, infused with cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. These bars offer a perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures, with optional nuts for added crunch. Ideal for holiday gatherings, they are easy to make and sure to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and chocolatey flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base and Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted (or ¾ cup (150 g) melted coconut oil for dairy-free option)
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk

Mix-ins

• 3 cups (150 g) mini marshmallows
• 1½ cups (270 g) chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white)
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans recommended)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. This initial step is crucial for achieving a perfectly cooked center and nicely set edges.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. This helps blend the flavors evenly and breaks up any lumps, creating a uniform base mixture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk to the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes thick and sticky, which binds the ingredients together.
4. Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and optional chopped nuts. Stir carefully to maintain the fluffiness of marshmallows and ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
5. Spread and Bake: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and evenly spread the mixture using a spatula, smoothing the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm. The aroma will be rich and inviting.
6. Cool and Cut: Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into bite-sized squares for serving. Cooling fully ensures the bars hold their shape without crumbling.

Notes

• Ensure butter is fully melted for smooth mixing.
• Use non-stick spray or line the pan with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
• Experiment with mix-ins like dried fruit or shredded coconut for variation.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness and chewiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas bars, holiday dessert, chocolate marshmallow bars, festive treat, graham cracker bars, no-bake bars alternative, easy Christmas recipe