Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe

Introduction

Christmas bars are a festive and delicious treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining a crunchy graham cracker base with rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and a chewy texture, these bars are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined and smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk, stirring until the mixture is thick and sticky.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using, being careful not to overmix to keep marshmallows fluffy.
5. Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free option, substitute unsalted butter with melted coconut oil.
• Use crushed whole graham crackers for a fresher, homemade crumb base.
• Try adding dried cranberries or orange zest for a festive twist.
• If you prefer a nut-free treat, simply omit the chopped nuts without affecting the texture.

Storage

Store Christmas bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow bars to come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave to restore their gooey texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, regular marshmallows can be used, but mini marshmallows distribute more evenly throughout the bars and create a better texture.

How do I prevent the bars from becoming too dry?

Make sure to preheat the oven properly and avoid overbaking. Bake until edges are set and the center is just firm to maintain a chewy texture.

Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 145 reviews

These Christmas Bars are a festive, chocolaty treat combining a crunchy graham cracker base with gooey marshmallows, rich cocoa, and sweetened condensed milk for that perfect chewy texture. Topped with chocolate chips and optionally chopped nuts, they bake to a golden finish — making them a delightful holiday dessert or snack that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Base and Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil as a dairy-free substitute)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

Mix-ins

• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking of the bars. This step is crucial to prevent uneven cooking and achieve the perfect texture from edge to center.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, unsweetened cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Mixing thoroughly breaks up lumps and blends flavors evenly, creating the base flavor and texture for the bars.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk into the dry mixture. Stir until completely combined into a thick, sticky batter, which will give the bars their chewy and rich consistency.
4. Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using, into the batter. Take care not to overmix so the marshmallows retain their fluffiness and the bars have a varied texture.
5. Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the mixture into a greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The bars are done when edges are set and the center is slightly firm to the touch, releasing a tempting chocolate aroma.

Notes

• You can substitute melted coconut oil for butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor.
• Feel free to omit nuts to keep the bars nut-free for allergy considerations.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Christmas bars, holiday desserts, chocolate bars, graham cracker bars, marshmallow dessert, sweetened condensed milk recipes, easy Christmas treats