Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Christmas bars are a delightful holiday treat that combine chocolate, marshmallows, and a crunchy graham cracker base. They’re chewy, rich, and perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Step 3: Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until the mixture is thick and sticky.
- Step 4: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 6: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are set and the center feels slightly firm.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into bite-sized squares.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with coconut oil.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet bar.
- Try adding dried cranberries or peppermint pieces for a festive twist.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, toast the nuts before adding.
Storage
Store the Christmas bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm, but they are delicious served at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, regular marshmallows work fine, but mini marshmallows distribute more evenly throughout the bars for better texture.
Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld and makes cutting easier once chilled.
PrintChristmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe
These festive Christmas bars are a delightful blend of crunchy graham cracker crumbs, rich cocoa, sweet powdered sugar, and gooey marshmallows, all held together with melted butter and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they offer a chewy, chocolatey treat studded with chocolate chips and optional nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base 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 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 (walnuts or pecans, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your bars bake evenly with the perfect texture throughout.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined and free of lumps.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk, stirring until the mixture is thick, sticky, and fully combined.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts (if using), careful not to overmix to keep the marshmallows fluffy and evenly distributed.
- Spread and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely. Once cool, cut into bite-sized squares and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute melted coconut oil for butter to make these bars dairy-free.
- Feel free to use any type of chocolate chips according to your preference—dark, milk, or white chocolate all work well.
- Omitting the nuts makes these bars nut-free and suitable for those with nut allergies.
- Be sure to wait until the bars are completely cool before cutting to ensure clean squares.
- Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Keywords: Christmas bars, holiday dessert, chocolate bars, marshmallow bars, graham cracker dessert, festive treats, easy baking
