Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars Recipe

Introduction

Christmas bars are a festive, chewy treat combining chocolate, marshmallows, and a graham cracker base. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings. Let’s create these delicious bars that everyone will love!

The image shows two stacked dessert bars on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: the bottom layer is golden brown and crumbly, the middle layer contains dark red dried cranberries mixed with white chunks, and the top layer is smooth, light golden with a slightly glossy finish. Four shiny, whole red cherries sit on top of the upper bar. The bars have a soft, chewy texture with visible pieces of fruit embedded throughout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 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, such as 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, whisk together the 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. Stir until the mixture is thick and sticky, ensuring all ingredients are fully blended.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using, taking care not to overmix to keep the marshmallows fluffy.
  5. Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Use fully melted butter for a smooth batter and even texture.
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper or use non-stick spray for easy removal.
  • Let the bars cool completely to prevent crumbling when cutting.
  • Try adding dried fruit or shredded coconut for a unique flavor twist.
  • Substitute coconut oil for butter to make a dairy-free version.

Storage

Store leftover Christmas bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm and gooey.

How to Serve

Two square dessert bars stacked on a white plate, each bar showing four distinct layers: at the bottom is a thick golden brown crumbly base, above it is a deep red cherry layer mixed with dark chocolate chunks, followed by a creamy smooth white layer, and topped with a golden glossy baked layer studded with whole shiny red cherries. The bars have a moist texture with gooey sections visible between layers. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 a consistent texture.

Can these bars be made vegan?

To make vegan Christmas bars, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a vegan condensed milk alternative or make your own. Also, choose vegan marshmallows and chocolate chips.

Print
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Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars Recipe


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 1620 bars 1x

Description

These delightful Christmas Bars are a festive treat combining a crunchy graham cracker base with rich cocoa, sweetened condensed milk for chewy texture, and a fun mix of mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and optional nuts. Baked to perfection, these bars make a perfect holiday dessert that melts in your mouth and offers a variety of textures in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

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 chocolate)
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and the perfect texture.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk, stirring until the mixture becomes thick and sticky, fully incorporated.
  4. Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and optional chopped nuts, ensuring the marshmallows remain fluffy and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  5. Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan using a spatula to smooth the surface. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly firm.
  6. Cool and Cut: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bite-sized squares for easy serving and sharing.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is fully melted for a smooth mixture.
  • Use a non-stick spray or parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal.
  • Let bars cool fully before cutting to prevent crumbling.
  • Try adding dried fruits or shredded coconut for variation.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas bars, holiday dessert, graham cracker bars, chocolate marshmallow bars, festive treats, baked bars

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