Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas bars combine a rich chocolate base with chewy marshmallows and gooey sweetness, making them a perfect holiday treat. Easy to prepare and full of festive flavors, they’re sure to delight family and friends at any gathering.

The image shows two stacked dessert bars on a white plate against a white marbled surface. Each bar has four visible layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown cookie crust; the second layer contains chopped dark chocolate pieces and dried red cranberries embedded in the base; the third layer is creamy and light-colored, likely melted white chocolate mixed in; and the top layer has whole, shiny bright red cranberries placed in a neat row. The bars have a moist and slightly glossy texture with clear contrast between the colors and textures of the layers. 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 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, 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, stirring until the mixture is thick and sticky.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using, being careful not to crush the marshmallows.
  5. Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and smooth 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 your butter is fully melted for a smooth blend.
  • Use parchment paper or non-stick spray on your pan for easy removal.
  • Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
  • Try adding dried fruit or shredded coconut for a unique twist.
  • Substitute coconut oil for butter to make the bars dairy-free.

Storage

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and chewy. If you prefer, refrigerate for up to a week and bring to room temperature before serving. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

How to Serve

The image shows two square dessert bars stacked on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each bar has four visible layers: the bottom layer is a light golden brown crumbly base, above it is a thick layer with mixed dark chocolate chunks and white marshmallows embedded, followed by a thin creamy light brown caramel layer, and the top is decorated with whole shiny red cherries, adding bright color and a glossy texture. The bars look soft with a mix of smooth and chunky textures. 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 can be used, but mini marshmallows distribute more evenly throughout the bars, giving a better texture in every bite.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Grease the baking pan well or line it with parchment paper before spreading the mixture. Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting also helps prevent sticking.

Print
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Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe


  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Description

These Christmas bars are a festive treat combining a crunchy graham cracker base with rich cocoa, sweet condensed milk, fluffy mini marshmallows, and melty chocolate chips. Perfectly chewy and chocolatey, they’re easy to make and ideal for holiday sharing with family and friends.


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 (milk, dark, or white)
  • 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 of the bars.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined and lump-free.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk, stirring thoroughly until the mixture is thick and sticky.
  4. Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts, taking care not to overmix so marshmallows remain fluffy and distributed evenly.
  5. Spread and Bake: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan using a spatula to smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and the center is slightly firm.
  6. Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into bite-sized squares for serving.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is fully melted for a smooth blend.
  • Grease or line your baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Allow bars to cool fully before cutting to prevent crumbling.
  • Try adding dried fruits or shredded coconut for different flavors.
  • Store leftover bars 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, chocolate bars, marshmallow bars, easy holiday treats, graham cracker dessert

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