Irresistibly Chewy Christmas Bars for the Holiday Season Recipe

Introduction

These irresistibly chewy Christmas bars are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Combining chocolate, marshmallows, and a crunchy graham cracker base, they offer a festive blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love.

Two stacked dessert bars are shown on a white plate with a crumbly, golden-brown base layer. Above the base is a dense, dark chocolate layer speckled with white bits that look creamy and soft. The top layer is a light golden caramel-like layer with bright red berries placed on top, their glossy skin reflecting light. The bars have a slightly crumbly texture on the sides, highlighting the rich and varied layers inside. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar; whisk until there are no lumps.
  3. Step 3: Pour in melted butter and sweetened condensed milk; stir until combined into a thick, sticky mixture.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold in mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and nuts (if using); avoid overmixing to keep marshmallows fluffy.
  5. Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly firm.
  7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

  • Substitute melted coconut oil for butter to make these bars dairy-free without compromising flavor.
  • Use a mix of dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for added variety and richness.
  • Omit nuts if serving to those with allergies, or replace with seeds for a crunchy alternative.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to one week. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer a softer texture.

How to Serve

Two square dessert bars stacked on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface. Each bar has four layers: a crumbly light golden brown crust at the bottom, a dark brown dense layer mixed with white cream spots above it, a semi-translucent gooey golden caramel-like layer with scattered white cream bits, and a top layer decorated with shiny red cherries and small red berry pieces embedded in the caramel. The edges show the layers clearly with a slightly rough texture on the crust and glossy fruit on top. 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 well. Just chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution and to maintain the chewy texture.

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

Grease the baking pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray before spreading the mixture. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.

Print

Irresistibly Chewy Christmas Bars for the Holiday Season Recipe

These irresistibly chewy Christmas bars combine the rich flavors of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers into a delightful holiday treat. Perfectly sweet and delightfully chewy, these bars are a festive addition to any holiday dessert spread.

  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base and Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Mix-ins

  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking throughout the process.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until there are no lumps and the mixture is uniform.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk, stirring continuously until the mixture forms a thick, sticky consistency.
  4. Incorporate mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and nuts if using, taking care not to overmix so the marshmallows stay fluffy.
  5. Prepare for baking: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even cooking.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm but still chewy.
  7. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to serve.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free option, substitute melted butter with melted coconut oil.
  • Omit nuts if serving to those with nut allergies for safety.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
  • Regular marshmallows can be used if mini marshmallows are not available.
  • Ensure bars are fully cooled before cutting to maintain their chewy texture.

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

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