As the holidays approach, my kitchen transforms into a sanctuary filled with warmth and the irresistible scent of sweet treats. I can’t help but smile when I think about my Easy Chocolate Christmas Bars with Marshmallows, a recipe that has become a staple in my home. Just picture it: rich chocolate melded beautifully with chewy marshmallows, bringing both comfort and joy to every gathering. In less than an hour, you can whip up these festive delights, perfect for sharing or just indulging yourself!
What I love most about these bars is their versatility—you can customize them to fit any dietary needs or flavor preferences. Want a nut-free version or perhaps a vegan twist? No problem! With so many options, they’re destined to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home, just as they are in mine. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create your own batch of these irresistible Christmas bars!
Why are Christmas bars the perfect treat?
Versatile and Customizable: From nut-free to gluten-free, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit anyone’s dietary preferences.
Quick and Easy: With just 45 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have delectable bars ready for your festive gatherings.
Rich Chocolate Goodness: The harmonious blend of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers results in a uniquely delightful flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for both family and friends, these bars are sure to be a hit at any holiday party.
Make Ahead: These bars can be prepared in advance, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities.
Whether you want to pair them with hot cocoa or serve them as a standalone treat, these bars can elevate any holiday dessert table!
Christmas Bars Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to make these delightful treats.
For the Base
• Graham Cracker Crumbs – Provides a sweet, crunchy base; substitute with gluten-free graham crumbs if needed.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor; choose high-quality for the best taste.
• Powdered Sugar – Essential for sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Unsalted Butter (melted) – Binds ingredients together and adds richness; can swap with melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Key to achieving a chewy texture; adds moisture and sweetness.
For the Mix-ins
• Mini Marshmallows – Offers a fun, chewy element; mini marshmallows distribute better than regular ones.
• Chocolate Chips – Enhances the chocolatey goodness; dark, milk, or white chocolate can be used based on preference.
• Chopped Nuts (optional) – Adds a delightful crunch; omit for nut allergies.
With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most scrumptious Christmas bars that everyone will love!
How to Make Christmas Bars
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and that lovely, warm aroma fills your kitchen.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until everything is well combined, creating a sweet foundation for your bars.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is thick and sticky, bringing that luscious richness to your Christmas bars.
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Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts (if using). Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain those lovely chunks of chocolate and chewy marshmallows!
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Spread Mixture: Using a spatula, spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, smoothing the top for a beautiful finish.
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Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center feels slightly firm. Your house will smell heavenly during this time!
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Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture!
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Christmas Bars Variations
Get ready to make these festive treats your own with a few simple swaps and twists!
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Nut-Free: Omit any nuts and add extra chocolate chips for a delightful texture boost.
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Gluten-Free: Swap out standard graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crumbs or almond flour to cater to gluten sensitivities.
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Vegan-Friendly: Substitute melted butter with coconut oil and use a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative for a dairy-free version.
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Mint Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mix for a refreshing minty twist that brings holiday cheer.
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Fruit Medley: Toss in some dried cranberries or cherries along with your nuts to add bursts of fruity flavor and a pop of color.
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Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the chocolate mix—unexpected yet oh-so-delicious!
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Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce on top before baking, adding richness and a delightful gooeyness to each bite.
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Zesty Citrus: Incorporate a bit of orange or lemon zest into the mixture for a bright, zesty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Storage Tips for Christmas Bars
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Room Temperature: Keep your Christmas bars stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, ensuring they stay fresh and delightful.
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Fridge: If you prefer a chilled treat, these bars can be refrigerated for up to 10 days; just remember to bring them back to room temperature for the best experience.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Christmas bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen bars at room temperature for a couple of hours or gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds for that melty goodness!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Chocolate Christmas Bars are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to savor the festive season with less time in the kitchen! You can prepare the entire mixture up to 24 hours in advance by combining the dry and wet ingredients and refrigerating the batter in an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy these bars, simply spread the mixture into your greased baking pan and bake as directed. Allow them to cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape. For the freshest taste, feel free to store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring these delicious Christmas bars remain just as delightful as the day they were made!
Expert Tips for Christmas Bars
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Perfect Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is fully melted; this ensures a smooth mixture and avoids any lumps in your Christmas bars.
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Parchment Paper Magic: Line the baking pan with parchment paper for hassle-free removal and easier cutting of your bars.
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Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. Cutting too soon can lead to crumbling, impacting texture.
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Mix-In Experimentation: Don’t hesitate to experiment with mix-ins like dried fruits or different chocolate varieties; this keeps your Christmas bars exciting and fresh!
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Storage Secrets: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months to enjoy your festive treats longer.
What to Serve with Christmas Bars?
These festive delights complement a variety of treats and beverages, turning your holiday gathering into a delicious celebration.
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Hot Cocoa: The rich, creamy texture of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with the chewy chocolate bars, adding warmth to your winter festivities.
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Spiced Apple Cider: This fragrant drink brings out the holiday spices, making every bite of the bars feel even more festive.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the richness of the bars, creating a delightful contrast.
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Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top enhances the visual appeal and adds a sweet touch without overpowering the flavors.
Imagine serving these bars alongside a cozy drink and a scoop of ice cream, inviting friends and family to indulge in pure holiday joy.
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Peppermint Bark: The minty freshness of peppermint bark adds a refreshing element, perfect for those who love a little extra festivity on their plates.
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Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries, oranges, and apples bring a burst of color and freshness, cutting through the richness of the chocolate bars.
By offering these pairings, you create an unforgettable dessert experience that’s sure to please everyone at your holiday celebration!
Christmas Bars Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select graham cracker crumbs?
Absolutely! When choosing graham cracker crumbs, look for those with a fine texture and minimal added sugars. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free option, make sure to select gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or even almond flour, which gives a lovely nutty flavor.
How should I store leftover Christmas bars?
For best results, store your Christmas bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresher longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to 10 days, but remember to bring them back to room temperature before indulging for that perfect texture!
Can I freeze Christmas bars? How?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Christmas bars, first allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds until warm and gooey.
What should I do if my bars are too crumbly or fall apart when cut?
Very! If your bars crumble, it might be due to not letting them cool completely before cutting or not having enough binding ingredients. Ensure your butter is melted properly, and let the mixture cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. If crumbling persists, try pressing the mixture more firmly into the baking pan next time.
Are there any dietary considerations for the ingredients?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be adapted for different dietary needs. For nut allergies, simply omit the chopped nuts; use additional chocolate chips to maintain crunch. For a vegan option, swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil and use a homemade vegan sweetened condensed milk. Always check labels for potential allergens to ensure safety!
Decadent Christmas Bars: Easy, Customizable Festive Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined.
- Stir in melted butter and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is thick and sticky.
- Gently fold in mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are set and center feels slightly firm.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.