Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars Recipe

Introduction

Christmas bars are a festive, no-bake treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, marshmallows, and a crunchy graham cracker base. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars are chewy, sweet, and irresistibly delicious.

Two stacked dessert bars sit on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each bar has three layers: the bottom layer is a golden brown, crumbly base with small bits of dark red fruit mixed in; the middle layer is creamy white with chocolate chunks and red fruit scattered throughout; the top layer is a glossy caramel-like glaze topped with bright red whole cherries. The bars have a rich and moist texture with a glossy finish on top. 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 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
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well mixed 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, taking care not to overmix.
  5. Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Substitute melted coconut oil for butter to make the bars dairy-free.
  • Use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips based on your preference.
  • Omit nuts or replace them with seeds for a nut-free option.
  • Press a few extra marshmallows on top before baking for a toasted look.

Storage

Store Christmas bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Reheat briefly in a microwave if you prefer them warm, but they are delicious served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Two stacked dessert bars on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each bar has three layers: the bottom layer is thick, golden brown, and crumbly; the middle layer is creamy white with bits of dark chocolate and deep red dried fruit mixed inside; the top layer is a slightly browned, glossy custard holding four shiny, whole, bright red cherries placed evenly on the top bar. The texture is soft and slightly gooey with visible chunks inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make these bars gluten-free without changing the texture or flavor.

Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the bars and refrigerate them unbaked overnight. Just bake them the next day as instructed for fresh results.

Print

Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars Recipe

These festive Christmas Bars combine a rich chocolate base with gooey marshmallows, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips to create a chewy and delightful treat perfect for holiday celebrations. With a crunchy graham cracker crust and optional nuts for added texture, these bars are an easy-to-make dessert that will impress family and friends.

  • Author: mia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 1620 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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 (optional, walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and prevent undercooked or overly dry bars.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar to evenly distribute flavors and break up any lumps.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour melted butter and sweetened condensed milk into the dry mixture. Stir until a thick, sticky batter forms, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and optional chopped nuts, being careful not to overmix to keep marshmallows fluffy and evenly distributed.
  5. Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the mixture into a greased baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly firm.
  6. Cool and Cut: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into bite-sized squares to serve.

Notes

  • Substitute melted coconut oil for butter to make a dairy-free version.
  • Use white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
  • Omit nuts if there are allergies or preferences.
  • Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Cooling completely before cutting prevents bars from crumbling.

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

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