If you’re on the hunt for a chewy, gooey holiday treat that combines rich chocolate and fluffy marshmallows in one irresistible bite, look no further than this Fudgy Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars Recipe. Bursting with festive spirit and loaded with simple pantry ingredients, these bars deliver the perfect balance of chocolatey depth and sweet, pillowy marshmallows with every mouthful. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to Christmas dessert that friends and family beg you to make year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role without complicating the process. From the crumbly graham crackers that form the base to the creamy sweetness of condensed milk that binds everything, you’re just a handful of staples away from holiday bliss.
- 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs: Provides a crunchy and slightly sweet foundation for the bars.
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar: Sweetens while contributing a silky smooth texture.
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted: Binds everything together and ensures fudgy softness.
- 1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk: The magic ingredient that makes these bars dense and irresistibly chewy.
- 3 cups (150g) mini marshmallows: Melt and create delightful pockets of sweetness and fluffiness.
- 1½ cups (270g) chocolate chips: Extra bursts of melty chocolate goodness throughout.
- ½ cup (60g) chopped nuts (optional): Adds crunch and a nutty contrast; feel free to skip or substitute based on preferences.
How to Make Fudgy Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it thoroughly with parchment paper. This step ensures your bars will lift out easily after baking without sticking or breaking apart.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Whisk them well until the mixture looks even and lump-free—this makes sure every bite tastes consistently chocolatey and sweet.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk to the dry mixture. Stir vigorously until the ingredients meld into a thick, sticky batter. This stage is key for building that wonderfully fudgy texture you’ll love.
Step 4: Fold in Marshmallows, Chocolate Chips, and Nuts
Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if you’re using them. Distribute everything evenly so each bar gets that perfect combo of soft marshmallow pockets and melty chocolate chips.
Step 5: Spread the Mixture Evenly
Transfer this luscious mixture to your prepared pan. Press and spread it out carefully with a spatula, making sure it reaches all corners. Because of its thickness, it may take a little effort, but it’s worth the even layer you’ll achieve.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes. You want to see the edges set firmly while the center remains slightly soft. This contrast is what keeps the bars chewy and fudgy without drying them out.
Step 7: Cool Completely and Cut
Once out of the oven, patience is your best friend. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This resting time helps the bars set properly and keeps each piece neat and squared off.
How to Serve Fudgy Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To make these bars even more festive, consider sprinkling powdered sugar or crushed candy canes on top just before serving. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a few extra mini marshmallows toasted lightly adds a fun, eye-catching touch that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
These bars are a decadent treat on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream creates a wonderfully indulgent dessert experience. If you’re serving them during a party, offer some fresh berries on the side to add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and serve on festive platters for easy snacking at holiday gatherings. Another fun idea is to stack them between layers of parchment paper in gift boxes, wrapped with a bright ribbon—perfect for spreading Christmas cheer with edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Fudgy Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and maintains their gooey texture, perfect for snacking anytime.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy that fudgy softness.
Reheating
For a warm treat, gently reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This revives the melted chocolate and marshmallow ooze, making them taste freshly baked and even more indulgent.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, but chopping regular marshmallows into smaller pieces helps them distribute more evenly through the bars and melt better, keeping the texture consistent.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Traditional graham cracker crumbs contain gluten, so to make this recipe gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a similar gluten-free cookie crumb.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely! The nuts are optional, so simply omit them if anyone has a nut allergy or if you prefer a more classic chocolate and marshmallow combo.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Cutting after the bars have fully cooled is essential to prevent crumbling and keep neat edges.
Can I add other mix-ins to this recipe?
Feel free to customize with dried fruit, different types of chocolate chips, or even festive candies. Just remember to keep the total volume of mix-ins similar to maintain the bars’ texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and joy these Fudgy Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars Recipe brings to the holiday season. Easy to make, packed with gooey goodness, and infinitely shareable, they truly embody festive cheer. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and see these bars become a beloved tradition in your celebrations.
Print
Fudgy Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Fudgy Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars are a decadent holiday treat combining the rich flavors of cocoa, melted butter, and sweetened condensed milk with gooey mini marshmallows and melty chocolate chips. With a crumbly graham cracker base and optional chopped nuts for crunch, these bars are perfect for festive gatherings or everyday indulgence during the winter season.
Ingredients
Base and Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
Add-ins
- 3 cups (150g) mini marshmallows
- 1½ cups (270g) chocolate chips
- ½ cup (60g) chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, unsweetened cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until the mixture is well combined and free of lumps, creating the base mixture for the bars.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk to the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes thick and sticky, ensuring even incorporation of all ingredients.
- Fold in Extras: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to create texture and bursts of sweetness.
- Spread: Transfer the thick mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan, smoothing the surface as much as possible despite the sticky consistency.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges look set and slightly firm, while the center remains soft but not liquid. This ensures fudgy, chewy bars with a slight firmness at the edges.
- Cool & Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Cooling is essential for the bars to firm up sufficiently so when you cut them into squares, they hold their shape without crumbling.
Notes
- If you prefer nut-free bars, simply omit the chopped nuts.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner cuts.
- Ensure bars cool completely before cutting to prevent sogginess or crumbling.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate according to your preference.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
