Fudgy Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Fudgy Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars combine rich cocoa, sweet marshmallows, and melty chocolate chips for a festive treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Easy to make and irresistibly gooey, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
• 3 cups (150g) mini marshmallows
• 1½ cups (270g) chocolate chips
• ½ cup (60g) chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined and lump-free.
3. Step 3: Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk. Stir well. The mixture will be thick and sticky.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly (it might take a little effort due to the thickness).
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm but still soft.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to ensure they hold their shape.

Tips & Variations

• Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
• Substitute nuts with dried fruit or leave them out for a nut-free version.
• For extra gooeyness, add a handful of caramel bits along with the chocolate chips.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm and gooey.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Yes, but chop regular marshmallows into smaller pieces so they distribute evenly and melt nicely throughout the bars.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Traditional graham cracker crumbs contain gluten, but you can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

Fudgy Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 82 reviews

These Fudgy Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars are a rich and indulgent treat perfect for the holiday season. Combining the crunch of graham cracker crumbs with the sweetness of marshmallows, chocolate chips, and a smooth, fudgy texture thanks to sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder. They bake to perfection with a slightly soft center and set edges, making them ideal for festive gatherings or gifting.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars (cut into 4x4 grid) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base & 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

Mix-ins

• 3 cups (150g) mini marshmallows
• 1½ cups (270g) chocolate chips
• ½ cup (60g) chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until the mixture is well combined and free of lumps.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted unsalted butter and the sweetened condensed milk into the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes thick, sticky, and homogenous.
4. Fold in Extras: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using, ensuring even distribution without breaking the marshmallows.
5. Spread: Transfer the thick mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface, applying some effort due to its density.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bars are ready when the edges are set and firm, and the center is slightly soft but holds together.
7. Cool & Cut: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step helps them firm up and makes cutting into neat squares easier.

Notes

• For a nut-free version, omit the chopped nuts without affecting the texture much.
• Using parchment paper for lining the pan makes removal and cleanup much easier.
• Ensure the bars have cooled fully before cutting to prevent crumbling.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
• Feel free to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.

Keywords: chocolate bars, marshmallow dessert, Christmas treats, fudgy bars, holiday baking, chocolate chip bars