Fudgy Chocolate Marshmallow Christmas Bars Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in Extras: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using, ensuring even distribution without breaking the marshmallows.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
