As I stood in my kitchen, a hint of chocolate wafted through the air, reminding me of the joyous gatherings of the holiday season. These Easy Festive Christmas Bars, topped with chewy marshmallows and smooth chocolate, are the ultimate showstopper for any celebration. Taking just 45 minutes to prepare, they make a stunning dessert for cozy nights or festive parties. What’s even better? This recipe is wonderfully customizable – whether you prefer it nut-free, vegan, or with a minty twist, there’s a version for everyone to enjoy. With their delightful textures and flavors, these bars are sure to become a beloved holiday tradition in your household. So, are you ready to bring some sweet cheer to your festivities? Why are Christmas Bars a Must-Try? Irresistible Flavor: The blend of chocolate and marshmallows creates an indulgent treat that everyone will love. Quick & Easy: With just 45 minutes of prep, these bars are perfect for busy holiday schedules. Customizable Options: Try nut-free or vegan variations for a dessert that accommodates all guests. Festive Appeal: Their colorful layers make them a stunning addition to any holiday spread. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Ideal for gatherings, these bars are sure to be a hit at any celebration. Pair Perfectly: Enjoy them with a warm drink or ice cream for the ultimate festive experience. Don’t forget to check out our Homemade Strawberry Bars for a refreshing twist this season! Christmas Bars Ingredients For the Base • Graham Cracker Crumbs – Provide a sweet, crunchy base. Substitution: Whole graham crackers may be crushed instead. • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds a rich chocolate flavor. Note: Use high-quality cocoa for best taste. • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the bars and gives a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Essential for smoothness. • Unsalted Butter, melted – Binds ingredients and adds richness. Substitution: Melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option. For the Filling • Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds moisture and sweetness. Secret ingredient for chewy texture. • Mini Marshmallows – Provide a fun, chewy element. Use regular marshmallows if mini are unavailable. • Chocolate Chips – Enhance chocolate flavor. Options: Dark, milk, or white chocolate; customize to taste. Optional Add-Ins • Chopped Nuts – Add crunch and texture. Omit for nut allergies; substitute with more chocolate chips if needed. Dive into the festive spirit with these Christmas bars—they’re truly a delight for everyone! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Bars Step 1: Preheat Oven Begin your holiday baking by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures even baking, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your Christmas bars. While the oven is warming up, prepare your baking pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal once the bars are baked. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, unsweetened cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until the mixture is well combined. This will create a sweet, chocolatey base for your Christmas bars. Look for a consistent texture with no lumps, which will help ensure the bars have a smooth and even consistency when baked. Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients Now it’s time to incorporate the wet ingredients. Pour the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk into the dry mixture. Stir everything together until the mixture becomes thick and sticky, making sure to blend well. The sweetened condensed milk is essential for that delicious chewy texture in your Christmas bars, so take your time to mix thoroughly. Step 4: Fold in Mix-Ins Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and any optional chopped nuts. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the marshmallows intact for delicious pockets of chewiness. This step adds delightful flavors and textures to your Christmas bars, making them even more festive and enjoyable. Step 5: Spread and Bake Transfer the sticky mixture into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center feels firm to the touch. Keep an eye on the bars, as this will ensure they achieve that perfect, gooey consistency that makes Christmas bars irresistible. Step 6: Cool and Cut Once baked, remove the Christmas bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This cooling period is crucial for easy cutting. For clean squares, let them cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife for best results, and enjoy your festive masterpiece! Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Bars Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality cocoa and butter ensure the bars taste rich and decadent. Avoid substituting with low-quality items for the best results. Don’t Overmix: When folding in marshmallows and chocolate chips, mix gently to maintain the chewy texture that makes Christmas bars so delightful. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool entirely before cutting. This step prevents them from crumbling and ensures perfect squares. Parchment Paper Trick: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only makes removal easier but also helps avoid sticking, so you can enjoy every delicious bite. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Adding dried fruit or coconut can elevate your Christmas bars and keep your recipe fresh and exciting. How to Store and Freeze Christmas Bars Room Temperature: Store your Christmas bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and chewy. Fridge: If you’d like to extend their freshness, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to seal them tightly to prevent drying out. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Christmas bars in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying! Reheating: If you’d like them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive their gooey texture while maintaining the delightful flavors. Make Ahead Options These Easy Festive Christmas Bars are perfect for meal prep and can be made up to 2 days in advance for maximum flavor! To prepare ahead, mix all the dry and wet ingredients and fold in your desired mix-ins (like marshmallows and chocolate chips) the day before. Once combined, spread the mixture in a baking pan and refrigerate it overnight to firm up. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the bars according to the recipe instructions. Allow them to cool completely before cutting for the best results, as this helps maintain their chewy texture. Preparing these bars ahead not only saves time but enhances their delightful flavor, making them just as delicious as freshly made! What to Serve with Easy Festive Christmas Bars? These delicious treats perfectly complement the holiday spirit, making your dessert table shine even brighter. Hot Cocoa: A warm mug of rich hot cocoa enhances the chocolatey goodness and provides a cozy touch to your dessert experience. Trust me, the combination is pure comfort! Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider elevate the festive flavors of the Christmas bars, creating a delightful balance of sweet and tart. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luscious contrast to the chewy texture of the bars, making each bite feel indulgent and satisfying. Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar on the Christmas bars gives a beautiful presentation while adding an extra touch of sweetness. Roasted Nuts: If you opt for the nutty variation of the bars, serving them with roasted nuts creates a wonderful crunch that complements the chewy softness. Mint Chocolate Milkshake: For a twist, pair these bars with a festive mint chocolate milkshake. The cool and creamy shake complements the richness of the bars beautifully. Gingerbread Cookies: The spicy flavors of gingerbread cookies harmonize with the chocolatey Christmas bars, making for a memorable holiday platter. Fresh Berries: A side of fresh berries adds a burst of freshness and color, contrasting the rich flavors of your Christmas bars. It’s a refreshing note to round out the dessert! Peppermint Tea: A warm cup of peppermint tea can cleanse the palate and enhance the festive feel while keeping the season’s spirit alive. Christmas Bars: Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with these festive bars! Each delicious twist will delight your taste buds and elevate your dessert game. Nut-Free: Omit chopped nuts and replace with additional chocolate chips for that crunchy texture. Gluten-Free: Swap standard graham crackers for gluten-free ones or use almond flour, keeping the festive spirit intact. Vegan: Use melted coconut oil instead of butter and vegan sweetened condensed milk for a fully plant-based delight. Mint Chocolate Twist: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mix for a refreshing burst of flavor—perfect for holiday gatherings. Fruit and Nut Medley: Toss in dried cranberries or cherries along with nuts to create a vibrant, fruity flavor that complements the chocolate. Double Chocolate: Replace half of the cocoa powder with melted dark chocolate for an ultra-rich experience that chocolate lovers crave. S’mores Style: Layer in some crushed graham crackers and extra mini marshmallows on top before baking for a gooey, nostalgic treat. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to elevate the warmth and surprise with a subtle kick amid the chocolate sweetness. For an additional treat idea, don’t forget to explore our delightful Yogurt Granola Bars that are packed with flavor! Christmas Bars Recipe FAQs What is the best way to choose graham cracker crumbs for Christmas bars? Absolutely! When selecting graham cracker crumbs, look for a brand with minimal ingredients for the best flavor. You can also crush whole graham crackers using a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until they’re fine crumbs. This will enhance the taste and texture of your Christmas bars, giving them that lovely crunch. How should I store Christmas bars to keep them fresh? For optimal freshness, store your Christmas bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you find they’ll be around longer, they can stay in the fridge for 1-2 weeks, just ensure they’re sealed tightly to avoid drying out. The more the merrier, right? Who doesn’t love a treat that lasts a little longer? Can I freeze my Christmas bars, and how should I do that? Yes, you can freeze your Christmas bars for up to 3 months! To freezer-proof them, first cut them into squares and layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a sweet treat! What do I do if my Christmas bars are too crumbly? If your bars seem too crumbly, it may be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the mixture. For the next batch, try reducing the baking time by a couple of minutes to achieve a gooier consistency. If they’ve already been made, warming them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can help restore a chewy texture. Don’t worry, there’s always a way to salvage deliciousness! Are these Christmas bars safe for kids with nut allergies? Absolutely! You can make nut-free Christmas bars simply by omitting the chopped nuts. Instead, you might consider adding additional chocolate chips or even dried fruits like cranberries for added flavor and texture. Just double-check that any other ingredients, like chocolate chips or marshmallows, are also nut-free, ensuring a safe treat for all children to enjoy! Can I make these Christmas bars gluten-free or vegan? Very! To make gluten-free Christmas bars, use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour in place of regular crumbs. For a vegan twist, substitute the unsalted butter with melted coconut oil and seek out a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative. Remember, each adjustment can create a unique spin on this festive recipe, allowing everyone to indulge! Indulge in Chewy Christmas Bars for a Festive Treat These festive Christmas bars feature a delightful blend of chocolate and marshmallows, making them a must-try treat for the holiday season. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs Substitution: Whole graham crackers may be crushed instead.1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Use high-quality cocoa for best taste.1 cup Powdered Sugar Essential for smoothness.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted Substitution: Melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option.For the Filling1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk Secret ingredient for chewy texture.2 cups Mini Marshmallows Use regular marshmallows if mini are unavailable.1 cup Chocolate Chips Options: Dark, milk, or white chocolate; customize to taste.Optional Add-Ins1/2 cup Chopped Nuts Omit for nut allergies; substitute with more chocolate chips if needed. Equipment OvenMixing BowlBaking PanSpatula Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas BarsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar.Pour melted butter and sweetened condensed milk into the dry mixture and stir until thick and sticky.Gently fold in mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts.Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes.Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesThese bars can be customized easily for nut allergies or dietary preferences. Experiment with different mix-ins for a personalized touch. 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