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These Christmas bars bring together a perfect blend of festive flavors and textures with a graham cracker crust, chocolate, marshmallows, and sweetened condensed milk that create a rich and gooey treat. They are ideal for holiday gatherings when you want something simple to make yet impressive enough to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: for a crunchy and slightly sweet base try to use fresh crumbs for best texture
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: to add chocolate flavor without sweetness use a good quality powder for richer taste
- Powdered sugar: blends easily into the crust giving sweetness without graininess
- Unsalted butter: melted helps bind the crust and adds richness use real butter not substitutes
- Sweetened condensed milk: makes the bars fudgy and adds creamy sweetness
- Mini marshmallows: create little pockets of gooey softness throughout the bars
- Chocolate chips: add bursts of smooth chocolate good quality semisweet or milk chocolate works well
- Chopped nuts: optional for crunch and contrast I like walnuts or pecans well toasted
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set your oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius to prepare for baking
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs unsweetened cocoa powder and powdered sugar stirring until these are evenly distributed
- Add the wet ingredients:
- Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk then stir gently until the mixture comes together evenly without dry spots
- Fold in the mix-ins:
- Add the mini marshmallows chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using fold in carefully to keep the marshmallows intact and evenly spread throughout
- Prepare the pan and spread the batter:
- Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal then spread the mixture into the pan pressing lightly to even the surface
- Bake the bars:
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the edges are set and the center becomes slightly firm but still soft to the touch
- Cool completely before cutting:
- Remove the pan from oven and allow it to cool fully to set the texture before cutting into squares to avoid messy slices
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Storage Tips
Store your Christmas bars in an airtight container at room temperature and they will stay fresh for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months then thaw at room temperature before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap graham crackers for digestive biscuits or even crushed cookies for a different base flavor. Dark chocolate chunks work beautifully if you prefer less sweetness and shredded coconut can be added in place of nuts for a tropical touch.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect served with a hot cup of cocoa or mulled cider during holiday parties. They also pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream when you want a fancier dessert presentation.
Cultural Context
The sweetened condensed milk and marshmallow combination is a popular staple in many American holiday desserts like seven layer bars or magic bars. They evoke that classic festive feeling often tied to nostalgic family gatherings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What crust is used for these bars?
A graham cracker crumb crust mixed with cocoa powder and powdered sugar forms the flavorful base of the bars.
- → Can I add nuts to these bars?
Yes, chopped nuts can be folded in to add crunch and enhance texture, but this is optional.
- → How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the baking pan or lining it with parchment paper ensures easy removal of the bars after baking.
- → What is the baking time and temperature?
The bars bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and the center feels slightly firm.
- → Why is it important to cool the bars completely before cutting?
Cooling allows the bars to set properly, preventing them from crumbling or losing shape when sliced.
- → Can I customize these bars with other ingredients?
Yes, adding dried fruit or shredded coconut can give a personalized twist to the bars’ flavor and texture.