Dessert

Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe

ByLisa Morgan November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Introduction

Christmas bars are a festive treat combining chocolate, marshmallows, and a crunchy base for a delightful holiday dessert. These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.

The image shows two square dessert bars stacked on a white plate. Each bar has a golden brown crust as the bottom layer, with a soft, slightly crumbly texture visible. Above the crust is a layer filled with melted chocolate chunks and white marshmallow pieces, giving a mix of smooth and fluffy textures with dark and bright white colors. Scattered bits of red fruit pieces, likely cherries or cranberries, are embedded within this middle layer. The top layer has a golden, slightly glossy finish with four bright red cherries placed on the upper bar. The background features a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright presentation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted (or ¾ cup (150 g) melted coconut oil for dairy-free)
1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
3 cups (150 g) mini marshmallows
1½ cups (270 g) chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white)
½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts, optional (walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined and free of lumps.
Step 3: Add the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk to the dry ingredients. Stir until thick and sticky.
Step 4: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with melted coconut oil.
Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Omit nuts if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free treat.
Allow bars to cool completely before cutting for clean edges.

Storage

Store Christmas bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat briefly in a microwave to soften before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Two stacked dessert squares are shown on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each square has three layers: the bottom layer is a thick, golden-brown cookie base with a soft texture; the middle layer contains gooey white marshmallow pieces mixed with melted dark chocolate chunks and red cherry bits; the top layer is a baked, light caramel-colored surface, topped with four shiny, whole red cherries neatly arranged on the upper square. The dessert looks rich and soft with visible melting and glossy fruit on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze Christmas bars?

Absolutely. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

These festive Christmas bars combine a crunchy graham cracker base with rich cocoa, sweetened condensed milk, fluffy mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips for a chewy, chocolatey treat perfect for holiday gatherings.

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Base and Dry Ingredients

2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients

¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted (or ¾ cup/150 g melted coconut oil for dairy-free)
1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk

Mix-ins

3 cups (150 g) mini marshmallows
1½ cups (270 g) chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white)
½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and prevent gooey centers or dry edges.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined and smooth.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk, stirring until the mixture is thick, sticky, and fully combined.
Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts (if using), being careful not to overmix to maintain marshmallow fluffiness.
Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the mixture into a greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and the center is slightly firm.

Notes

Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
Melted coconut oil can replace butter for a dairy-free version.
You can substitute regular marshmallows if mini ones are unavailable, but mini marshmallows distribute more evenly.
Chopped nuts are optional—omit if nut allergies are a concern.
Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to retain their shape.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Christmas bars, holiday dessert, chocolate bars, marshmallow bars, graham cracker dessert, festive treats, chocolate marshmallow bars

Lisa Morgan

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