That sounds like a fun and festive treat! Let’s put together a detailed recipe for your Jingle Bell Bars. I’ll expand on it with an introduction, history, and a little extra festive flair.
Jingle Bell Bars: A Festive Treat to Brighten the Holidays
Introduction
The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats that bring warmth and joy to any gathering. Jingle Bell Bars are a vibrant, easy-to-make dessert that combines classic ingredients with a festive flair. These colorful, layered bars are packed with sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, and more—tasting as good as they look. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply treating yourself and your loved ones, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
History
Though these bars are not tied to a single historical recipe, they draw inspiration from classic layered dessert bars that have been popular for decades in holiday baking. Think of them as a modern twist on a 7-layer bar, but with a wintery, candy-cane topping that evokes the fun and excitement of the Christmas season. The candy cane’s iconic red and white stripes, combined with the rich chocolate, make these bars a playful homage to the holiday spirit.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles (optional for extra holiday cheer)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
- Prepare the pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the bars later. This will help with easy removal and prevent sticking. - Make the crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until well combined and press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a uniform crust. - Layer the ingredients:
Now it’s time to layer! Start by pouring the sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker crust. Make sure it’s evenly distributed. Then, sprinkle over the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts (if using). Gently press the ingredients down with the back of a spoon to make sure they’re slightly set into the condensed milk. - Bake the bars:
Bake the layered bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, and the center looks set. You may see the coconut and chocolate lightly browning on top. Be careful not to overbake them, as the bars can become dry. - Add finishing touches:
Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the top and return the pan to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the marshmallows start to soften and puff up. - Crush the candy canes:
While the bars cool, crush your candy canes into small bits. You can do this by placing them in a Ziploc bag and using a rolling pin or mallet to break them into small chunks. - Cool and cut:
Once the marshmallows are puffy and golden, remove the pan from the oven. Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into squares or bars, depending on your preference. - Top with festive sprinkles:
Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed candy canes and optional festive sprinkles over the top for a final touch of holiday cheer.
Conclusion
Jingle Bell Bars are a delicious, fun way to bring holiday joy to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking with family, gifting to friends, or indulging in a treat while watching Christmas movies, these bars will fill your home with a warm, sweet aroma. The layers of chocolate, coconut, and candy cane combine perfectly with the buttery graham cracker crust, making each bite an irresistible, festive experience.
Lovers of this recipe
- Families: Perfect for baking with kids or creating memories in the kitchen with loved ones.
- Holiday Enthusiasts: Ideal for anyone who loves decorating cookies, creating festive snacks, or celebrating the season.
- Chocolate and Mint Fans: If you love the chocolate-mint combination, these bars are a dream come true.
- Gift Givers: These bars are a great homemade gift for neighbors, friends, or coworkers during the holiday season.
Methods for Customization
- Add more layers: Try adding a layer of caramel or peanut butter for extra richness.
- Vegan version: Swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut condensed milk for a vegan twist.
- Nut-Free Option: Leave out the nuts if you’re serving to guests with allergies.
- Flavor variations: You could use different flavored chocolate chips (like white chocolate or butterscotch) or even top with toffee bits for a caramel touch.
Feel free to experiment with these and enjoy! You might even find that this becomes a holiday tradition of your own. Let me know how it goes when you make your second batch! 😊