Description
These Christmas Magic Layer Brownie Bars are a delightful holiday treat featuring a rich brownie base topped with layers of nuts, chocolate chips, M&Ms, shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and festive sprinkles. Perfect for festive gatherings and gift-giving, these bars combine chewy, crunchy, and sweet textures for irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Layer:
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings Layer:
- ¾ cup nuts (optional, divided)
- ¼ cup mini holiday M&Ms (divided)
- ¾ cup regular holiday M&Ms (divided)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
- 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk (from a 14-ounce can)
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Melt chocolate and butter: Place the butter and 1½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Mix in sugar, vanilla, and eggs: Beat in 1 cup granulated sugar until combined. Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract followed by 2 large eggs and 1 large egg yolk, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Incorporate flour: Gently stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared 9-inch pan and spread evenly.
- Bake brownie base: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The brownies will jiggle slightly but should be set on top.
- Add toppings: Remove the pan from the oven and layer the toppings as follows: sprinkle ¾ cup nuts (if using), then half of the ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, half of the mini holiday M&Ms, followed by half of the regular holiday M&Ms, and finally all of the sweetened flaked coconut. Pour ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top and spread gently to distribute.
- Finish topping and bake: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips, remaining mini and regular holiday M&Ms, and ¼ cup holiday sprinkles over the condensed milk layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set and beginning to brown. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before using a sharp knife to cut into 9 square bars. Store in a tightly sealed container.
Notes
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For extended storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks; separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freeze whole pan or individual bars by wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for about one hour before serving.
- Optional nuts can be substituted with your favorite variety or omitted for a nut-free version.
- Use holiday-themed M&Ms and sprinkles to enhance the festive appearance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: thirty-five grams
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
