When it comes to holiday gatherings, I always want to impress my friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where these *easy Christmas desserts for a crowd* come in! This recipe is not just simple; it’s a delightful blend of chocolatey goodness with a chewy texture that will have everyone going back for seconds (or thirds!). Imagine the joy on their faces when they bite into these rich squares filled with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Plus, it’s such a breeze to whip up—perfect for busy holiday schedules! Trust me, this dessert will be the star of your festive table, and it’s so easy that you’ll want to make it year after year. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious treat!
Ingredients List
Gathering the ingredients for this delightful dessert is a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious squares:
- 2 cups of crushed graham crackers: This will form the base of our dessert, giving it that wonderful crunch.
- 1 cup of powdered sugar: For that perfect sweetness without the graininess.
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder: This is where the rich chocolate flavor comes from—trust me, it’s essential!
- 1 cup of melted butter: It binds everything together and adds a lovely richness.
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows: These will give our dessert a fun, chewy texture that everyone loves.
- 1 cup of chocolate chips: Because more chocolate is always a good idea!
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Just a touch to enhance all those lovely flavors.
With these simple ingredients, you’re on your way to a dessert that’s not only easy to make but is sure to impress!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get started on making these delightful chocolate squares! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Here’s how to do it:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to ensuring your dessert bakes evenly, so don’t skip this step!
- While the oven is heating, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix it well until everything is evenly blended.
- Next, pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until it’s all well combined. It should look like a thick, chocolatey dough.
- Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. This is where you can really add that extra layer of yumminess!
- Spread this delightful mixture evenly into a greased baking dish. Don’t worry about making it perfect; just aim for an even layer.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. The smell will be heavenly, so be ready for some serious temptation!
- Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting into squares. I know it’s tough to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
And there you have it! Simple steps that lead to a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy the compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in just 15 minutes, making them a lifesaver during the busy holiday season!
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you won’t need a trip to the store for fancy items.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers is always a hit, appealing to both kids and adults alike!
- Make Ahead: These squares can be made in advance, freeing up your time for other holiday preparations.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personal twist!
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 servings, this recipe is ideal for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings—everyone gets a piece!
Tips for Success
To ensure your chocolate squares turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips you won’t want to miss:
- Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your cocoa powder and baking supplies are fresh for the best flavor. Old ingredients can really affect the taste!
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the timer! Baking for too long can dry out these delicious squares. They should be soft in the center when you take them out.
- Let them cool completely: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but allowing them to cool fully helps them set up nicely, making cutting easier.
- Get creative with add-ins: If you love coconut, try adding some shredded coconut! Or swap out chocolate chips for peanut butter chips for a tasty twist.
- Grease the baking dish well: This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Nobody wants to deal with a stuck dessert!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a dessert that’s not only easy to make but absolutely delightful to eat!
Variations
One of the best things about these chocolate squares is how easily you can customize them to suit your taste! Here are a few fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Nutty Delight: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and added flavor.
- Fruit Fusion: Try adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to give your squares a sweet, chewy twist.
- Coconut Bliss: A half-cup of shredded coconut can add a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
- Minty Fresh: Swap out some of the vanilla extract for peppermint extract for a festive mint chocolate treat!
- Spiced Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Feel free to mix and match these variations or come up with your own! The base recipe is so flexible, it’s hard to go wrong!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious chocolate squares is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and tasty. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long with how delicious they are!
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze these squares. Simply wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be fine for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—these treats are delightful served chilled or at room temperature!
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll always have a sweet treat on hand for those holiday cravings!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these *easy Christmas desserts for a crowd*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get:
Can I make these chocolate squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! These squares are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to go when you are!
What can I substitute for graham crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed Oreo cookies or vanilla wafers work wonderfully too! It’ll give a different but equally delicious flavor.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
You’ll want to look for a slight set in the center. They should still feel a bit soft because they’ll firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them around the 15-minute mark!
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Of course! Feel free to mix it up with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips. It’ll add a fun twist to your dessert!
What’s the best way to cut these squares?
Once they’re completely cooled, use a sharp knife for clean edges. If you’re having trouble, try warming the knife slightly with hot water, then drying it off before cutting!
These tips should help you make the most of your easy Christmas desserts for a crowd and ensure everyone enjoys them as much as you will!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these delicious chocolate squares, it’s good to be mindful of the nutritional content. Each square is approximately 150 calories, with 10g of sugar and 8g of fat. However, please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. These numbers are estimates and should be used as a general guide. So go ahead and indulge—just keep in mind to enjoy in moderation!
What to Do Next
Now that you’ve got this fantastic recipe for *easy Christmas desserts for a crowd*, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or just to say hi! If you enjoyed this recipe, consider giving it a rating too—it really helps others find this chocolatey goodness! And don’t forget to share your own variations; I’m always excited to hear how creative you get in the kitchen. Happy baking!
Drucken
Easy Christmas Desserts for a Crowd: 5 Joyful Treats
- Gesamtzeit: 30 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Simple and delicious desserts perfect for holiday gatherings.
Zutaten
- 2 cups of crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup of melted butter
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder.
- Add melted butter, vanilla extract, and stir until combined.
- Fold in mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Let it cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 15 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 square
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 8g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 15mg
Keywords: easy christmas desserts for a crowd
