Description
Christmas Magic Layer Brownie Bars feature a rich chocolate brownie base topped with layers of nuts, chocolate chips, holiday M&Ms, sweetened coconut, and sweetened condensed milk, finished with festive sprinkles. These delightful bars are perfect for holiday celebrations, combining chewy, crunchy, and sweet textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 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
Toppings
- 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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: 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 increments, stirring each time, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Mix Batter: Beat the granulated sugar into the melted chocolate mixture. Then add the vanilla extract, whole eggs, and egg yolk, mixing well until fully combined.
- Add Flour: Gently stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake Brownie Base: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The brownies will still jiggle slightly but should be set on top when done.
- Layer Toppings: Remove the pan from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the nuts, half of the divided semi-sweet chocolate chips, half of the M&Ms (both mini and regular), and then all of the shredded coconut over the brownie base.
- Add Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the toppings, then gently spread it to ensure it is distributed uniformly.
- Final Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining semi-sweet chocolate chips, remaining M&Ms, and lastly the holiday sprinkles on top.
- Second Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set and just beginning to brown. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil or parchment paper. Cut into 9 equal squares using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for best flavor and texture.
- Make sure not to overbake the brownies on the first bake; a slight jiggle means they will continue cooking during the second bake.
- To prevent sprinkles and M&Ms from melting too much, add them lightly after the condensed milk layer and bake gently.
- Wrap the bars tightly when storing to keep them fresh and chewy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 499 kcal
- Sugar: 46 g
- Sodium: 117 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 49 mg
