Description
Christmas Magic Layer Brownie Bars are a festive treat featuring a rich chocolate brownie base topped with layers of nuts, chocolate chips, M&Ms, shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and holiday sprinkles. These bars combine multiple textures and flavors, perfect for holiday celebrations and gifting.
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 extract
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 oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt chocolate and butter: Place butter and 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving and stirring in 30 second intervals until the chocolate mixture is melted and smooth.
- Mix wet ingredients: Beat in 1 cup granulated sugar, then add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 large eggs, and 1 large egg yolk. Mix until well combined.
- Add flour: Stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake base layer: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and 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. Layer ¾ cup nuts (if using), half of the ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, half of the ¼ cup mini holiday M&Ms, half of the ¾ cup regular holiday M&Ms, and then all of the 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut evenly over the baked brownie base.
- Pour condensed milk: Evenly pour ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk over the toppings and gently spread to distribute evenly.
- Finish topping: Sprinkle the remaining half of the ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, the remaining mini and regular M&Ms, and finally ¼ cup holiday sprinkles on top.
- Bake final layer: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the middle is set and beginning to brown. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 9 squares with a sharp knife. Store in a tightly sealed container for up to one week.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- To prevent the top from over-browning, loosely tent with foil halfway through the second bake if needed.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the brownies are completely cool before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- These bars can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 499 kcal
- Sugar: 46 g
- Sodium: 117 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 49 mg
