Description
Christmas Magic Layer Brownie Bars feature a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with layers of nuts, holiday M&Ms, chocolate chips, sweetened coconut, and sweetened condensed milk, creating a festive and indulgent treat perfect for the holiday season.
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 spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for the brownie layer.
- Melt chocolate and butter: Place the butter and 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 brownie batter: Beat in the granulated sugar, then add vanilla extract, the 2 large eggs, and the egg yolk. Mix until well combined. Stir in the all-purpose flour gently until just combined without overmixing.
- Bake brownie base: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The brownies will jiggle slightly but should be set on top when done.
- Add toppings layer: Remove the brownies from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the nuts, half of the chocolate chips, half of the M&Ms, and all of the shredded coconut over the brownie base. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly on top and gently spread to distribute it uniformly.
- Finish topping and bake: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips, the remaining M&Ms, and finally the holiday sprinkles over the condensed milk layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the middle is set and just starting to brown. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent the pan with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares with a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
- For refrigeration, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks; for best results, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- To freeze, lift the brownies from the pan and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze individual squares for convenient treats; thaw on the counter for about an hour before serving.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for extra crunch.
- Ensure to not overbake the brownie base initially, as it will continue cooking during the second bake with toppings.
- Use holiday-themed M&Ms and sprinkles to enhance the festive look and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
