Oh, the holiday season! There’s just something magical about gathering with family and friends, sharing laughter, and, of course, indulging in delightful treats. When it comes to holiday celebrations, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have easy Christmas desserts for a crowd that not only taste amazing but also take the stress out of entertaining. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the festivities!
That’s why I love this simple dessert recipe—it’s a total crowd-pleaser and super easy to whip up. Imagine the joy on everyone’s faces when you serve up these rich, chocolatey squares that are just bursting with flavor! Plus, they’re perfect for sharing, and who doesn’t love a dessert that you can just cut into squares and pass around? So, let’s dive into this tasty holiday treat that will make your gatherings even sweeter!
Ingredients List
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to your delicious holiday treat! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of crushed graham crackers – This gives our dessert a delightful base and that amazing crunch.
- 1 cup of powdered sugar – This adds sweetness and helps bind everything together.
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder – The star of the show! It brings that rich chocolate flavor we all crave.
- 1 cup of melted butter – This not only adds moisture but also gives the dessert a wonderful buttery richness.
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows – These little puffs add a fun texture and a hint of gooeyness!
- 1 cup of chocolate chips – Because, honestly, can you ever have too much chocolate? I think not!
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – This little splash of flavor elevates everything, bringing it all together beautifully.
Now that you have everything ready, you’re one step closer to creating some holiday magic! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these delicious chocolatey squares! It’s super simple, and you’ll have them ready in no time. Just follow these easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want our dessert to bake evenly and become nice and gooey.
- Mix it up! In a large bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended. You’ll want to see that beautiful chocolatey color!
- Add the wet ingredients. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, then mix it all together until it’s nice and combined. Don’t worry if it feels a bit crumbly; that’s just how it should be!
- Fold in the goodies. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens—those marshmallows will give it a fantastic chewy texture!
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking dish. Make sure to press it down a bit so it holds together when baked.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—the edges should be set but the center will still be a little soft. That’s perfect!
- Cool it down. Once baked, let it cool in the dish for a bit before cutting it into squares. Trust me, the waiting will be worth it!
And there you have it—an easy, stress-free dessert that’s ready to impress your guests! Just picture all those happy faces enjoying your creation. Let’s keep this holiday spirit going!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a decadent dessert ready to go in no time!
- Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward—just mix, bake, and enjoy! Even if you’re a beginner, you can’t go wrong here.
- Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe yields 24 generous squares, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or any festive celebration.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love!
- Fun Texture: The chewy marshmallows mixed with the rich chocolate create a delightful contrast that makes each bite memorable.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or dried fruits, giving you the freedom to create your own twist on this classic treat!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your chocolatey squares turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some handy tips I’ve gathered from my own kitchen adventures:
- Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll still taste amazing! You can also refrigerate them, but let them come to room temperature for the best texture.
- Freezing: Want to save some for later? Just wrap the squares tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to enjoy again!
- Variations: Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist, or even dried fruits like cranberries for a festive flair. Swapping in peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips adds a delightful twist too!
- Make it festive: For a holiday touch, sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top right after baking for a pop of color and flavor. It’s a fun way to make your squares even more special!
- Don’t skip the cooling: Allowing the dessert to cool before cutting is crucial! It helps the squares set properly, ensuring each bite holds together beautifully without falling apart.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with these delicious treats. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
So, you might be wondering about the nutritional details of these delightful chocolatey squares. Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving (1 square), just to give you a better idea:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients you might use. But it’s always good to have a rough idea, right? Now you can enjoy these treats a little more mindfully during your lovely holiday gatherings!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I’ve come across while making these easy Christmas desserts for a crowd, along with my tried-and-true tips:
Can I substitute the graham crackers?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or even crushed oats for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary a bit!
What can I use instead of mini marshmallows?
If you don’t have mini marshmallows on hand, feel free to use regular-sized marshmallows cut into smaller pieces. You could also try marshmallow fluff for a gooey twist, but that might change the texture a bit.
How should I store these chocolatey squares?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge or even freeze them for up to 2 months! Just remember to let them thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, yes, yes! These squares are perfect for making in advance. You can bake them a day or two before your gathering. Just let them cool, store them properly, and they’ll be ready to dazzle your guests!
What if I want to make these a bit healthier?
Great question! You can try using a bit less sugar, or swap in a natural sweetener if that fits your dietary needs. Additionally, using dark chocolate chips instead of regular ones can add extra antioxidants and richness!
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes! Greasing the dish is essential to ensure that the squares come out easily without sticking. I like to use a bit of butter or cooking spray for this.
There you have it! If you have any other burning questions or need more tips, just let me know. I’m always here to help make your holiday baking as joyful and stress-free as possible!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these scrumptious chocolatey squares, let’s talk about how to make your holiday gathering even more festive! Here are some delightful ideas for what to serve alongside these easy Christmas desserts for a crowd:
- Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a cozy hot cocoa station with all the fixings! Include whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s the perfect pairing for your squares and adds a warm, inviting touch to your gathering.
- Festive Fruit Platter: Balance the richness of your dessert with a vibrant fruit platter. Think bright strawberries, juicy oranges, and green grapes. The freshness of the fruit provides a lovely contrast, and it’s a great way to add some color to your table!
- Cheese and Charcuterie Board: For a savory addition, consider a cheese and charcuterie board. Include a variety of cheeses, cured meats, olives, and nuts. It creates a beautiful spread and keeps your guests satisfied with both sweet and savory options.
- Ice Cream: Serve your chocolate squares with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. The creamy, cold treat complements the warm, gooey squares perfectly and is always a crowd favorite!
- Holiday Cookies: If you’re feeling ambitious, bake a batch of classic holiday cookies—like gingerbread or sugar cookies—to accompany your dessert. It adds a fun variety and gives your guests different treats to enjoy.
With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a delightful dessert experience that your guests will rave about! Mix and match these ideas to fit your holiday theme and let the sweetness flow. Happy celebrating!
Imprimer
Easy Christmas Desserts for a Crowd That Spark Joy
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 24 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Simple and delicious desserts perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingrédients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: easy christmas desserts for a crowd
