Description
M&M Magic Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s as colorful as it is delicious. With layers of sweetened condensed milk, buttery graham cracker crumbs, and gooey chocolate chips, these bars are topped with vibrant M&M candies that add a pop of color and crunch. The combination of crunchy, creamy, and sweet textures makes each bite an irresistible treat. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday celebration, a casual family dessert, or just need a quick sweet fix, M&M Magic Bars are the perfect choice. Not only are they simple to make, but they also offer endless customization options—add nuts, swap the M&Ms for another candy, or use different types of chocolate to create your own magical twist. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering and a fun way to bring some color to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: This is the base for the magic bars, providing a buttery and slightly crunchy foundation.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the richness of the condensed milk.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: The butter helps bind the crumbs together and adds richness to the base.
For the Bars:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: This is the magic ingredient that holds everything together, making the bars gooey and delicious.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The chocolate chips provide richness and melt beautifully, creating a smooth layer in the bars.
- 1 1/2 cups M&M’s: Use regular-sized M&M’s or mini M&M’s, depending on your preference. The candies add sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional): This adds a chewy texture and a mild coconut flavor that complements the chocolate and M&Ms.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional): Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a lovely crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that contrasts with the sweetness of the bars.
Step-by-Step Instru
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the base gets nicely baked while the rest of the ingredients come together.
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir until they’re well combined.
- Add melted butter: Pour the melted butter into the crumb mixture and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture starts to come together.
- Press into the pan: Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust layer. Make sure the crust is tightly packed so it holds together when cut into bars.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Magic Bars
- Pour sweetened condensed milk: Once the crust has cooled for a few minutes, evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the crust. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it gently across the surface, ensuring that the crust is fully covered.
- Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top of the condensed milk layer. The chocolate chips will melt into the milk, creating a rich and creamy layer.
- Top with M&M’s and coconut: Next, sprinkle the M&M’s generously over the chocolate chips. If you’re using coconut or nuts, now’s the time to add them as well. These additions enhance the flavor and texture of the bars, but they’re completely optional.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan back into the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate chips are melted and the bars have started to turn golden at the edges.
Step 3: Cool and Slice
- Cool the bars: Once the bars are finished baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. It’s important to let them cool completely so they firm up and are easier to slice.
- Refrigerate for best results: If you want your bars to be extra firm and easy to cut, place the pan in the refrigerator for about an hour before slicing. This will help the layers set perfectly and give you nice clean cuts.
- Slice and serve: Once the bars have cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 2g