When the holiday season rolls around, I find myself reaching for my favorite no-bake Christmas desserts. There’s just something magical about whipping up a festive treat without having to turn on the oven! These little squares are a delightful mix of chocolatey goodness, creamy textures, and a refreshing hint of peppermint that screams “Christmas!” Plus, they come together in a flash—perfect for those busy days filled with holiday cheer. Trust me, these no-bake beauties are not only simple to make but also a hit at every gathering. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family get-together or bringing a dish to a holiday potluck, these treats are bound to impress and leave your guests coming back for more. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to become a holiday staple!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why these no-bake Christmas desserts will quickly become your favorite holiday treat! Here’s why I can’t get enough of them:
- Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in just 15 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities!
- Festive Presentation: With the vibrant colors of chocolate and peppermint, they look as festive as they taste!
- Delicious Taste: The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy peppermint is a flavor explosion that will delight your taste buds.
- No Baking Required: Perfect for those hot holiday days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping out, and these are so easy that they can join in without any worries!
- Make Ahead: Just chill them in the fridge, and they’re ready to serve whenever you need them!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint candies
Make sure your graham crackers are finely crushed for the best texture, and don’t skip on the peppermint candies—they add that festive crunch that ties everything together! Also, feel free to adjust the sweetness if you like it a little less sweet or a little more indulgent. Happy baking (or should I say mixing?)!
How to Prepare No-bake Christmas Desserts
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making these delightful no-bake Christmas desserts! It’s super simple and oh-so-rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a festive treat ready in no time!
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your crushed graham crackers, unsweetened cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Stir them together until they’re evenly combined. You want those dry ingredients to be well-mixed to ensure every bite is deliciously chocolatey!
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s make it deliciously moist! Pour in the melted butter and add the vanilla extract. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together until it forms a crumbly, sticky mixture. It should hold together nicely when you press it between your fingers. This is the good stuff!
Step 3: Incorporate Mix-ins
Time for the fun part—folding in those mini marshmallows and chocolate chips! Gently stir them into your mixture, being careful not to squish the marshmallows too much. You want those fluffy bites to stay intact, adding delightful pops of sweetness throughout your dessert!
Step 4: Prepare for Chilling
Next, it’s time to get it into the baking dish. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly. Don’t be shy—use your fingers or the back of a spatula to really pack it in! Then, sprinkle those crushed peppermint candies on top for that festive touch.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Pop the dish into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This is crucial for the mixture to set up nicely. Once it’s firm, take it out, and slice it into squares. Serve these beautiful treats on a festive plate, and watch how quickly they disappear at your holiday gathering!
Tips for Success
To make sure your no-bake Christmas desserts turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips I swear by! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness to fit your taste. If you’re a chocolate lover, consider adding an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar or even a bit more cocoa powder for a richer flavor. Also, the toppings can be a game changer! While crushed peppermint candies are festive, try swapping them out for chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel for a twist. Just remember, the key is to pack the mixture tightly in the baking dish to ensure those squares hold together when you cut them. Lastly, patience is key—let them chill long enough for the best texture. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in these delightful no-bake Christmas desserts, it’s nice to know what you’re treating yourself to! Here’s a typical nutritional breakdown per square (based on a 12-serving recipe):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But hey, during the holidays, a little indulgence is totally worth it, right? Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use different toppings?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these no-bake Christmas desserts is their versatility. While I love the classic crushed peppermint candies on top, you can get creative! Consider using chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture, or even dried fruits like cranberries for a sweet twist. Drizzling some caramel or chocolate sauce on top right before serving can take these treats to the next level. The possibilities are truly endless—just have fun with it!
How long do these desserts last?
These no-bake beauties can last up to a week when stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge. Just make sure to keep them chilled, especially if you’re in a warmer climate. If you notice any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), they’ll still taste amazing even after a few days. Just remember to check for any changes in texture or flavor before serving!
Can I make these ahead of time?
You bet! In fact, these no-bake Christmas desserts are perfect for making ahead of time. You can whip them up a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just give them enough time to chill and set properly. This way, you can enjoy the holiday festivities without worrying about last-minute dessert prep. Just slice and serve, and you’ll be the star of the gathering!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious no-bake Christmas desserts is super easy! Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, so you can enjoy these treats long after the holiday festivities are over. If you find yourself with any leftovers (which is always a delightful surprise!), this method will help maintain their texture and flavor.
As for reheating, there’s really no need—these desserts are best served chilled! Just slice them up cold and enjoy. If you prefer them a bit softer, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Trust me, they’re so tasty straight from the fridge, you might just want to dive in right away!
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No-bake Christmas desserts to wow your holiday guests
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious no-bake desserts perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar.
- Add melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Fold in mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Press the mixture into a lined baking dish.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use different toppings like nuts or fruit if desired.
- Feel free to adjust sweetness to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: No-bake Christmas desserts