Festive Marshmallow Gumdrop Bars

If you’re looking for a fun, festive treat that’s sure to be the star of any holiday party or family gathering, look no further than Festive Marshmallow Gumdrop Bars! These chewy, colorful bars are a crowd favorite and are as simple to make as they are delicious. The combination of marshmallows, gumdrops, and graham crackers is not only nostalgic but also irresistibly sweet. Plus, they’re no-bake, making them perfect for busy holiday seasons or last-minute gatherings.

These bars are the ideal treat to bring to parties, school events, or family picnics. They’re easy to transport, loved by both kids and adults, and come together in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or just because, they are sure to bring joy to everyone who gets a bite!

Why You’ll Love These Bars

One of the best things about Festive Marshmallow Gumdrop Bars is their versatility. You can make them as festive as you like with various colored gumdrops to match the season. The chewy texture of the marshmallows combined with the crunchy graham crackers creates a satisfying bite, and the sweetened condensed milk gives it that perfect binding, making the bars not only sticky but delightfully sweet.

Plus, they’re no-bake, which means you can whip them up quickly without turning on the oven, a huge bonus when you’re trying to juggle multiple holiday treats at once. And if you’re in the mood to get creative, you can even make a chocolate version of these bars—just let me know if you’d like the instructions for that variation!

Ingredients for Festive Marshmallow Gumdrop Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these fun, festive bars:

2 cups mini marshmallows: The base of these bars, offering a chewy and sweet texture.

1 cup chopped gumdrops: Make sure to remove the black licorice gumdrops if you’re not a fan of them! The gumdrops add a burst of color and flavor to each bite.

1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers: These add a wonderful crunch and flavor that balances out the sweetness of the marshmallows and gumdrops.

½ cup sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient binds everything together while adding richness and sweetness to the bars.

½ cup melted butter: The butter helps to hold the mixture together while providing a smooth texture.

½ teaspoon vanilla extract: For that extra layer of flavor that brings everything together.

½ cup shredded coconut (optional): A sprinkle of coconut on top can add a fun finishing touch, making the bars even more festive and textured.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive in and make these easy-to-make, colorful, and chewy bars? Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Festive Marshmallow Gumdrop Bars:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the bars later and helps prevent them from sticking to the pan. If you prefer, you can lightly grease the pan, but parchment paper will ensure the bars come out cleanly.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the melted butter, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir well to mix everything together. The condensed milk adds a rich, creamy texture, while the butter and vanilla bring a comforting flavor to the bars.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Now, add the crushed graham crackers to the wet mixture. Stir them in to coat them evenly. Then, add the mini marshmallows and chopped gumdrops. Mix everything together until the marshmallows and gumdrops are fully coated in the sweetened condensed milk mixture. Be sure to mix thoroughly, so each piece gets a bit of the sweet, creamy goodness.

Step 4: Press & Set

Once everything is well mixed, press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish. The more compact it is, the easier it will be to cut into bars later. If you like, you can sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the mixture for added flavor and a festive touch. The coconut adds a mild sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the marshmallows and graham crackers.

Step 5: Chill

After pressing the mixture into the pan, refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours until it’s firm enough to cut. The chilling process helps everything set together, making the bars easy to slice and ensuring they hold their shape.

Step 6: Cut & Serve

Once the mixture has chilled and firmed up, remove it from the fridge. Use a sharp knife to slice it into squares or bars. These bars are chewy and sweet, making them perfect for snacking, serving at parties, or even giving away as homemade gifts.

Tips for the Best Marshmallow Gumdrop Bars

Choosing Gumdrops: While you can use any gumdrops you like, traditional gumdrops (without the black licorice) offer a great color variety and sweetness. Feel free to mix and match the colors for a more festive look!

Crunchy or Chewy?: If you prefer a chewier texture, add a few more mini marshmallows or use fewer graham crackers. If you prefer a more solid, crunchy base, you can increase the graham cracker crumbs.

Optional Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with your bars! You can add small chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even some mini M&Ms for an extra festive touch.

Chocolate Version: If you’re a fan of chocolate, try melting some chocolate chips with the butter and vanilla extract and then mixing it with the graham crackers and marshmallows. This creates a rich, chocolatey version of these bars that’s equally as delicious.

Serving Suggestions

These Festive Marshmallow Gumdrop Bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to formal holiday celebrations. Serve them at birthday parties, Christmas gatherings, or even as a fun treat for family movie night. They’re a fun and colorful addition to any dessert table and make great homemade gifts wrapped in cellophane.

To elevate the presentation, serve them with a cup of hot cocoa, milk, or a sweet punch for a delightful treat pairing. If you’re making them for a holiday party, you can even cut them into holiday-themed shapes (such as stars or hearts) using cookie cutters for an extra festive flair.

Why These Bars Are So Loved

What makes Festive Marshmallow Gumdrop Bars such a hit is their versatility and nostalgic flavor. The chewy marshmallows, sweet gumdrops, and crunchy graham crackers hit all the right notes. Plus, they come together in no time and require no baking—perfect for when you’re in a pinch for a quick, crowd-pleasing treat.

They’re also great for getting kids involved in the kitchen. Let them help chop the gumdrops (with supervision), crush the graham crackers, or press the mixture into the pan.

Nutritional Information (Per Bar)

While these bars are indulgent, they are a treat, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional value per serving:

Calories: 150-200 kcal (depending on size)

Protein: 1g

Carbs: 30g

Fat: 7g

Sugar: 15g

Fiber: 1g

Conclusion

Festive Marshmallow Gumdrop Bars are a delicious, colorful treat that’s perfect for any holiday or party. They’re easy to make, require no baking, and are sure to be a hit with your guests. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a fun, sweet snack, these chewy, marshmallow-filled bars are guaranteed to brighten up any occasion. So gather your ingredients, whip them up, and let the celebration begin!

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