Who doesn’t love the classic combination of rich hot chocolate and gooey marshmallows? Now, imagine turning that cozy, comforting drink into a fun, indulgent dessert you can bite into. That’s exactly what these Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Bars deliver—decadent layers of chocolate, a toasted marshmallow topping, and the perfect amount of sweetness. It’s like eating your favorite winter treat in bar form. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love hot chocolate (and who doesn’t?), then you’re going to go wild for these Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Bars. They’re like a warm hug for your taste buds. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Warm & Cozy: Just like a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly day, these bars bring all the cozy vibes. The rich chocolate layers combined with crispy, caramelized marshmallows will make you feel like you’re sitting by the fire, even if it’s just on the couch.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients for these bars. Just grab the basics—chocolate, butter, marshmallows, and a few pantry staples—and you’re ready to go.
- Perfect Texture: These bars have the perfect mix of chewy, crispy, and creamy. You get the soft, fudgy chocolate base with the toasted marshmallow topping that adds just the right amount of crunch and sweetness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or bringing them to a party, these bars are sure to be a hit. They’re fun, nostalgic, and everyone loves a good marshmallow treat.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to bring these Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Bars to life:
- Chocolate Chips: The key ingredient for a rich and smooth chocolate base.
- Butter: Adds a deliciously rich flavor to the bars.
- Sugar: Sweetens up the chocolate and balances the richness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add a bit of richness to the texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla gives these bars that irresistible, comforting flavor.
- Flour: Helps hold the bars together and gives them a soft, chewy texture.
- Mini Marshmallows: The star topping! Toasted to perfection, these marshmallows add that signature hot chocolate flavor.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps for these mouthwatering Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Bars:
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly and get that perfect texture.
- Prepare Your Pan: Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
- Make the Chocolate Base: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring until smooth. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined. Then, fold in the flour until you have a smooth batter.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool for a few minutes.
- Toast the Marshmallows: Once the bars are out of the oven, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly on top. Pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to ensure they get golden and crispy, not burnt. (You can also use a kitchen torch if you have one—totally worth it for that beautiful toasted effect!)
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. The chocolate will set, and the marshmallows will stay perfectly gooey on top. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
How to Serve Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Bars
These bars are perfect on their own, but here are a few fun ways to serve them up:
- Hot Cocoa on the Side: For the ultimate indulgence, pair these bars with a warm mug of hot chocolate. Double the marshmallow magic!
- Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a dessert that’s a little extra special.
- Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for added richness and creaminess.
- Fresh Berries: Add a few fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side for a fresh, tart contrast to the sweet bars.
Additional Tips
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer and more decadent your bars will taste.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Toast Marshmallows Carefully: Keep a close eye on those marshmallows when broiling—they go from golden to burnt in just seconds.
- Add Some Spice: If you like a little extra flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder into the chocolate base for a cozy kick.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
A1: Yes, you can! Just chop up the regular-sized marshmallows so they spread evenly across the bars.
Q2: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can bake the bars, then store them at room temperature for a few days. Toast the marshmallows just before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Q4: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A4: Yes, you can substitute dark or milk chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Q5: How do I reheat these bars?
A5: To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they’re warmed through.
Q6: Can I make these gluten-free?
A6: Yes! Simply substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free treat.
Q7: Can I add nuts to these bars?
A7: Definitely! If you love nuts, you can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
Q8: Can I use dairy-free chocolate?
A8: Yes, you can use dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe dairy-free.
Q9: Can I skip the broiling step for the marshmallows?
A9: While toasting the marshmallows gives them that signature flavor, you can skip the broiling and just sprinkle the marshmallows on top before serving.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes! Just double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. Be sure to adjust the baking time if needed.
Conclusion
These Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Bars are everything you could want in a dessert—chocolatey, gooey, and packed with that nostalgic hot chocolate flavor. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing. So, grab your ingredients, heat up the oven, and treat yourself to these delicious bars. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Print
Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Bars are the perfect combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and a hint of hazelnut liqueur. A gooey, chocolatey treat with toasted marshmallows on top and chunks of dark chocolate, perfect for dessert or gifting!
Ingredients
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut liqueur
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1–2 cups marshmallows
- 2 ounces dark chocolate chunks
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In the microwave, melt together the butter and 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips until smooth. Stir in the sugar, hazelnut liqueur (if using), and vanilla extract.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs for 1 minute until bubbly on top. Stir the eggs into the chocolate mixture. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
- Spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven. Switch the oven to broil. Arrange the marshmallows over the pre-baked bars and broil for 1-3 minutes until toasted.
- Switch the oven back to 350°F. Spread the remaining batter over the marshmallows, covering them as best you can. Press the chocolate chunks into the bars. Return to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes until the top is set but the marshmallows are wiggly underneath.
- Let the bars cool for 20 minutes in the pan, then use the parchment paper to lift them out. You can let them chill or cut into them warm (they’ll be messier). Once cool, cut and serve!
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger hazelnut flavor, feel free to increase the amount of hazelnut liqueur.
- The bars are delicious both warm and chilled, but they can get a bit messy when served warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg