Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these bars come together so quickly with minimal fuss. There’s no complicated mixing or baking technique—just layering, pressing, and baking. The flavor and texture contrast is what really gets me: a crumbly base, sticky sweetened condensed milk holding it all together, crunchy peanuts, and melty chocolate chips, topped off with the vibrant pop of M&Ms. These are always a hit at parties and potlucks, and they’re budget-friendly too!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 1/2 cups graham crumbs

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips

  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut

  • 1 cup salted peanuts

  • 1 cup M&Ms

  • non-stick cooking spray

Directions

  1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. I use two sheets to make sure I can lift the squares out easily once they’ve cooled. I spray the parchment lightly with non-stick spray.

  2. In a bowl, I mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand.

  3. I press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

  4. I pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust, covering the entire surface.

  5. Then, I layer on the white chocolate chips, followed by the coconut, peanuts, and M&Ms.

  6. Using my hand held flat, I press gently to help the toppings stick together—this makes slicing easier later.

  7. I bake the squares for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown.

  8. Once out of the oven, I let the pan cool completely on a wire rack—at least 2 hours—before slicing into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 16 rich and indulgent squares.

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 25 minutes

  • Total time: 35 minutes (plus cooling time)

Variations

  • Swap the chocolate: I sometimes use milk or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a deeper flavor.

  • Nut-free version: For a nut-free treat, I replace the peanuts with sunflower seeds or more coconut.

  • Add dried fruit: Dried cranberries or cherries add a festive tartness that balances the sweetness.

  • Holiday mix-ins: Seasonal M&Ms or sprinkles give them a custom touch for different occasions.

  • Gluten-free: I can use gluten-free graham crumbs for a gluten-free version of this dessert.

Storage/Reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate them—they stay fresh for about a week. If I want to freeze them, I layer parchment paper between the bars in a freezer-safe container. They thaw quickly at room temperature, and there’s no need to reheat.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?

Yes, I can, but I find that the bars will be noticeably sweeter. If I prefer a balanced flavor, I stick to unsweetened coconut.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make them a day or two in advance since they taste even better after sitting for a bit.

How do I prevent the crust from crumbling?

I press the crust very firmly into the pan before adding the condensed milk. That helps it hold together when slicing.

Can I use different kinds of candy instead of M&Ms?

Yes, I’ve swapped them out for Reese’s Pieces, chopped candy bars, or even mini marshmallows for different flavor profiles.

What’s the best way to cut clean squares?

I use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Letting the bars cool fully is also key for neat slices.

Conclusion

Holiday Magic Squares are everything I love about festive baking: easy, crowd-pleasing, and completely delicious. The colorful layers and blend of textures make them as fun to eat as they are to make. Whether I’m gifting a batch, bringing them to a gathering, or just treating myself, these bars never disappoint.

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Holiday Magic Squares

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  • Author: Mia
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 squares
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

These festive Holiday Magic Squares are layered with white chocolate, coconut, peanuts, and M&Ms over a buttery graham crust. Sweet, gooey, and colorful – the ultimate easy holiday dessert bar!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham crumbs

1/2 cup butter, melted

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

1 cup white chocolate chips

1 cup unsweetened coconut

1 cup salted peanuts

1 cup M&Ms

Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and coat lightly with non-stick spray.

Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until the texture resembles wet sand.

Press crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the base layer.

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust.

Layer on the white chocolate chips, coconut, salted peanuts, and M&Ms. Press down gently with your hand to help the layers stick together.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan (at least 2 hours) before lifting out and slicing into squares.

Notes

Allow bars to fully cool before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Customize with seasonal M&Ms or add crushed candy canes for extra festive flair.

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

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