Can I Make Christmas Jewel Squares Ahead of Time?

Yes. Christmas Jewel Squares are an excellent make-ahead Christmas dessert because they need to cool completely before they are sliced anyway. Bake the bars according to the recipe and allow them to cool fully before storing. Once set, transfer them to an airtight container and separate multiple layers with parchment or wax paper. Making the bars ahead can be particularly convenient when you have several cookies and desserts to prepare for a holiday celebration.

How Do I Get Clean Cuts When Slicing Christmas Jewel Squares?

The most important step is allowing Christmas Jewel Squares to cool completely. Sweetened condensed milk and melted chocolate remain soft when warm, so cutting the bars too early can create messy edges and cause the toppings to shift. Once the bars are completely cool and firm, use a large, sharp knife to make straight cuts. Wipe the blade clean between slices if chocolate or sticky fruit begins accumulating on it. For holiday dessert platters, smaller squares work particularly well because these layered bars are rich.

Can I Change the Nuts or Dried Fruit in the Recipe?

Yes. The fruit and nut combination is easy to customize. Pecans, walnuts, and sliced almonds provide several types of crunch, but you can adjust the mixture according to what you have available. Dried blueberries can be replaced with raisins, dried cherries, or additional dried cranberries. You can also simplify the nut mixture by using more of one favorite variety. For the most recognizable Christmas Jewel Squares appearance, keep the red and green glacé cherries. They provide the colorful jewel effect that makes these holiday bars stand out on a Christmas dessert tray.

Easy Christmas Jewel Squares Recipe

Name: Christmas Jewel Squares
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: North American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1 cup coconut flakes; 1/2 cup pecans, chopped; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 1/2 cup dried blueberries; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/2 cup red glace cherries, chopped; 1/2 cup green glace cherries, chopped; 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

Description

Christmas Jewel Squares are rich and colorful holiday dessert bars made with a buttery graham cracker crust, semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, coconut, crunchy nuts, dried berries, festive red and green glace cherries, and sweetened condensed milk. Easy to assemble and beautifully festive, these chewy layered bars are perfect for Christmas cookie trays, parties, and homemade holiday gifts.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup dried blueberries
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup red glace cherries, chopped
1/2 cup green glace cherries, chopped
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease the sides of a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Combine the softened butter and graham cracker crumbs in a bowl. Stir until the butter is evenly incorporated into the crumbs.
Spread the graham cracker mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan. Press it lightly to form a solid base without compacting it too firmly.
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips evenly over the graham cracker crust.
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the chocolate layer.
Evenly distribute the coconut flakes, chopped pecans, chopped walnuts, dried blueberries, dried cranberries, green glace cherries, and red glace cherries over the condensed milk.
Finish by scattering the sliced almonds evenly over the top.
Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the sweetened condensed milk is golden and beginning to bubble around the toppings and edges.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the Christmas Jewel Squares to cool completely before slicing into even squares and serving.

Notes

Do not press the graham cracker crust too firmly; a light press creates a tender but sturdy base.
Distribute the chocolate, fruit, nuts, and coconut evenly so every square contains a balanced combination of flavors and textures.
Chop the glace cherries and larger dried fruit into smaller pieces for easier slicing and more even distribution.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting because the chocolate and condensed milk need time to set.
For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between slices.
Store cooled squares in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between layers.
Pecans, walnuts, almonds, and dried fruit can be substituted with similar varieties according to preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: North American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 385
Sugar: 36 g
Sodium: 155 mg
Fat: 23 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 24 mg