Christmas Jewel Squares Recipe
Christmas Jewel Squares are a delightful celebration of the season’s vibrant colors and rich flavors. These layered treats are packed with a medley of textures—from the buttery graham cracker crust to the chewy dried fruits and crunchy nuts, all tied together with the luscious sweetness of condensed milk. Their festive appearance, reminiscent of shimmering holiday ornaments, makes them a show-stopping addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients and Preparation
This recipe calls for a variety of ingredients that balance decadence with a touch of holiday nostalgia. Here’s what you’ll need to create these beautiful squares:
- Graham cracker crumbs: Forms the sturdy and flavorful base of the dessert. For a twist, try using digestive biscuits or crushed gingerbread cookies.
- Butter: Softened butter binds the crumbs, giving the crust a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Chocolate chips: A mix of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips ensures a perfect blend of cocoa richness and creamy sweetness.
- Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, and sliced almonds add a delightful crunch. You can substitute seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a nut-free version.
- Dried fruits and cherries: Blueberries, cranberries, and red and green glace cherries bring a burst of color and tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Coconut flakes: Adds a tropical hint and a chewy texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The golden glue that holds it all together, providing a sweet, caramelized finish during baking.
Before you begin, measure and organize all your ingredients. Pre-grease your pan and line it with parchment paper for an easy release post-baking. This step saves time and ensures a smoother process.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to guarantee even baking. Prepare a 9×9-inch pan by lightly buttering the sides and layering parchment paper at the bottom.
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and softened butter. Stir until the mixture resembles damp sand. Gently press this mixture into the prepared pan to form an even crust. Avoid pressing too hard, as this may make the crust overly dense.
Spread the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips evenly over the crust. Drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the top, ensuring it reaches every corner.
Layer the remaining toppings in an orderly manner: sprinkle the coconut flakes first, followed by the chopped pecans, walnuts, and sliced almonds. Evenly distribute the dried blueberries, cranberries, and glace cherries. This layering technique ensures a balanced flavor and an eye-catching finish.
Bake the squares for approximately 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the condensed milk; once it turns golden brown and begins to bubble, it’s ready. Allow the pan to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into even squares for the cleanest edges.
Recipe Tips
- Crust texture: Blend the butter and graham crumbs thoroughly but avoid over-compression. A lightly pressed crust maintains a pleasant bite.
- Layering precision: Distribute toppings evenly to prevent overcrowding in any one section. This guarantees a uniform taste in every square.
- Baking vigilance: Keep an eye on the condensed milk to prevent overbaking. A light golden color indicates it’s perfectly caramelized.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair these rich squares with warm beverages like spiced hot cocoa, mulled wine, or a robust coffee for a cozy treat. For a refreshing contrast, consider chilled eggnog or sparkling apple cider. On dessert platters, these squares shine alongside classic sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or peppermint bark.
Storage and Make-Ahead Suggestions
To keep your Christmas Jewel Squares fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For extended storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks, ensuring each square is separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
If you’re planning ahead for a holiday gathering, prepare and freeze the squares for up to a month. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can this recipe be made nut-free or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the nuts with seeds or additional dried fruits, and use a dairy-free condensed milk alternative to cater to dietary needs. - How long do these squares stay fresh?
At room temperature, they remain delightful for up to five days. Refrigeration extends their freshness to two weeks. - Can I freeze them, and if so, for how long?
Yes, these squares freeze beautifully for up to a month. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
Christmas Jewel Squares are the epitome of festive indulgence, combining vibrant colors, textures, and flavors into one irresistible treat. Perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings, these squares can be elegantly packaged in decorative boxes or served as the star of your dessert table. With their dazzling appearance and decadent taste, they’re sure to become a cherished holiday tradition.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup dried blueberries
- ½ cup chopped dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped red glace cherries
- ½ cup chopped green glace cherries
- 1 cup coconut flakes
- 14 ounces canned sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing the sides with a small amount of butter and lining the bottom with parchment paper. Set this aside for later use.
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and softened butter. Stir with a spoon until the mixture becomes a cohesive, crumbly blend. Gently press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer that’s firm but not overly compacted.
Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips evenly over the graham cracker base, ensuring an even distribution. Drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk across the surface, allowing it to coat the chips and crumbs generously.
Layer the toppings in the following order for a balanced texture and flavor: sprinkle the coconut flakes first, followed by the chopped pecans, walnuts, and almonds. Add the dried blueberries and chopped dried cranberries, then evenly distribute the chopped red and green glace cherries.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for the condensed milk to turn a golden brown hue and begin bubbling gently. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
Cut the cooled dessert into evenly sized squares and serve as a delightful treat!
Christmas Jewel Squares Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup dried blueberries
- ½ cup chopped dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped red glace cherries
- ½ cup chopped green glace cherries
- 1 cup coconut flakes
- 14 ounces canned sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing the sides with a small amount of butter and lining the bottom with parchment paper. Set this aside for later use.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and softened butter. Stir with a spoon until the mixture becomes a cohesive, crumbly blend. Gently press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer that’s firm but not overly compacted.
- Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips evenly over the graham cracker base, ensuring an even distribution. Drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk across the surface, allowing it to coat the chips and crumbs generously.
- Layer the toppings in the following order for a balanced texture and flavor: sprinkle the coconut flakes first, followed by the chopped pecans, walnuts, and almonds. Add the dried blueberries and chopped dried cranberries, then evenly distribute the chopped red and green glace cherries.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for the condensed milk to turn a golden brown hue and begin bubbling gently. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Cut the cooled dessert into evenly sized squares and serve as a delightful treat!