The Most Popular Holiday Bars You’ll Make Again and Again
If you’ve ever needed one recipe that practically guarantees a crowd goes wild, this is it. These creamy, colorful bars have become a beloved staple at Christmas gatherings, but they’re honestly too good to save for just one holiday. With their soft, rich texture and cheerful pops of color from candy pieces, they’re perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or really any time of year you want to bring something truly special to the table.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You don’t need to be an experienced baker to pull these off. A baking pan, a handful of everyday ingredients, and a little patience are all it takes to create something that people will be talking about long after the last bar is gone. Once you make a batch, don’t be surprised if your family starts requesting them year-round.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&Ms or colorful candy pieces (choose colors to match your holiday)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the dry pudding mix until fully incorporated into the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined — do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and colorful candy pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 28 to 35 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Tips for the Best Results
Make sure your butter is truly at room temperature before you begin. Cold butter won’t cream properly, and that step is key to getting a light, tender bar. If you’re making these for Halloween, swap out regular M&Ms for orange and black candy-coated pieces. For Thanksgiving, warm-toned autumn colors work beautifully. At Christmas, red and green candies make them instantly festive.
These bars store wonderfully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper for up to two months — just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why Everyone Loves These Bars
There’s something about the combination of the soft, pudding-enriched base and the little bursts of chocolate from the candy pieces that makes these bars completely irresistible. They have a texture that’s somewhere between a dense cake and a classic blondie — moist, chewy, and satisfying in every bite. Whether you’re baking 500 for a holiday cookie exchange or just a single pan for your family, this recipe never lets you down.
