What do you get when you melt together chocolate bars and mix them with Rice Krispies? These delicious, no-bake Mars Bar Squares, also known as Mars Bar Slice. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a delightful combination of gooey sweetness and crunchy texture. These treats are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying, making them an instant favorite at parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and no baking required, anyone can whip up these squares in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and caramel in Mars bars creates a rich taste that is hard to resist.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday celebrations, or just as an everyday snack.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe that kids will enjoy helping with, making it great for family bonding in the kitchen.
- No Special Equipment Needed: You don’t need fancy tools; just a saucepan and a baking pan will do the trick.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious process of making Mars Bar Squares, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan
- Large saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
- Microwave
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 8×8 inch square baking pan: This size is perfect for even distribution of your mixture, ensuring every square has the right texture.
- Large saucepan: A spacious pan allows for easy mixing without spilling ingredients while melting.
- Spatula: Ideal for pressing down the mixture firmly into the pan and spreading melted chocolate evenly on top.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 53 gram Mars bars (chopped)
- 3 cups Rice Krispies (aka Rice Bubbles)
For the Topping
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (or chopped milk chocolate)
How to Make Mars Bar Squares
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Lightly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan. This will help prevent sticking when it’s time to slice your bars.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Add the unsalted butter to a large saucepan. Gently melt it over low heat until fully liquefied.
Step 3: Add Mars Bars
Once the butter is melted, add the chopped Mars bars. Stir gently as they begin to melt into the butter.
Step 4: Mix Until Smooth
Continuously stir until the mixture is smooth. If it separates, remove it from heat and whisk until combined.
Step 5: Combine with Rice Krispies
Turn off the burner and fold in the Rice Krispies/Rice Bubbles. Ensure they are evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
Step 6: Press Mixture into Pan
Spoon the batter into your prepared pan. Gently press it down using a spatula or greased hands to create an even layer.
Step 7: Melt Chocolate Topping
In a heatproof bowl, add your milk chocolate chips. Microwave them on medium power in 45-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
Step 8: Top and Set
Spread the melted chocolate over the squares. Let them sit at room temperature for about 2 hours until set before slicing into bars.
Enjoy these delightful Mars Bar Squares that are sure to be a hit wherever you serve them!
How to Serve Mars Bar Squares
Mars Bar Squares are not just a delicious treat; they are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm Mars Bar Squares with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: Pair them with chocolate ice cream for a double chocolate delight that satisfies any sweet tooth.
For Afternoon Tea
- Tea or Coffee: These squares are perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal afternoon snack.
- Finger Food: Cut into smaller pieces for easy sharing during your next gathering.
As Party Treats
- Dessert Platter: Include a platter of Mars Bar Squares alongside other desserts for a varied selection at parties.
- Birthday Parties: These no-bake treats can be a hit at children’s birthday parties, where kids love the gooey sweetness.
With Fresh Fruit
- Strawberries: Serve slices of fresh strawberries on the side for a refreshing balance to the rich squares.
- Bananas: Sliced bananas complement the chocolate flavor and add some natural sweetness.
Drizzled with Caramel
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
How to Perfect Mars Bar Squares
To achieve the best Mars Bar Squares, it’s important to follow some key tips. These simple suggestions will help you create the perfect treat every time.
- Use quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate bars and chips to enhance the flavor of your Mars Bar Squares.
- Avoid overheating: Melt the butter and Mars bars slowly over low heat to prevent burning or separating.
- Press firmly: When placing the mixture in the pan, ensure you press it down firmly for even slicing later.
- Cool completely: Allow the squares to cool completely at room temperature before cutting, as this helps them set properly.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or sprinkle sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for added texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Mars Bar Squares
Mars Bar Squares can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness.
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can provide a savory contrast that pairs well with sweet treats.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of Mars Bar Squares into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent experience.
- Popcorn: Sweet or salted popcorn makes for a fun, crunchy side that contrasts nicely with soft squares.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing and healthy side dish.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake complements the rich flavors of Mars Bars while providing different textures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mars Bar Squares is a simple task, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing the pan can lead to sticky squares that are hard to remove. Always grease your baking pan before adding the mixture.
- Overheating the mixture: Melting the butter and Mars bars too quickly can cause separation. Use low heat and stir gently for a smooth blend.
- Not pressing down firmly: If you don’t press the mixture into the pan, your squares may crumble when sliced. Be sure to compact the mixture well for a sturdy result.
- Using cold chocolate: Adding cold chocolate on top of the warm mixture can cause it to harden unevenly. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding melted chocolate.
- Slicing too soon: Cutting into your Mars Bar Squares before they have fully set can ruin their shape. Allow them to sit for at least two hours at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store Mars Bar Squares in an airtight container.
- item They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Mars Bar Squares
- item Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- item Place wrapped squares in an airtight freezer bag and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating Mars Bar Squares
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place squares on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-10 minutes until just warm.
- Microwave: Heat one square at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds until soft.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan on low heat, gently warming each square while turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Mars Bar Squares.
Can I use other chocolate bars instead of Mars Bars?
Yes! You can substitute with other chocolate bars like Snickers or Twix for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when my Mars Bar Squares are set?
The chocolate topping should be firm and not sticky to the touch. This usually takes about two hours at room temperature.
Are Mars Bar Squares gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies, this treat can be gluten-free!
What’s the best way to cut these squares?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Wipe it between cuts for best results.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits?
Absolutely! Customize your Mars Bar Squares by adding chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Mars Bar Squares are not just easy to make; they are also incredibly versatile! You can customize them with various toppings or mix-ins. Whether you’re craving something sweet or looking for a delightful treat to share, these gooey, crunchy squares will surely satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Give them a try today!
Mars Bar Squares
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Mars Bar Squares, a no-bake treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel with the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies. These scrumptious squares are incredibly easy to make—perfect for gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up these gooey dessert bars that everyone will love. Serve them as they are or elevate your dessert experience with ice cream, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel. No matter how you enjoy them, Mars Bar Squares are guaranteed to be an instant hit!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 Mars bars (chopped)
- 3 cups Rice Krispies
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Melt unsalted butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in chopped Mars bars until fully melted and smooth.
- Fold in Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan with a spatula.
- Melt milk chocolate chips in intervals in the microwave until smooth, then spread over the squares.
- Allow to set at room temperature for about 2 hours before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
