Mars Bar Squares
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, are the ultimate treat for any occasion. With their gooey, crunchy texture and rich milk chocolate topping, they are sure to impress friends and family alike. Perfect for parties, school lunches, or a sweet snack at home, these squares are not only easy to prepare but also utterly addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires no baking, making it perfect for busy days.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of melted Mars bars and crunchy Rice Krispies creates a delightful taste.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, picnics, or just a sweet indulgence at home.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love both making and eating these delicious squares.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delightful world of Mars Bar Squares, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan
- Large saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
- Spatula
- Microwave or stovetop
Importance of Each Tool
- 8×8 inch baking pan: Perfect size for setting the bars evenly without being too thick or too thin.
- Large saucepan: Ensures enough space for melting ingredients without spilling.
- Heatproof bowl: Safely melts chocolate in the microwave without risk of damage.
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 prevent the squares from sticking when set.
Step 2: Melt Butter
Add the unsalted butter to a large saucepan over low heat. Allow it to gently melt until completely liquid.
Step 3: Melt Mars Bars
Add the chopped Mars bars to the melted butter. Stir continuously as they begin to melt together. If the mixture separates, remove it from heat and whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Mix in Rice Krispies
Once fully melted, turn off the burner. Stir in the Rice Krispies, ensuring they are well coated with the chocolate mixture.
Step 5: Press Mixture into Pan
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking pan. Gently press it down using a spatula or greased hands for an even layer.
Step 6: Melt Chocolate Chips
In a heatproof bowl, add milk chocolate chips. Microwave on medium power in 45-second intervals, stirring between each session until smooth.
Step 7: Spread Chocolate Topping
Pour the melted chocolate over your pressed mixture in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top.
Step 8: Set and Slice Bars
Let sit at room temperature for about 2 hours or until hardened before slicing into squares. Enjoy your homemade Mars Bar Squares!
How to Serve Mars Bar Squares
Mars Bar Squares are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging at home, these squares are versatile and perfect for any occasion.
For Dessert Platters
- Create a beautiful dessert platter featuring Mars Bar Squares alongside other treats. This adds variety and color to your spread.
With Ice Cream
- Serve warm Mars Bar Squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of gooey chocolate and cold ice cream is absolutely heavenly.
As Party Favors
- Cut the Mars Bar Squares into smaller portions and package them as party favors. They make for a thoughtful sweet treat for guests to take home.
Accompanied by Coffee
- Enjoy your Mars Bar Squares with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the squares pair perfectly with a warm beverage.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each square just before serving. This extra touch enhances the dessert’s creaminess.
For Movie Nights
- Serve these squares during movie nights as a fun snack. They are easy to grab and will please both kids and adults alike.
How to Perfect Mars Bar Squares
To ensure your Mars Bar Squares come out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure that your butter and chocolate bars are fresh for the best flavor.
- Don’t overheat: Melt the butter and chocolate on low heat to prevent burning; high heat can ruin the texture.
- Press firmly: When pressing the mixture into the pan, use firm pressure to create compact squares that hold together well.
- Allow ample cooling time: Let the bars sit for at least 2 hours at room temperature for proper set up; this helps avoid gooey centers.
- Store properly: Keep leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or sprinkles on top of the chocolate layer for added flavor and crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Mars Bar Squares
Pairing side dishes with your Mars Bar Squares can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of Mars Bar Squares.
- Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses that balance sweetness, such as Brie or sharp cheddar, alongside crackers.
- Chocolate Fondue: Offer melted chocolate in which guests can dip their squares or fruits for an interactive dessert experience.
- Mini Cupcakes: Serve small cupcakes as an additional sweet bite; flavors like vanilla or caramel complement chocolate well.
- Pudding Cups: Rich, creamy pudding cups offer another layer of indulgence that pairs nicely with Mars Bars.
- Nut Mix: A salted nut mix adds savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet flavors of the squares.
- Popcorn: Sweet-and-salty popcorn is a fun companion, especially if you drizzle it with chocolate as well!
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light yet satisfying side that balances out the sweetness.
These suggestions will surely complement your Mars Bar Squares perfectly!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mars Bar Squares is simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your treat. Here’s how to make sure yours are perfect every time.
- Using too high heat: Melting the chocolate and butter too quickly may cause them to separate. Always use low heat and stir gently until smooth.
- Not pressing the mixture firmly: If you don’t press the mixture into the pan well, your bars will crumble when cut. Use a greased spatula or your hands to pack it tightly.
- Skipping the chilling time: Allowing your Mars Bar Squares to sit for at least 2 hours is essential for proper set-up. Rushing this step will result in gooey bars that won’t hold their shape.
- Overheating the chocolate topping: When melting chocolate chips, be cautious not to overheat them. Stir often and remove from heat when they’re nearly melted to prevent burning.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Old or stale Rice Krispies can affect texture and taste. Always check your ingredients for freshness before starting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Mars Bar Squares in an airtight container.
- They will last up to a week in the fridge.
Freezing Mars Bar Squares
- For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Mars Bar Squares
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place squares on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm; do not overheat.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes, stirring gently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Mars Bar Squares that you might find helpful.
How do I make Mars Bar Squares without Rice Krispies?
You can substitute with crushed graham crackers or cornflakes for a different texture and flavor while keeping the recipe similar.
Can I add nuts to my Mars Bar Squares?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts can add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
How long does it take to make Mars Bar Squares?
The total time is about 130 minutes, which includes 10 minutes of prep and around 2 hours of cooling time.
What’s the best way to cut Mars Bar Squares?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat edges.
Final Thoughts
Mars Bar Squares are an irresistible treat that combines gooey chocolate with crunchy Rice Krispies. This no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins—your creativity knows no bounds! Give this recipe a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
Mars Bar Squares
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: About 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Mars Bar Squares, a no-bake dessert that combines the rich flavors of melted Mars bars with the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, packing school lunches, or enjoying a sweet snack at home. With their gooey texture and velvety chocolate topping, these squares are sure to impress. Customize with your favorite nuts or fruits for an extra twist, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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 butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in chopped Mars bars until fully melted and smooth.
- Gently mix in Rice Krispies until well coated.
- Press mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Melt chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and spread over the pressed mixture.
- Let sit at room temperature for about 2 hours to set before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
