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 a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a sweet snack, or want to impress your friends with a homemade dessert, these squares deliver rich flavors and textures. Gooey, crunchy, and topped with smooth milk chocolate, they are simply addictive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this treat in no time.
- No baking required: Perfect for warm days or when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
- Crowd-pleaser: These squares are sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.
- Versatile ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients or add extras like nuts or dried fruit.
- Perfectly portioned: Cut them into squares for easy serving and sharing.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Mars Bar Squares, gather the essential tools needed for the recipe. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan (8×8 inch)
- Large saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
- Spatula
- Microwave-safe container
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: A sturdy pan helps shape the squares perfectly.
- Large saucepan: Ideal for melting the butter and Mars bars evenly without burning.
- Heatproof bowl: Necessary for melting chocolate safely in the microwave.
Ingredients
For the Treat 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 to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Add the unsalted butter to a large saucepan over low heat. Gently melt it until it becomes liquid.
Step 3: Add Mars Bars
Once the butter is melted, add the chopped Mars bars. Stir gently as they begin to melt.
Step 4: Combine Until Smooth
Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth. If it starts to separate, remove it from heat and whisk until blended.
Step 5: Mix in Rice Krispies
Turn off the burner. Stir in the Rice Krispies/Rice Bubbles, ensuring they are fully coated with the buttery mixture.
Step 6: Press into Pan
Spoon the mixture into your prepared pan. Gently press it down using a spatula or greased hands to ensure it’s compact.
Step 7: Melt Milk Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, add your milk chocolate chips. Microwave on medium power in 45-second intervals, stirring between each until nearly melted. Stir until smooth.
Step 8: Top Your Squares
Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed mixture in the pan. Let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours or until hardened before slicing into squares.
Enjoy your deliciously gooey Mars Bar Squares!
How to Serve Mars Bar Squares
Mars Bar Squares are a fantastic treat for any occasion. Their rich, gooey texture and crunchy Rice Krispies make them a favorite dessert. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
Individual Servings
- Serve each square on a small dessert plate for an elegant touch.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness.
With Fresh Fruit
- Add fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and tartness.
- Slices of banana can complement the chocolate flavors beautifully.
Drizzled with Sauce
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a nice finishing touch.
As Party Favors
- Cut into smaller squares and wrap in cellophane as party favors.
- Attach a personalized tag for a special occasion.
Alongside Beverages
- Serve with coffee or tea to create a delightful afternoon treat.
- Pair with milkshakes for an indulgent dessert experience.
How to Perfect Mars Bar Squares
To achieve truly perfect Mars Bar Squares, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and texture, ensuring your treats are irresistible.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your Mars bars and chocolate are not past their expiry date for the best taste.
- Don’t overheat: Melt the butter and chocolate slowly to avoid burning and ensure smooth consistency.
- Press firmly: When spreading the mixture in the pan, press down firmly to compact the layers; this helps hold the squares together.
- Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature before slicing to prevent melting or breaking apart.
- Store properly: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate if you prefer them chilled.
Best Side Dishes for Mars Bar Squares
While Mars Bar Squares are delicious on their own, serving them alongside complementary dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the chewy squares.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the bars.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of Mars Bar Squares into melted chocolate for an extra treat!
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the squares.
- Milkshake: A classic chocolate or vanilla milkshake makes for a decadent pairing.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop on top adds lightness and makes it feel more indulgent.
- Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses provide a savory contrast that enhances flavors.
- Nutty Trail Mix: For an added crunch, serve alongside a nutty mix; it complements the textures well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding mistakes is key to making perfect Mars Bar Squares. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Overheating the chocolate: If you cook the Mars bars and butter on too high a heat, they can scorch. Always melt over low heat for a smooth mix.
- Neglecting to grease the pan: Skipping this step can make it difficult to remove your Mars Bar Squares later. A light greasing ensures easy removal.
- Not stirring enough: Failing to stir the mixture adequately may result in uneven melting. Stir continuously until everything is combined smoothly.
- Using stale Rice Krispies: Stale cereal won’t provide that satisfying crunch. Always use fresh Rice Krispies for the best texture.
- Cutting too soon: If you slice the squares before the chocolate is set, they may crumble. Allow at least two hours for proper cooling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Mars Bar Squares in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Mars Bar Squares
- Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Mars Bar Squares
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent melting.
- Microwave: Heat one square at a time on low power for about 15 seconds until just warm.
- Stovetop: Place a pan over low heat and add a few squares, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common inquiries regarding Mars Bar Squares.
What are Mars Bar Squares?
Mars Bar Squares are delicious no-bake treats made from melted Mars bars, butter, and Rice Krispies, topped with chocolate.
Can I use other chocolate bars instead of Mars bars?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different chocolate bars for unique flavors in your Mars Bar Squares.
How long do Mars Bar Squares last?
When properly stored in an airtight container, they can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
Are there any alternatives for Rice Krispies?
You can substitute Rice Krispies with other crispy cereals or even crushed graham crackers if you prefer a different texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free Rice Krispies and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Mars Bar Squares are not only irresistibly delicious but also highly versatile. They make a fantastic treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Feel free to customize your squares with nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste!
Mars Bar Squares
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Mars Bar Squares, an irresistible no-bake treat that combines the rich flavors of melted Mars bars with the crunch of Rice Krispies. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack at home, these squares are incredibly easy to make and will have your friends and family reaching for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dessert that’s gooey, crunchy, and utterly addictive. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with ice cream and fresh fruit, Mars Bar Squares are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
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.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped Mars bars and stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat, then mix in the Rice Krispies until fully coated.
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan using a spatula.
- Melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Spread melted chocolate over the pressed mixture. Let it cool at room temperature for about 2 hours before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Aussie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
